Interpret Naturalist

Position: Interpret Naturalist 1
Location: Preston

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* Working Title:

Interpretive Naturalist 1*
* ** Job Class:
Interpretive Naturalist 1*
* ** Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources*
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** Job ** : 91200

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** Location** : _Forestville/Mystery Cave Stat

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** Telework Eligible** :
No

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** Regular/Temporary** :
Seasonal

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** Who May Apply** :
Open to all qualified job seekers

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** Date Posted** : 01/06/2026

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** Closing Date** : 09/30/2026

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** Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** :
Department of Natural Resources

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** Division/Unit** : DNR Parks & Trails Region 3

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** Work Shift/Work Hours** :
Varies

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** Days of Work** :
Varies

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** Travel Required** :
No

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** Salary Range:**  $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly

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** Classified Status** :
Classified

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** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MAPE / 218 Insufficient Work Time

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** FLSA:
** Non-Exempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
Yes

** 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.

** This announcement will be used to fill multiple positions throughout the 2026 operating season at*
* ** Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park near Preston, MN.*
* The DNR is seeking to fill multiple seasonal Interpretive Naturalist positions at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park near Preston, MN. The anticipated work schedule will generally be days that include weekends and holidays and some evenings; the anticipated season dates are from May through Labor Day (September) each calendar year; however, the actual season dates may start later or end earlier to meet contractual obligations or agency needs.  

This will be discussed as part of the interview process.

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.

Responsibilities include:

+ 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.

** Minimum Qualifications*
* + 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.

Additional requirements include:

+ Advanced oral communication skills sufficient to present information on environmental and cultural values, facts, and theories in a clear and understandable…