What are the responsibilities and job description for the Natural Resources Intern position at Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)?
Looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience that builds your professional skills? The SMSC and Mystic Lake 10-week summer internship program offers real-world projects, mentorship, and opportunities to develop lasting connections. Our internships are more than just an internship—they’re a pathway to building futures together, inspiring possibilities, and fostering growth. With weekly pay and impactful experiences, you’ll be equipped to take the next step toward your career.
Internship Application Process:
Each week brings something new: from touring Hocokata Ti, our cultural center, to color runs, networking events, and team activities, there’s always something to look forward to. Beyond the experiences, you’ll work on meaningful projects that have an impact on the business while learning what it takes to thrive in the dynamic gaming and entertainment industry. With fun as one of our core values, you’ll enjoy connecting with fellow interns while exploring our culture and philanthropic efforts—making this summer an exciting and rewarding journey.
Internship Program Dates: June - August
Internship Location: Prior Lake, MN (in office)
You’ll be a perfect fit if: You are ready to roll your sleeves up and assist our SMSC Land Department with maintaining, restoring, and monitoring our prairie, woodland, and forested ecosystems. You are detail orientated when it comes to recording and collecting data. You have a curiosity for prescribed burns and want to learn more about them in your summer. You are a good steward to the earth and want to pass that on to everyone you meet. You are looking forward to a great experience gaining new skills in our Natural Resources!
Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events.
Internship Requirements:
Internship Application Process:
- Applications held open till December 31, 2025.
- Phone Interviews start January 5, 2026.
- Final Interview Selections to Follow
Each week brings something new: from touring Hocokata Ti, our cultural center, to color runs, networking events, and team activities, there’s always something to look forward to. Beyond the experiences, you’ll work on meaningful projects that have an impact on the business while learning what it takes to thrive in the dynamic gaming and entertainment industry. With fun as one of our core values, you’ll enjoy connecting with fellow interns while exploring our culture and philanthropic efforts—making this summer an exciting and rewarding journey.
Internship Program Dates: June - August
Internship Location: Prior Lake, MN (in office)
You’ll be a perfect fit if: You are ready to roll your sleeves up and assist our SMSC Land Department with maintaining, restoring, and monitoring our prairie, woodland, and forested ecosystems. You are detail orientated when it comes to recording and collecting data. You have a curiosity for prescribed burns and want to learn more about them in your summer. You are a good steward to the earth and want to pass that on to everyone you meet. You are looking forward to a great experience gaining new skills in our Natural Resources!
Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events.
Internship Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program pertinent to the department/team to which assigned.
- Basic level skills in word-processing, spreadsheets, or other tools standard to the department/team to which assigned.
- Demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative, team environment.
- Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills.