Paid Summer Internship on Lake Superior | Apply by May 1

Collage of Minnesota Sea Grant outreach and education activities, including interns staffing an information booth at a community event, demonstrating a mobile water safety app at a lakeshore, and paddling kayaks on a river as part of a water recreation safety program.
Amanda Shie

UMN undergrads: Dive into a paid summer career in Duluth by applying for the Water Recreation Safety Internship before the May 1 deadline. Help make the Twin Ports safer for paddlers through hands-on outreach and site assessments.

DULUTH, Minn. — Time is running out for University of Minnesota undergraduates to dive into a meaningful and paid career experience with Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) this summer. May 1 is the deadline for applications for the 2026 Water Recreation Safety Internship.

Don't wait to apply! Applications are reviewed as they come in.

Based in Duluth, this internship is your chance to help make local waters safer and more accessible for everyone. As an intern, you’ll get hands-on experience with the Paddle Safe Twin Ports (PSTP) program, lead community outreach and education efforts, and help build a brand-new, year-round water safety initiative. It’s a great way to build your resume while visiting boat launches, talking with paddlers, and helping improve safety information used across the Twin Ports.

Primary tasks

  • Visit and assess launch sites in Duluth, MN, and Superior, WI, to keep PSTP information accurate
  • Lead hands-on safety activities at events such as Lake Superior Day (July 19)
  • Work with local partners to expand how safety information reaches paddlers
  • Research cold-water and ice risks to help draft winter safety messages
     

Helpful skills

  • Comfortable working outdoors in varied conditions
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Comfortable around water; paddling experience helpful
  • Familiar with local waters or interested in learning quickly
  • Strong communication skills and interest in public outreach
     

Apply by May 1.  Applications are reviewed as they arrive.

  1. Prepare a resume and a short cover letter.
  2. Go to the University of Minnesota jobs page.
  3. Select “Students” and search Job ID 371899 to apply.
     

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

CONTACT:  

Madison Rodman, Resilience Extension Educator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Duluth. [email protected]. 

Marie Thoms, Associate Director, Communications Director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected]. 

Departments

Programs and Outreach Projects
Paddle Safe Twin Ports
Minnesota Sea Grant Undergraduate Internships