**Working Title: Interpretive Naturalist 2** **Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 2** **Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources** + **Job ID** : 84173 + **Location** : _Minneopa State Park + **Telework Eligible** : No + **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time + **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited + **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers + **Date Posted** : 02/19/2025 + **Closing Date** : 03/11/2025 + **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Department of Natural Resources + **Division/Unit** : DNR Parks & Trails Region 4 + **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Rotating Shift + **Days of Work** : Varies + **Travel Required** : Yes + **Salary Range:** $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually + **Classified Status** : Classified + **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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. The DNR is currently seeking to fill One (1) Full Time Unlimited Interpretive Naturalist 2 position located at Minneopa State Park located near Mankato, MN. Work hours and days of work varies and includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Work hours are generally 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, typically including weekends (with two consecutive days off during the week) and holidays. Includes occasional evening shifts such as 1:00PM to 9:30 PM. This Interpretive Naturalist position exists develops, publicizes and implements a welcoming and inclusive state parks and trails interpretation, environmental education and information services to enhance the public's awareness, appreciation and understanding of cultural, natural and recreational resources; foster resource stewardship; and to inform the public about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs and current environmental issues. The area served by this position includes Minneopa, Fort Ridgley, Flandrau State Parks and the Minnesota River State Water Trail for approximately 300,000 annual visitors and outreach audiences. Interpretive services participants include park visitors, local communities, underserved populations, organized groups, public and private schools, other units within the Minnesota DNR, park support groups, special interest groups, volunteers, media outlets, and other governmental organizations. Responsibilities include: + Develop, present and evaluate programs that include multiple perspectives and use a variety of interpretive methods and techniques. Presentations are primarily provided in-person. + Recruit, train, lead and schedule interpretive program interns and volunteers. + Reach out to underserved audiences and provide inclusive interpretive experiences. + Promote programs and events online, through publications, and with media and community organizations. + Research natural and cultural history information from a variety of sources to develop interpretive activities, write content for exhibits, and answer visitor questions. + Perform administrative functions such as tracking program attendance, writing reports, managing budgets, and participating in staff meetings. + Serve as technical resource for local community, park visitors and staff by providing information about area and park resources. + Discuss and exchange information on park operations, interpretive services and resource management issues with park staff team. + Participate in the development of park unit interpretive plans and park management plans. This job includes physically demanding work often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. Requires frequently lifting and/or carrying objects. 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. **Minimum Qualifications** This position requires river paddling leadership training. Qualified applicants who have not completed an appropriate river paddling leadership course will be allowed up to 6 months to successfully complete agency-provided training, as a condition of employment. + A Bachelor's degree in environmental education and interpretation OR one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology OR a cultural resource-focused degree such as Indigenous Studies, history, anthropology, archeology OR parks and recreation management OR an equivalent + One year of professional experience that includes responsibilities for developing and conducting natural and/or cultural resource interpretive programs and services. Additional Requirements include the following: + Advanced human relations skills to create and maintain positive, professional work relationships with staff and positive experiences for park visitors. + Advanced oral communication skills to: + Present information on environmental and cultural values and facts and theories in a clear and understandable manner to diverse individuals and groups. + Provide direction to staff. + Participate in media interviews. + Experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation or education. + Organizational skills to develop schedules and implement interpretive services. + Skills in cultural, historical and natural resource research and literature search techniques. + Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports, and write interesting and educational newspaper articles. + Understanding of interpretive techniques including the ability to assess audiences and the effectiveness of interpretive media. + Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations. **Preferred Qualifications** + Understanding of educational curriculum and materials to develop activities for K-12 students, assess the effectiveness of these activities and train others to use the park for education. + Experience developing relationships with communities that have a culture different than one’s own or coursework in diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion. + Paddling experience, including on-water leadership. + Knowledge of the natural resources and cultural history of Minnesota. + Knowledge of the local indigenous cultures and perspectives as they pertain to the natural resources and cultural history of the region. + Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals. + Experience providing outreach to underserved populations and communities. + Experience supervising or leading the work of others. + Understanding of basic interpretive exhibit and display standards and techniques. + Ability to communicate in a second language. **Additional Requirements** *This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record* It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: + Employment Reference Check + SEMA4 Records Check + Conflict of Interest Review + Criminal History Check + Education/license 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.