ST. PAUL and DULUTH, Minn. – Do you know an undergraduate student looking for a summer internship that’s both rewarding and fun? Minnesota Sea Grant is offering three paid summer undergraduate internships. Interns will work on real-world environmental and conservation projects while gaining hands-on experience in field research, data analysis, outreach, communication and water safety education. Please share this opportunity with your friends and networks.
One application. Three opportunities. Five positions. A summer of fun!
🦠Interested in working at the intersection of water quality research and community engagement?
Two major threats to the health of Minnesota lakes are chloride from road salt and water softeners and harmful algal blooms (HABs) from nutrient influx. Both problems can degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems, and HABs pose health risks to humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. This project seeks to improve understanding of the timing, location, and distribution of chloride and HABs in rural Minnesota lakes. To achieve this, we will use community-based participatory science to establish a collaborative volunteer network to track chloride levels and HABs in local lakes. This project will support two internships.
🌊Ready to make a splash and impact public safety?
The Water Recreation Safety & Outreach Internship will enhance equitable access to safe, water-based recreation through public education and community engagement in the Duluth-Superior area. The intern will support the Paddle Safe Twin Ports (PSTP) program, provide community outreach and education on safe water recreation, and support the development of a year-round water safety program. This project will support one internship.
🐟 Wanna get hooked on Minnesota fish?
Minnesota’s fisheries and aquaculture industries are vital to the state's culture, economy, and communities. The Aquaculture and Fisheries Intern will support Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) staff in the implementation of MNSG’s Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture program and focus area. This project will support two internships.
Each internship offers hands-on experience, professional networking, and a summer of adventure.
How to apply:
📌 Deadline: February 20, 2026.
📌 Eligibility: Current status as an undergraduate student in the University of Minnesota system (any campus) and enrollment as an undergraduate student in the University of Minnesota System (any campus) in the fall of 2026.
📌 Details: For complete project descriptions and contact information, visit Minnesota Sea Grant Undergraduate Internships webpage.
📌 Where to apply: Visit the University of Minnesota Student Position - MN Sea Grant Student Intern webpage and click “Apply for Job.”
USEFUL LINKS:
Minnesota Sea Grant Undergraduate Internships
CONTACTS:
Marie Thoms, Communications Director, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth. [email protected].
For information about the HABs Internships: Hilarie Sorensen, Water Quality Extension Educator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected]
For information about the Water Recreation Safety and Outreach Internship: Madison Rodman, Resilience Extension Educator, Minnesota Sea Grant, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth, [email protected]
For information about the Fisheries and Aquaculture Internships: Julia Grenn, Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator, Minnesota Sea Grant, [email protected].