**Working Title: Interpretive Naturalist 1** **Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1** **Agency: Department of Natural Resources** + **Job ID:** 84136 + **Location** : Itasca State Park + **Telework Eligible** : No + **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time + **Regular/Temporary** : Seasonal + **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers + **Date Posted** : 02/21/2025 + **Closing Date** : 03/13/2025 + **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Department of Natural Resources + **Division/Unit** : Parks and Trails + **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Varies + **Days of Work** : Varies + **Travel Required** : Yes, occasionally for meetings and off-site programming + **Salary Range:** $23.63 - $34.18 / hourly; $49,339 - $71,367 / annually + **Classified Status** : Classified + **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE + **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt + Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes **The work you'll do is more than just a job.** At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. **Job Summary** Established in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota and one of the first state parks in the country. Home to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, the park is one of the top tourism attractions in the Upper Midwest. The DNR is seeking to fill a seasonal full-time Interpretive Naturalist position at Itasca State Park that will run from approximately end of April through early October. Much of this work involves presenting or assisting with interpretive programs and activities for spring and fall school groups and summer park visitors. The position may work a rotating shift that may vary depending on demand and scheduling needs, and will include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Some travel may be required to attend meetings and for outreach. The seasonal Interpretive Naturalist position will work closely with the park's interpretive naturalist team. This position exists to develop, publicize, and implement welcoming and inclusive interpretation, environmental education, and information services. The purpose of these interpretive services is to enhance the public's awareness, appreciation, understanding of natural, cultural, and recreational resources; foster resource stewardship; and inform the public about the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs and current environmental issues. Responsibilities include: + Research, develop, and present interpretive activities to a variety of audiences ranging from school groups to the public. Presentations are typically provided in-person. + Research natural and cultural history information from a variety of sources for interpretive services (personal and nonpersonal) development and resource assessment. + Assist with publicizing and promotion of the park and its resources, interpretive services, recreational opportunities, and resource management activities. + Perform administrative functions by responding to inquiries from the public orally and in writing, staffing the information desk in the visitor center, recording program attendance, and participating in staff meetings. **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 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. + Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals. + Understanding of educational curriculum and materials sufficient to assess their effectiveness. + 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. **Additional Requirements** This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: + Conflict of Interest Review + Criminal History Check + Education Verification + Employment Reference / Records Check + License / Certification Verification AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.