Our Internships

Summer interns pose with 2 NPS park rangers in front of the St. Croix Falls Visitor Center

An intern stands in the Namekagon River wile holding a brown trout during fish surveys with the WI DNR

Blue iris flowers line the banks of the Namekagon River

A joint summer internship program since 2014

Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix and Namekagon is the official nonprofit 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.

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.

Community Engagement Internship

Expand public awareness of Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway

Land Conservation and Outreach Internship

Promote permanent land protection opportunities to landowners

Land Use Management Internship

Help achieve the goals of the scenic easement program

Park Guide Internship

Gain understanding and appreciation for the role interpretive park staff play

Resource Management Internship

Experience natural resource management in a national park

Invasive Species Internship

Prevent, monitor, and manage invasive species within the Riverway

River Connections Internship

Inspire the next generation of river stewards

Where is Wild Rivers Conservancy located?

The Wild Rivers Conservancy office is located at 1015 N Cascade Street, Osceola, WI 54020. Interns can expect to spend time traveling throughout the watershed on a daily basis.

Where will I be stationed as an intern?

Wild Rivers Conservancy and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway work throughout the St. Croix Watershed, an area about the same size as the state of New Jersey! Depending on your role, internships will be stationed at the Wild Rivers Conservancy office in Osceola, WI, or at one of the Visitor Centers for the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in St. Croix Falls, WI, or Trego, WI. Travel throughout the watershed is standard for most internship roles as part of their job duties.

Can I apply if I'm from out of state?

Yes! We have hosted many summer interns from around the country. Some internship positions offer housing, but not all.

Are these paid internships?

Internships that are stationed with Wild Rivers Conservancy receive a wage of $15/hour.
Internships that are stationed with the National Park Service are provided a monthly reimbursement of $500, a $1,500 tuition reimbursement, and housing for the summer.

Are there housing options available?

Housing is offered for our internships that are stationed with the National Park Service. All housing options are located within close proximity to the duty station and include shared living spaces with other interns.

When will the summer internship begin, and how long will it go?

All internships begin in the final week of May and run a minimum of 10 weeks. The end date of each internship can be flexible based on the intern’s schedule and work availability.