**Working Title: Zoo Camp Instructor** **Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1** **Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden** + **Job ID** : 83085 + **Location** : Apple Valley + **Telework Eligible** : No + **Full/Part Time** : Part-Time, varies/up to 40 hrs/wk + **Regular/Temporary** : Seasonal + **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers + **Date Posted** : 01/09/2025 + **Closing Date** : 01/23/2025 + **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Insuff Wk Tm + **Division/Unit** : Strategy & Engagement / Learning & Engagement / Education / Zoo Camp + **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Between hours of 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. + **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday. Days and hours vary based on programs. + **Travel Required** : No + **Salary Range:** $23.63 - $34.18 / hourly + **Classified Status** : Classified + **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep + **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. This posting may be used to fill multiple positions. Positions are part-time, hours will vary, up to 40 hours per week depending on availability and program needs. Anticipated season dates of early May to end of August each year. Candidates must successfully complete and pass a 5-minute presentation during the interview in order to be qualified. Working schedule will be Monday – Friday. Between hours of 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Days and hours vary based on programs. Position exists to assist in the development and implementation of zoo camps programs for PK-12th grade. They may also assist the paraprofessionals, the camp leads, and other Learning and Engagement Staff. This position is also responsible for promoting the importance of conservation, and the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Duties include but are not limited to: + Present established education programs in a professional, high-quality manner according to the appropriate curricula and established lesson plans. + Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of education programs as needed ensuring that education programs are of the highest quality and convey conservation, ecological, and natural history information in an effective, fun and engaging way. + Integrate Conservation messages into all education programming and experiences so participants are able to act on behalf of wildlife. **Minimum Qualifications** **The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.** This position requires a balanced blend of organizational and human relationship skills, as well as, an understanding of biological concepts and in-depth educational skills. Skills and knowledge required include: + Two (2) years’ experience developing and/or implementing environmental/nature, socio-cultural, historical, or closely related programs at a zoo, nature center, museum or aquarium. OR + Two (2) years’ experience as a teacher (PreK – 12th grade) in a formal educational setting. AND + Candidates must successfully complete and pass a 5-minute presentation during the interview to be qualified. **Preferred Qualifications** + Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Interpretation, Education, or closely related field. + Demonstrated knowledge of and proven experience in environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology. + Demonstrated commitment to and experience working with culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities and/or organizations sufficient to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity. + Evidence of exceptional interpersonal skills. + Fluent in a language in addition to English such as Spanish, Hmong, ASL, etc. + Superior oral and written communication skills. + Excellent teaching and presentation skills, practices, and processes. + Knowledge of zoology, biology, life sciences and environmental sciences. + Knowledge of conservation, wildlife biology, and sustainability issues. + Knowledge of the Minnesota Zoo operational services, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines. **Physical Requirements** + Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain. + Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff. + Flexible availability on weekdays throughout the duration of camp. **Additional Requirements** 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 Minnesota Zoo 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 including fingerprinting + 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.