Grow From Valuable Experiences
Wild Rivers Conservancy interns support activities that give people opportunities to learn about and explore the Riverway, as well as protect and restore the watershed’s rare natural resources. These internship activities include:
- Assist with K-12 environmental education programs and outdoor public programs to connect people to the Riverway and encourage stewardship.
- Support land management by using GIS and other tools to develop snapshots of key habitat corridors and vital parcels of land for protection.
- Work hand in hand with park rangers, creating opportunities for park visitors to understand the significance of the Riverway and its resources.
- Monitor and survey water quality, aquatic invertebrates, zebra mussels, and bats.
- Educate the community on the spread of invasive species by connecting with people at landings and assisting with community-based invasive species awareness activities.
Work in The Nation's First Wild and Scenic Riverway
Spanning both Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is among these cherished national parks. Encompassing 255 miles of clean water, exceptional wildlife, and abundant recreational opportunities, the Riverway consists of the St. Croix River and its main tributary, the Namekagon River. In 1968, these rivers were designated as the nation's first wild and scenic river national park, thanks to their free-flowing character, outstanding water quality, and the recreational, cultural, historical, and aesthetic values they provide.
The Riverway isn’t just important for its ecological value. The St. Croix River offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a wilderness-like experience and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities within easy reach of a major metropolitan area. Close to a million visitors each year come to swim, paddle, fish, hike, and more.
National Park Service Partnership
Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix and Namekagon is the the official non-profit partner for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. We support and complement the National Park Service’s work within the Riverway. The Conservancy is the voice of the river and the only organization with a watershed-wide scope in the St. Croix River basin.
As the non-profit partner for the Riverway, we work with the National Park Service to support Riverway protection and enhancement, and provide opportunities for people to explore and discover the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. We prioritize conservation activities that improve water quality, protect and enhance land, and increase stewardship efforts. The Conservancy is the "go-to" group for addressing issues that affect the St. Croix watershed and this national park.
Now Hiring: 2025 Summer Interns
Land Use Management Internship
These positions are duty stationed at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway headquarters in Saint Croix Falls, WI, and are supervised by the Riverway’s Lands Program Manager. Students are provided with practical work experience in the field of public land management via on-site scenic (conservation) easement monitoring as well as creating data folders, collecting data in the field, and documenting current situations all of which are associated with public land management. Land Use Management Interns will be exposed to several National Park Service career opportunities with a special emphasis on public land-use management. As a Land Use Management Intern, students will fulfill a critical role in helping to achieve the goals of the scenic easement program and protecting the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway for this and future generations.
Resource Management Internship
These positions will work within the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway’s Natural Resources Program, which is housed within the Resource Stewardship and Education Division. They will be supervised by the park’s terrestrial biologist and/or aquatic biologist. These internships provide students with practical work experience in resource management in a national park.
Park Guide Internship
The Park Guide Internship positions are within St. Croix National Scenic Riverway’s Division of Communication and Education and are supervised by the district interpretive rangers. They provide students with practical work experience in visitor services and interpretation in a national park. Interns will work with park rangers to create opportunities for park visitors to understand the significance of the Riverway and its resources. Through this internship, interns will gain an understanding and appreciation for the role interpretive park staff play in connecting visitors to National Parks on a personal and emotional level. They will learn to effectively communicate with the public in a variety of settings and lead educational programs for children of all ages. They will also have opportunities to work with other programs and divisions within the park and with non-profit groups to understand the variety of roles involved in the operation of a national park.
River Connections Internship
The River Connections internship is stationed with Wild Rivers Conservancy and supervised by the Community Engagement Manager. The intern is responsible for assisting with K-12 environmental education programs and outdoor public programs to connect people to the Riverway and encourage stewardship of the watershed for generations to come.
Invasive Species Internship
These positions are with Wild Rivers Conservancy and are supervised by the Invasive Species Coordinator. The internship provides applicants with practical work experience in the field of invasive species prevention, monitoring, and management, as well as public engagement and education. Interns will have the opportunity to learn many new skills from a variety of agencies and organizations, all while being outside working on the St. Croix River and throughout the watershed.
How to Apply
Send all of the following information:
1. Cover letter. State the internship you are applying for, why you are interested in the internship, and why you are interested in working at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
2. Detailed resume, including work experience.
3. Three references.
Email to:
Wendy Tremblay
Community Engagement Manager
Wild Rivers Conservancy
wtremblay@wildriversconservancy.org
Deadline: Applications must be received by 5 pm on Friday, February 7th, 2025.
Doing More With Trusted Collaborators
Our interns learn the valued skill of cross agency collaboration. Interns not only work with the National Park Service (NPS) but many other partners on the state and local levels.
What Past Interns Have to Say
Logan Planer
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
Raven Weitzenhoffer
Trinity University
Sam Peters
University of Wisconsin River Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information contact: Wendy Tremblay, Community Engagement Manager or call 715-483-3300