Intern - Parks

College student pursuing a degree in natural sciences, interpretation, education, recreation, Zoology, biology, or related field.

This internship does require evening and weekend hours.  

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Olmsted County Parks has internship opportunities at both Chester Woods and Oxbow Park.  These internships are meant to introduce you to several aspects of the parks, such as leading public and school programs, creating interpretive signage, the daily husbandry of native Minnesota wild animals and not to mention learning the day-to-day operations and management of regional parks. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.Chester Woods Park

• Lead nature walks/hikes and programs for all ages
• Keep interpretive posters, signage, and interpretive labels current
• Weekly checks on the natural playscape
• Assist in resource management of park lands including invasive species removal
• Assist with watercraft rental station
• Assist staff in the daily upkeep and maintenance needed throughout the park
• Assist in posting to park social media accounts
• Inspecting watercraft for AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species)

Oxbow Park

• Zoo animal care – diet prep, daily feeding, cleaning, animal enrichment, exhibit maintenance
• Present zoo animal and nature education programs to school-age groups and the general public 
• Participate in community science projects conducted at the park
• Promote the park and zoo as a Nature Center attendant as well as in the community during outreach programs
• Participate in resource management of park lands, including invasive species removal, as well as other park maintenance 
• Create an individual internship capstone project to better the park and provide the intern with new skills and knowledge, under supervision of park staff

• Knowledge of environmental science.
• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill in organization and self-motivation.
• Ability to accept responsibility.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to exercise some independent judgment and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to use office equipment required for performing the job.
• Ability to use a variety of hand tools.
• Ability to assist with a variety of programs and tasks.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical and Environmental Demands:
 

Function:	24% or Less	25% - 49%	50%-74%	75% or more
Office environment	X
Outdoors environment				X
Lab/Shop environment			X
In vehicle/operating equipment			X
Exposure to needle sticks / sharps exposure	X
Exposure to human blood, pathogens, body fluids	X
Exposure to hazardous materials / chemicals / toxic or caustic chemicals	X
Exposure to atmospheric conditions	X
Exposure to weather				X
Exposure to extreme heat/cold, wet and/or humid			X
Exposure to noise, vibration, electrical current	X
Animal handling	X
Sitting, standing, walking			-	X
Reaching, pulling, climbing, crouching, kneeling, stooping, balancing, crawling, handling, feeling			X
Pushing up to 50 pounds	X
Lifting up to 50 pounds	X
Repetitive hand/foot movements	X
Typing / data entry	X
Talking, hearing				X
Operate vehicle and heavy equipment				X
Close, distance and color vision, field of vision			X
Accommodation (bring object into sharp focus)	X
Sedentary (exert up to 10 pounds of force)				X
Light effort (exert up to 20 pounds of force)			X
Medium effort (exert up to 50 pounds of force)	X
Proximity to moving, mechanical parts			X

Salary : $19