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: Interpretive Naturalist 1
Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/27/2023
• Closing Date: 05/17/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Reg 3
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: Yes, minimal for training
• Salary Range: $21.43 - $31.00 / hourly
• Job Class Option: Parks
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

This posting will be used to fill a seasonal, full-time Interpretive Naturalist 1 position at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park near Preston, Minnesota. The anticipated season dates are May 4th to October 22nd each calendar year.

This position will develop, present, and publicize interpretive programs in order to educate the public about the natural, cultural and outdoor recreation aspects of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Much of this work involves presenting interpretive tours in Mystery Cave. Other duties include researching material for interpretive use, developing non-personal interpretive materials, staffing the information desk and visitor center, record keeping, opening/closing visitor center and cave, record keeping, operating the ticket and gift store counter.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and present interpretive activities by developing and conducting interpretive tours, operate lighting system on the cave tour routes, present safety and conservation messages to cave tour visitors, and present interpretive talks and/or activities above ground.
• Perform information and sales duties by meeting and greeting the public at assigned information/ticket sales area, sell tickets and gift store items; perform remittance, conduct inventory of gift store merchandise, and maintain shelves, counters, and walls in public view.
• Perform administrative functions by responding to inquiries from the public orally and in writing, attend and participate in staff meetings, record and file visitor attendance, and create interpretive signs, forms, and spreadsheets.
• Perform operational duties by enabling safe, smooth, and efficient cave operations to be carried out.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology, geography OR a cultural resource focused degree such as American history, anthropology, archeology, OR parks and recreation management OR environmental education and interpretation OR equivalent.
• Three 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/willingness 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 in Minnesota State Parks.
• Prior work experience in Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
• Six 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 resources.
• Background in natural/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/visual presentation skills.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills.
• Organizational skills sufficient to develop, schedule and implement summer programs.
• Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50-pounds 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.

*Must be able to push a wheel chair with occupant through the Scenic Tour Route*

Additional Requirements

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• 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 Dawn Ryan at dawn.m.ryan@state.mn.us or 507-808-8010.

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 Rebecca Mortellaro at rebecca.mortellaro@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.