Missouri Department of Conservation Internships: Shaping Future Conservation Leaders

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers a range of internship opportunities designed to provide students and recent graduates with invaluable real-world experience in natural resource management and conservation. These internships serve as a crucial bridge, connecting academic knowledge with practical application, and fostering the next generation of conservation professionals. By working alongside seasoned engineers, scientists, natural resource managers, and other professionals, interns gain hands-on experience and contribute directly to the department's mission of stewardship.

The Summer Professional Development Program

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) offers a Summer Professional Development Program designed to provide college students or recent graduates with real-life experience working alongside the department’s engineers, scientists, natural resource managers and other professionals. The Summer Professional Development Program offers opportunities throughout Missouri, including positions within the 93 state parks and historic sites. These opportunities can be either paid or unpaid, depending on the specific role and funding available.

Eligibility and Desired Qualifications

The program considers applicants from a wide array of academic disciplines. While most college majors will be considered, the program gives special consideration to those students pursuing degrees in:

Agriculture
Architecture
Atmospheric Science
Biology
Chemistry
Engineering
Environmental Science
Geography
Historic Preservation
History
Interpretation
Landscaping
Museum Studies
Natural Resources
Parks and Recreation
Public Administration
Tourism
Accounting
Business Administration
Human Resources

To be eligible for the program at the undergraduate level, students must be enrolled at an accredited university or college and be in good academic standing. Students who are graduating before the internship starts are not eligible. A cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale is desirable, and preference is often given to students who have completed at least 45 credit hours.

Application Process

The department typically begins accepting applications in the fall, with placements finalized in May. Students are encouraged to regularly visit MoCareers to find listings of the department's internship positions and to carefully review the specific requirements and responsibilities of each role.

Divisions and Opportunities

Internship positions are typically available across MoDNR's five divisions, offering a diverse range of experiences:

Division of Administrative Support: These internships may focus on areas such as accounting, human resources, or business administration.
Division of Energy: Interns in this division might work on projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy development, or energy policy.
Division of Environmental Quality: Opportunities here could involve environmental monitoring, pollution control, or regulatory compliance.
Missouri Geological Survey: Interns may assist with geological research, mapping, or resource assessment.
Missouri State Parks: These internships provide hands-on experience in park management, interpretation, resource conservation, and visitor services.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Interns are expected to fully engage in their assigned roles, contributing their knowledge and skills to support the department's work. Before the last day of employment, interns are often required to provide a presentation summarizing their experiences and any independent projects they undertook during their internship.

As employees, interns are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed. Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) promotes a Tobacco-Free working environment. The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States.

The Lone Buffalo Internship Program

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has partnered with the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) to create a new internship program for students from State Fair Community College (SFCC) and the University of Central Missouri (UCM). This program is specifically designed to provide hands-on experience in natural resource management to college students pursuing degrees related to natural resources, agriculture, or environmental studies.

Program Structure and Focus

Each student intern will work on a variety of projects over a 12-to-14-week period in the summer, with additional week-long work opportunities in the fall, winter, and spring. The initial focus of the program will be on habitat management and area maintenance within the Lone Buffalo District. Interns will have the opportunity to work on MPF properties during the summer.

Financial Support and Supervision

MCHF will award a $5,000 scholarship for each intern upon completion of their first summer of work, providing valuable financial assistance to support their education. MDC will supervise the interns, providing the necessary equipment, training, and work plans to ensure a productive and educational experience.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

The internship is open to SFCC and UCM students entering their second year of school with at least 30 credit hours. The application process includes interviews with candidates and reviews of grade point averages (GPAs), work experience, and letters of recommendation.

Benefits for Students and the Community

This internship program provides stewardship to irreplaceable prairies and other natural communities in Johnson, Pettis, and Benton Counties. By working alongside professionals in habitat management, research, and natural resource stewardship, students from both institutions will gain valuable skills, strengthen career readiness, and build professional networks that support future employment.

Benefits of MDC Internships

Participating in an MDC internship offers numerous benefits for students and recent graduates:

Real-World Experience: Interns gain practical experience applying their academic knowledge in a professional setting.
Skill Development: Internships provide opportunities to develop valuable skills in areas such as data collection, analysis, communication, and problem-solving.
Networking: Interns build connections with professionals in the conservation field, expanding their professional network and opening doors to future opportunities.
Career Exploration: Internships allow students to explore different career paths within the conservation field, helping them to make informed decisions about their future.
Contribution to Conservation: Interns contribute directly to the department's mission of protecting and managing Missouri's natural resources.

Commitment to Diversity

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential to effectively serve the needs of all Missourians. The department actively seeks to recruit and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that all voices are represented in the conservation field.

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