At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: Interpret Naturalist 1 - Temporary
Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/10/2023
• Closing Date: 03/02/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Natural Resources Dept
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Reg 4 / PAT-R4 Blue Mounds Staff 1
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.43 - $31.00 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified, temporary
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214/MAPE
• Work Location: Luverne, MN
• Employment Condition: Temporary, full-time
• Anticipated Start Date: May 3, 2023
• End Date: September 5, 2023
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The DNR is currently seeking a full-time, temporary classified, Interpretive Naturalist at Blue Mounds State Park. Days of work vary, with rotating work shifts between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Anticipated duration of this appointment will be from May 3, 2023 through September 5, 2023.

This position is expected to develop, implement, and publicize state parks and trails interpretive services, and environmental education. Provide information services to enhance the public’s awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources and their management at Blue Mounds State Park; foster resource stewardship; and inform the public about DNR programs and current environmental issues.

Responsibilities include:

• To present or implement in-person interpretive programming within Blue Mounds State Park, and to operate vehicle tours within the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd range. To promote public awareness, appreciation, and understanding of park, regional and statewide natural, cultural, recreational resources and current DNR issues and programs.
• In coordination with the lead naturalist, develop new in-person interpretive activities in order to attract new audiences, retain old audiences, illustrate new facts or achieve new division and department goals.
• In coordination with the lead naturalist, research, produce, maintain, and evaluate non-personal interpretive materials according to the unit interpretive plans under the guidance of the regional naturalist.
• To perform administrative functions so that efficient and orderly interpretive services will be provided and documented.
• Under the guidance of the lead naturalist and supervisor, contribute to a public relations effort on the unit’s resources and interpretive programs to inform the public of events, facilities or management objectives of the Division and Department. Products are focused on bison vehicle tours and Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd efforts.
• To operate and schedule maintenance on all interpretive facilities and equipment so that interpretive activities can be presented.
• To work on assigned resource management tasks and interpret resource management activities to the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental education and interpretation, OR one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology, geography, OR a cultural resource degree such as American history, anthropology, archeology, OR parks and recreation management, OR equivalent.
• Three (3) months relevant public speaking experience in a formal or informal setting. Relevant speaking experience may include professional, volunteer, or internship work.
• Advanced oral communication skills sufficient to present information on environmental and cultural values, facts, and theories in a clear and understandable manner to diverse individuals and groups.
• Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports, and write interesting and educational news releases.
• Advanced human relations skills.
• Ability to work as part of a team with changing assignments.
• Understanding of interpretive techniques including the ability to assess audiences and the effectiveness of interpretive media.
• Skills in historical, cultural, and natural resource research and literature search techniques.
• Computer skills, i.e., MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience conducting interpretive programs for public land agencies.
• Experience supporting community events for diverse audiences.
• Six (6) months professional experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation, or education.
• Understanding of Minnesota's natural and cultural history and resource management.
• Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals.
• Knowledge of park and area resources and recreational opportunities.
• Background in natural and cultural resource interpretation.
• Understanding of basic interpretive exhibit and display standards and techniques.
• Understanding of educational curriculum and materials sufficient to assess their effectiveness.
• Illustration, photography, and visual presentation skills.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills.
• Organizational skills sufficient to develop, schedule, and implement seasonal programs.
• Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.

Physical Requirements

Medium Work: Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50-pound bags of feed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record.

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education/license verification

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Christian Ingebretsen at chris.ingebretsen@state.mn.us or 507-283-6053.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Erin Tappan at erin.tappan@state.mn.us

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.