Temp Recreation Instructor

General Description

POSTING TYPE:
Temporary/Seasonal

DEPARTMENT:
Parks

HOURS:

Various

HOURLY RATE: $19.00 - $23.00

LOCATION:

Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, Eagan

UNION:
None

CLOSE DATE:
This posting will remain open until all available positions are filled. Apply early as the first review of applications will occur on Friday, February 27, 2026.

We are currently seeking applicants for a Temporary Recreation Instructor. The purpose of this position is to provide quality outdoor recreation programming so that participants can enjoy and explore the vast Dakota County Park system. This position will also help develop curriculum and complete projects in support of the outdoor recreation and education team.

Hours are variable up to 40 hours per week with an average of 30 hours per week May through October and will include rotating weekend shifts and some evening shifts based on programming needs.

Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values:
Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Two years of pertinent college‑level coursework working toward a degree in Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Recreation, Outdoor Education, or a closely related field AND 6 months of hands‑on outdoor recreation or education experience (volunteer, intern, or direct employment).
• A valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS BEYOND MINIMUM

REQUIRED:

• CPR and First Aid
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder
• America Canoe Association
• National Archery in the Schools
• Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association or IMBA Bike Instructor Certification Program
• Professional Ski Instructors of America for Cross Country Skiing
• Adaptive outdoor recreation instruction or experience in paddling, mountain biking, archery, cross country skiing
• Direct work experience implementing educational youth, adult, and/or community programs.
• Language proficiency in Spanish, Somali, and/or Hmong.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Lead outdoor recreation programs including summer camps, general public classes, birthday parties, school field trips, and others.

2. Assist with outdoor recreational and educational program preparation, including maintaining program equipment and supplies.

3. Prepare curriculum, educational displays, and other interpretative materials.

4. Use tools and supplies required to perform assigned tasks in a safe, efficient manner.

5. Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions:

1 - 4

• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a variety of audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Experience teaching others, especially youth and working with diverse communities.
• Knowledge of outdoor education, and natural history.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round under variable weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 74 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic.
• Proven ability to work well with others.
• Willing to learn and perform other duties.

Work is performed inside County buildings, and outdoors in County parks and greenspaces. Employee will be frequently required to work in outside weather conditions, being exposed to cold and hot temperatures, precipitation, direct sunlight, wind, dust, and pollen that occasionally necessitate the use of rain gear, gloves, etc. The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of walking,…