Interpret Naturalist

The work you’ll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees help shape policies, provide essential services, and improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, providing employees with benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

• Working Title: Interpret Naturalist 2
• Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 2
• Position: One full‑time seasonal (5.5‑month) position
• Location: Bear Head Lake State Park
• Agency: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Parks and Trails Region 2
• Employment Type: Full‑time
• Work Shift/
  
  Hours:
  
  Rotating shift – typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with nights, weekends and holidays, including occasions of 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM
• Days of Work: Wednesday–Sunday (includes two consecutive days off during the week)
• Season Dates: April to mid‑September
• Travel: Occasional
• Salary Range: $25.67–$37.26 per hour; $53,598–$77,798 annually
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Classified Status: Classified
• Connect 700 Program: Designated for applicants with disabilities – Yes

• Develop, present, and evaluate programs that support multiple perspectives and use a variety of interpretive methods and techniques; primarily in‑person presentations.
• 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 from a variety of sources to develop interpretive activities, write exhibit content, and answer visitor questions.
• Perform administrative functions such as tracking program attendance, writing reports, managing budgets, and attending staff meetings.
• Serve as a technical resource for local communities, park visitors and staff on park resources.
• Discuss and exchange information on park operations, interpretive services, and resource management with park staff.
• Participate in the development of park unit interpretive plans and park management plans.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education and interpretation, or a physical science (ecology, zoology, botany, geology), or a cultural resource‑focused degree (Indigenous Studies, history, anthropology, archaeology, parks and recreation management), or equivalent.
• One year of professional experience developing and conducting natural and/or cultural resource interpretive programs and services.
• Advanced human relations skills to create and maintain positive, professional work relationships with staff and deliver positive experiences for park visitors.
• Advanced communication skills to:
  • Present environmental and cultural values and facts clearly 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.
• Research and literature‑search skills in cultural, historical, and natural resources.
• Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports, and write engaging educational articles.
• Understanding of interpretive techniques, audience assessment, and media effectiveness.
• Ability to manage visitors and handle emergency response situations.
• Effective communication with customers/stakeholders and ability to understand information.

• Understanding of educational curriculum and materials for K‑12 students, ability to assess effectiveness, and training others to use the park for education.
• Experience building relationships with culturally diverse communities; coursework in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and perspectives related to the region’s natural resources and cultural history.
• Ability to identify common plants and animals in the area.
• Experience providing outreach to underserved populations and communities.
• Experience supervising or leading the work of others.
• Knowledge of basic interpretive exhibit and display…