Natural Resources Summer Intern

Posted:

May 6, 2026

Deadline:

May 16, 2026

POSITION:

Summer Natural Resources Intern

DEPARTMENT

Natural Resources Department

LOCATION

TBD

SUPERVISOR

Director of Natural Resources

EMPLOYMENT

Full-time

SALARY/PAY RATE

$11.67 per hour (10-11 weeks; Summer 2026)

DESCRIPTION

The Summer Tribal Natural Resources Intern will participate in a 10-11 week paid internship designed to provide hands-on experience in Tribal land stewardship, environmental management, and natural resources careers. Interns will work closely with Natural Resources Department staff and rotate through multiple program areas to gain exposure to a wide range of Tribal environmental initiatives. This position is intended to support workforce development for Tribal youth while contributing to ongoing Natural Resources Department projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Field Based Work:

• Assist with native plant identification and inventorying.
• Support invasive species monitoring and removal efforts.
• Participate in fisheries and fish hatchery work activities.
• Assist with water quality monitoring and field sampling.
• Support habitat assessments and restoration projects.

GIS and DATA Collection:

• Assist with GPS-based field mapping and data collection.
• Maintain field logs and assist with data organization.

Food Sovereignty & Land-Based Learning:

• Participate in Tribal food sovereignty initiatives (gardening, planting, harvest, etc.).
• Assist with food sovereignty and land-based education activities and events.
• Support projects that connect environmental stewardship with community wellbeing.

Departmental Support:

• Assist staff with daily Natural Resources Department operations.
• Participate in team meetings and project planning discussions.
• Complete weekly work logs documenting activities and learning.
• Contribute to a final internship report summarizing experiences.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the internship, students will:

• Develop foundational knowledge of Tribal land management and stewardship.
• Gain hands-on experience in environmental field methods.
• Build skills in teamwork, communication, and professional responsibility.
• Explore career pathways in natural resources, environmental science, and Tribal governance.
• Strengthen understanding of Tribal sovereignty and land relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Completed sophomore or junior year of high school.
• Be between the ages of 15-17 before and during the internship.
• Hold an interest in environmental science, natural resources, or Tribal land stewardship careers.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team.

Preferred:

• Interest in GIS, biology, ecology, or environmental science.
• Interest in Tribal environmental work or community-based stewardship.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Duration:

  10-11 weeks (Summer 2026)

•

Hours:

Approximately 386-400.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in various outdoor environments and conditions.
• Commitment to advancing Tribal sovereignty, land stewardship, and food security.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and work in a variety of weather conditions for extended periods.
• Must be able to navigate fieldwork environments with exposure to insects, wildlife, and uneven terrain.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and applicable background checks related to the position. Native American preference shall apply in accordance with lac Vieux Desert Policy. Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Indians P.O. Box 129, N5384 US 45 Watersmeet

MI, 49969

Email:

hr@lvd-nsn.gov

Website:

https://lvd-nsn.gov/Content/Careers.cfm

Phone:

906-358-4226 Ext. 7318

Fax:

906-358-4913 Approved by

Tribal Council:

July 1, 2025 Sign_____________________________________ Date________________