Parks & Trails Associate - Northwest Region

Working Title

Parks & Trails Associate – Northwest Region

Parks & Trails Associate

MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• Location:
  
  Minnesota Northwest Area
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Regular/Temporary:
  Seasonal
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Posting Date: 01/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 1
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Varies
• Days of Work:
  Varies
• Travel Required:
  
  No
• Salary Range: $20.51 – $26.16 per hour
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 – Service/ AFSCME and 218 – Insufficient Work Time
• Work Area:
  Various locations in Northwest Region
• FLSA:
  Non-exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Parks and Trails vision is to create unforgettable park, trail, and water recreation experiences that inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.

• Register campers, sell merchandise, provide information to the public, and clean buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities.
• Perform night security duties where applicable, protecting park and trail resources from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangerous situations.
• Sell park vehicle permits, merchandise items and consumables, register campers, rent buildings, and collect fees to ensure visitors are charged accurately.
• Provide information to the public, give verbal directions, and hand out information to promote a positive image of Minnesota State Parks.
• Communicate with park personnel and keep supervisors informed to maintain control over public activities.
• Clean buildings, grounds, and facilities as directed, and request and select proper cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Organize reservations, assist in compiling weekly income reports, document visitor use, and provide miscellaneous clerical support to maintain fiscal accountability.

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and work independently with limited supervision while prioritizing customer service and safety.
• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleagues complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Problem‑solving skills sufficient to handle uncertain customer‑service situations.
• Skill sufficient to welcome a diverse user base to Minnesota State Parks and Trails units.
• Ability to operate point‑of‑sale systems and computers to accurately count and collect fees.
• Customer‑service skill to interpret and explain program information to customers, clients, and coworkers in a patient and unbiased manner.
• Math skill sufficient to make change, apply simple formulas, calculate account balances and amounts owed.

• Experience or training in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Retail sales and/or customer service experience.
• Database and records‑management experience for accurate filing and categorization.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

• This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• E…