Monthly Newsletter


A newsletter published by the
Macalester Environmental Studies Department

January 25, 2024

Any upcoming events, job opportunities, conferences, or other environmental news received by the ES Department are included in this newsletter. More information on the items listed in This Just In! can be received by contacting the ES Department. Current and archived issues.

In This Issue….

1.  Career Exploration Events This Spring
2.  University of Minnesota Courses at Itasca Biological Station
3.  Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies Graduate Program
4.  Internship at MN DNR’s Center for Aquatic Mollusk Program
5.  Research Experience on Sustainable Land and Water Resources
6.  Harvest Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology
7.  Geothermal Internship Opportunity
8.  Minnesota DNR Summer Internships
9.  Fellowship with Aldo Leopold Foundation
10.  Internships and Fellowships with Citizens’ Climate Lobby
11.  Internship with Conservation Corps
12.  Summer Academic Session at Flathead Lake Biology Station
13.  Field Courses in Tropical Biology with Danta
14.  Sustainability Analyst Associate Job Opening with HealthPartners
15.  Research Opportunity with NASA DEVELOP National Program
16.  Regional Planner Job Opening in Decorah, Iowa
17.  Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

1.  Career Exploration Events This Spring

Below is a list of upcoming events sponsored by Career Exploration:

2.  University of Minnesota Courses at Itasca Biological Station

University of Minnesota is offering 3- and 5-week courses in the heart of Itasca State Park, home of the headwaters of the Mississippi River.  Learn about the natural world in an incredible living laboratory.  All are welcome.  The only requirement is curiosity (and into to biology).  The following May/June 2024 course offerings are:

  • Field Studies in Mammalogy
  • Animal Behavior in the Field
  • Field Mycology
  • Field Microbiology
  • Field Ornithology
  • Field Entomology

3.  Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies Graduate Program

Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies (JICAS) is a postgraduate research center focusing on islands and island communities. Their  flagship program is the MSc Island Biodiversity and Conservation in partnership with Biosciences, University of Exeter. The program takes place in Jersey, Channel Islands and invites colleagues and researchers from across the world to deliver modules on subjects ranging from Island Biogeography, to Biodiversity and Evolution on Islands, to Invasion and Extinction on Islands. In addition to exploring the Channel Islands, UK, they also travel to Tenerife, Canary Islands, to further study the major themes and theories of island biodiversity and conservation with colleagues at the University of la Laguna.

Questions?  Email Dr. Sean Dettman at [email protected].

4.  Internship at MN DNR’s Center for Aquatic Mollusk Program

Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s Center for Aquatic Mollusk Programs (CAMP) has an internship that focuses on native freshwater mussel conservation. They propagate native freshwater mussels at their lab in Lake City, MN, with the goal of reintroducing them into streams and rivers in Minnesota and restoring their populations in their historical range. They also have a field crew that uses SCUBA to monitor existing populations in streams and rivers across the state of Minnesota. Both their propagation lab and their field team have internship positions available for students pursuing a degree in biology or other environmental – related fields. Their lab often works with other DNR divisions and the National Parks Service, and many of their interns go on to work in natural resource conservation.

This internship has the potential to be an independent study for students and it is incredibly fun and educational! Interns will learn about native freshwater mussels and their importance in our freshwater ecosystems. They will also learn about mussel propagation strategies, mussel and fish identification, factors that are threatening mussel populations, and practicing safe scuba diving in uncommon diving conditions. The application for the internship opens the beginning of January.

Questions?  Contact Zoe Schroeder at  [email protected].

5.  Research Experience on Sustainable Land and Water Resources

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Research Experience for Undergraduates on Sustainable Land and Water Resources.

This REU introduces undergraduate students to the key elements of research on land and water resources that are essential to improving management practices. Research teams are hosted on two Native American reservations and at the University of Minnesota and projects are developed in collaboration with the tribes’ resource management divisions. The REU incorporates an interdisciplinary team-oriented approach that emphasizes quantitative and predictive methods, Indigenous and community-based research methods, and traditional ecological knowledge.

Projects take place on the main campus of the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; on the Fond du Lac Reservation in Northern Minnesota; and at Salish Kootenai College on the Flathead Reservation in Montana. Students in Civil Engineering, Earth Sciences, Hydrology, Chemistry, Biology, Ecology, Sustainability, Mathematics, Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries, Social Sciences and related disciplines are invited to apply.

In-person program dates:  June 10 to August 9, 2024
Application deadline:  February 4, 2024

6.  Harvest Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology

The Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology is an immersive research experience, connecting undergraduate students to mentors and researchers in the pursuit of scientific inquiry. Each year, 15-25 undergraduates from across the US live and work at the 4,000-acre Harvard Forest for 11 weeks. Students work with a research mentor in interdisciplinary team-based projects focused on how ecosystems change over time, especially in response to human and natural disturbance.

Program Details for 2024:

  • The 11-week program dates are May 20 to August 2, 2024
  • Includes $7,700 stipend, plus full room & board, and travel to/from Harvard Forest
  • Applications are currently open and are due February 2, 2024.
  • Questions?  See FAQ or contact [email protected].

7.  Geothermal Internship Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the second round of the Geothermal Intern opportunity. This NSF-DOE collaboration supports 10 to 20 research internships per year to work on projects that advance geothermal technologies. With their principal investigators, students selected for this opportunity can create their own internship that applies their academic interests with a host organization in the geothermal industry.

8.  Minnesota DNR Summer Internships

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for their paid summer internship opportunities.  More details about each position can be found on the mn.gov/careers website.  Some of the positions available are:

  • Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Inspector Intern
  • Buildings & Sustainability Intern
  • Communication & Outreach Intern
  • Ecological Monitoring Network Intern
  • Fisheries Intern
  • Forestry Intern
  • Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Editorial Intern
  • Multimedia Designer Intern
  • Mussel Propagation Intern
  • Mussel Survey Intern
  • Naturalist Corps Intern
  • Park Operations Intern
  • Plant Ecology Intern
  • River Crew Intern
  • Science and Natural Areas Intern
  • State Trail Research Intern
  • Stream Fish-Habitat Intern
  • Terrestrial Invasive Species Intern
  • Waterfowl Banding Intern
  • Wildlife Management Intern

Deadlines vary between January 31-February 12, 2024.

9.   Fellowship with Aldo Leopold Foundation

The Aldo Leopold Foundation, an environmental conservation non-profit in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is hosting four to five recent college graduate fellows in Land Stewardship and Education & Communications as a part of their 1-year Future Leaders Program that provides hands-on work in land stewardship, environmental interpretation, and more to prepare fellows for a career in the conservation and environment industry. Applications are due February 1, 2024. 

10.   Internships and Fellowships with Citizens’ Climate Lobby

Citizens’ Climate Lobby/Citizens’ Climate Education (CCL) is a national nonprofit organization that builds grassroots support for climate legislation.  They are currently recruiting students and recent graduates to join their team as interns or fellows. They have opportunities with a variety of different departments that may appeal to students across many disciplines. These experiences provide valuable work experience, networking opportunities, and may include academic or financial benefits. The application deadline is February 15, 2024.

11.   Internship with Conservation Corps

The Conservation Corps’ Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers (IDEC) program creates an opportunity for students to rotate between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, and the Board of Water and Soil Resources to learn about potential career paths, community engagement efforts, and research projects. Those applying should be interested in learning about conservation and natural resource careers at the state level and identify as BIPOC, woman, or an individual with disabilities. Some example topics and activities include – environmental justice, parks and trails, fish and wildlife, mock interviews, weekly field trips, & networking events.

To apply.  Deadline is January 31, 2024.

12.   Summer Academic Session at Flathead Lake Biology Station

Applications are now open for the Flathead Lake Biological Station’s 2024 summer academic session! The station is located on the east shore of Flathead Lake, ~85 miles north of Missoula, MT. In this pristine setting, you will be one of about 40 students living in cabins and will meet a diverse group of people. FLBS is a year-round facility with research, education and support staff of about 35 people plus postdocs, grads and interns, and a steady flow of visiting investigators from across the U.S. and around the globe.

13.   Field Courses in Tropical Biology with Danta

Danta is pleased to announce their 2024 field courses in tropical biology. Their courses are intended for undergraduates or early graduate level students who have a keen interest in tropical ecosystems and conservation but have little or no experience of working in a tropical environment. Participants may enroll on either a credit or non-credit basis.

Questions?  Email [email protected]. For an alumni perspective on their programs, see their blog DANTAisms.

14.   Sustainability Analyst Associate Job Opening with HealthPartners

HealthPartners is currently hiring for a Sustainability Analyst Associate! This is an entry level role and a great opportunity for a sustainability minded, well-rounded person to shape an enterprise wide sustainability program.  The position is hybrid with our office in the Twin Cities, MN metro area.

Questions?  Contact Allison Egan, Sustainability Program Manager, 952-883-5435.

15.   Research Opportunity with NASA DEVELOP National Program

NASA DEVELOP National Program is offering a 10-week paid research opportunity, open to current students and recent college graduates as well as transitioning/early career professionals.

NASA DEVELOP projects focus on helping local, national, and international communities address their environmental concerns while utilizing NASA’s Earth observing fleet of satellites. NASA DEVELOP operates at fifteen locations across the country at NASA Centers and other regional locations. This is a great opportunity for participants who are interested in practical applications of remote sensing and GIS, specifically in the field of Earth Science. Participants will work with NASA scientists, partner organizations, and science advisors to learn about the use of NASA Earth science data for use in water resources, disaster management, ecological conservation, and other applications to address environmental community concerns.

The Summer 2024 application window will be open online from January 15-February 23, with the term taking place from June 3-August 9. Please note some DEVELOP locations will allow for in-person opportunities while others will be completely virtual. For virtual locations, all accepted participants must work remotely from within the United States. Details on location status will be posted on their website.

16.   Regional Planner Job Opening in Decorah, Iowa

Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission has a job opportunity for an entry-level Regional Planner, and it is open to candidates who are finishing their degree and won’t be able to start until after spring graduation.

The position is based in Decorah, a regional hub within the gorgeous Driftless Area of northeast Iowa, southeast Minnesota, and southwest Wisconsin. Decorah offers an unexpectedly lovely quality of life—vibrant college-town atmosphere, a picturesque and walkable downtown, constant fun cultural events and activities, a profusion of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities, a strikingly awesome amount of nature areas and parks, stunning scenery and topography, an impressive and bountiful local and organic food community, craft breweries (yes… plural), coffee shops, bistros, boutique shopping… and a local culture that values inclusiveness and sustainability.

Questions?  Contact Aaron Detter, [email protected], 563-419-6126.

17.   Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

Handshake at Macalester is our career services platform.

Students:  Handshake is preloaded with your basic profile data. Simply log in with your Macalester user id and password.

Read Getting Started with Handshake Guide for Students

The more you use Handshake, the better it works for you. Personalize your experience by filling out career interests and profile. As you choose opportunities and events that interest you, Handshake will learn to present you with opportunities best suited to your needs.

Any questions regarding this newsletter or to be removed from the mailing list, contact Ann Esson at [email protected].