Find & Apply For Forest / Conservation Technician Jobs in Mahnomen, Minnesota

Land Stewardship Intern Position Description The Land Stewardship Internship is a grant-funded opportunity designed to provide students with hands-on experiences that strengthen connections to Anishinaabe land-based knowledge, cultural teachings, and environmental stewardship. Working alongside elders, knowledge keepers, educators, harvesters, and community members, interns will learn about reciprocity while helping protect and sustain the human relationship with the land, water, animals, plants and other relatives. Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and participating in seasonal land-based learning activities, workshops, demonstrations, and community events.
• Support traditional ecological and cultural activities including maple sugaring, gardening, fishing, hunting, food sovereignty initiatives, and medicine harvesting.
• Assist with educational displays, exhibits, interpretive materials, and cultural resources related to land stewardship and traditional ecological knowledge.
• Participate in planting, gathering, harvesting, seed saving, soil health activities, and community food system initiatives.
• Assist with community workshops, youth engagement activities, and educational events focused on food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and land-based learning.
• Promote student participation in land stewardship and environmental programming.
• Complete required reports, participation logs, and reflections documenting internship experiences and learning outcomes.
• Participate in a final presentation, demonstration, project, or community showcase highlighting seasonal learning, stewardship experiences, and internship accomplishments.

Work Schedule:

This is a 10-hour-per-week internship with a flexible schedule determined in collaboration with the lead mentor. Hours are typically completed during WETCC's regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Occasional evening or weekend activities may be required to support community events or program initiatives. This position is based on-site at the WETCC campus in Mahnomen, Minnesota, with occasional travel as needed.

Advertised Salary:

$26.00/hour; non-exempt temporary 9-month position ending May 2027 Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Interest in Anishinaabe culture, traditional ecological knowledge, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
• Basic understanding of or willingness to learn Anishinaabe teachings, cultural protocols, and relationships with land, water, plants, and wildlife.
• Knowledge of or interest in Indigenous food sovereignty and environmental sustainability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying seasonal weather conditions and participate in physically active learning experiences.
• Ability to assist with workshops, community events, and land-based educational activities. Certificates, Licenses, & Registrations
• Valid driver's license and insurance to travel as needed. Minimum Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. The qualifications listed below represent the required education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Demonstrated respect for Indigenous ways of knowing and a willingness to learn through intergenerational relationships with elders, knowledge keepers, harvesters, gardeners, and community members.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, elders, knowledge keepers, and community members.
• Interest in land stewardship, environmental learning, food sovereignty, traditional knowledge, and community engagement.
• Ability to maintain a consistent internship schedule throughout the 9-month grant period.
• Willingness and ability to participate in outdoor, seasonal, and community-based learning activities.
• Reliable transportation for participation in community-based activities. Preferred Qualifications
• Current student enrolled at White Earth Tribal and Community College or another accredited college or university, or a recent graduate.
• Coursework in Indigenous Studies, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Sustainability, Tribal Governance, Education, Biology, Ecology, or a related discipline.
• Experience volunteering or working with Tribal organizations, environmental programs, community gardens, conservation initiatives, schools, or cultural centers.
• Knowledge of Anishinaabe land-based practices, food sovereignty, or traditional harvesting.
• Experience planning or assisting with community events, educational workshops, environmental programming, or youth activities.
• Familiarity with ecological monitoring, plant identification, traditional foods, or community-based research activities.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Applicant Materials Required Cover letter, resume, one professional reference letter, one personal reference letter, a completed WETCC application, and background check consent form. The application and consent form can be found at www.wetcc.edu. About WETCC Established as a not-for-profit tribally controlled educational institution of higher learning, the first Charter was approved on February 5, 1998, "…to provide adult education and post- secondary educational services to enrolled members of the White Earth Reservation and to other eligible Indians and non-Indian residents of the area…" Initial Candidacy for Accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission was granted on October 14, 2004, with full accreditation granted on October 8, 2008. Purpose Statements

• The college will present learning as a life-long process of discovery of knowledge embedded in the intellectual disciplines and the traditions of the Anishinaabe people.
• The college will support the self-determination of the Anishinaabe people through the preservation and promotion of their history, culture, and language.
• The college will seek to address the social, political, and economic needs of the White Earth Reservation through programs that encourage service to the community.
• The college will promote a philosophy based on the seven teachings of the Anishinaabe.

Mission White Earth Tribal and Community College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to academic excellence grounded in Anishinaabe culture, values, and traditions. Vision Gaa-miinigoowizid Anishinaabe Gibimiwidoomin niigaanakeyaa - "We all are carrying into the future the way the Anishinaabeg was gifted." Equal Employment Opportunity Employer The White Earth Tribal & Community College in accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institute is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, familial status, sexual orientation, and reprisal. Legacy Grant Funding Acknowledgment This work is funded in part by MHC with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.