Summer jobs are tough to find these days, especially for young people. But the Department of Natural Resources has 200 jobs for both college- and high school-aged youths available this summer. First, it's looking for 110 college students to work as watercraft inspector interns for the upcoming boating season. The inspectors are stationed at public accesses on lakes and rivers infested with invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussels. Positions are available in Brainerd, Winona, Twin Cities, St. Cloud, International Falls, Duluth, Bemidji, Minnetonka and the surrounding areas. The pay: $7.50 an hour, with bonuses up to $1,430 and mileage reimbursement. "We're looking for enthusiastic young adults interested in doing important environmental conservation work," said Heidi Wolf, DNR watercraft inspection program coordinator. The inspectors also educate the public about aquatic invasive species and the threat they pose to Minnesota waters. They also help post accesses and remove invasive plants. The positions are full-time temporary internships that start in late April and run through the middle of October, with flexibility for students still in school. Applicants must have a valid Minnesota driver's license, be enrolled in a natural resources or related program and eligible to receive school credit for the position. The application deadline is March 11. See the job description at www.dnr.state.mn.us/staging/removed/jobs/watercraft/description.html. Contact Heidi Wolf at 651-259-5152 or heidi.wolf@state.mn.us with questions. CONSERVATION CORPS JOBS Another 90 jobs for high school youths are available with the Conservation Corps Minnesota summer conservation work program. Application deadline is April 22. Youth ages 15-18 will be based at a residential program site in St. Croix State Park for eight weeks. They will travel in crews led by staff members to various state and federal lands to camp out and work on conservation projects. "Participants can expect to work hard on projects such as trail construction, erosion control, bridge and boardwalk building, and invasive exotic plant removal," said Eric Antonson, youth programs manager. Weekend activities include canoe trips, wilderness hikes and high-adventure challenges. The program runs June 19 through Aug. 13, and participants earn a stipend of $175 per week, with room and board provided. The program hires an equal number of males and females and encourages minority youth to apply. Up to 20 deaf and hard-of-hearing youth, who will work with deaf staff and trained sign language interpreters, will also be hired. To receive an application, contact Nina Eagin at nina.eagin@conservationcorps.org or 651-209-9900.