Interpret Naturalist 2

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: 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
  
  

How To Apply

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Ashley Steevens at ashley.steevens@state.mn.us or 507-386-3913.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Ashley Luecken at ashley.luecken@state.mn.us.

About MN Department Of Natural Resources

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Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

Training, classes, and professional development

Tuition reimbursement

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.