Interpret Naturalist

Overview

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 seeking to fill one (1) Unlimited, intermittent 5% Interpretive Naturalist position at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park near Preston, MN. The hours and days of work will vary. This position is on-call as needed.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…