Working Title: Interpret Naturalist 2
Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90728
Location : Bear Head Lake State Park
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Seasonal
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 12/19/2025
Closing Date : 01/08/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Parks and Trails Region 2
Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift
Days of Work : Wednesday - Sunday
Travel Required : Yes - Occasionally
Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full-time seasonal (5.5 month) Interpretive Naturalist 2 position at Bear Head Lake State Park. Work hours and days of work varies and includes nights, weekends, and holidays. Work hours are generally 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, typically including weekends (with two consecutive days off during the week) and holidays. Includes occasional evening shifts such as 1:00PM to 9:30 PM. The typical anticipated season dates are April to mid-September.
This Interpretive Naturalist position exists develops, publicizes and implements a welcoming and inclusive state parks and trails interpretation, environmental education and information services to enhance the public's awareness, appreciation and understanding of cultural, natural and recreational resources; foster resource stewardship; and to inform the public about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs and current environmental issues.
Interpretive services participants include park visitors, local communities, under-served populations, organized groups, public and private schools, other units within the Minnesota DNR, parks support groups, special interest groups, volunteers, media outlets, and other governmental organizations.
This position primarily serves Bear Head Lake State Park but also may serve other Parks and Trails locations within the area.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Develop, present and evaluate programs that include multiple perspectives and use a variety of interpretive methods and techniques. Presentations are primarily provided in-person.
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 information from a variety of sources to develop interpretive activities, write content for exhibits, and answer visitor questions.
Perform administrative functions such as tracking program attendance, writing reports, managing budgets, and participating in staff meetings.
Serve as technical resource for local community, park visitors and staff by providing information about area and park resources.
Discuss and exchange information on park operations, interpretive services and resource management issues with park staff team.
Participate in the development of park unit interpretive plans and park management plans.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in environmental education and interpretation OR one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology OR a cultural resource-focused degree such as Indigenous Studies, history, anthropology, archeology OR parks and recreation management OR an equivalent.
One year of professional experience that includes responsibilities for developing and conducting natural and/or cultural resource interpretive programs and services.
And
Advanced human relations skills to create and maintain positive, professional work relationships with staff and positive experiences for park visitors.
Advanced communication skills to:
Present information on environmental and cultural values and facts and theories in a clear and understandable manner 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.
Skills in cultural, historical, and natural resource research and literature search techniques.
Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports, and write interesting and educational newspaper articles.
Understanding of interpretive techniques including the ability to assess audiences and the effectiveness of interpretive media.
Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers / stakeholders and understand information.
Preferred Qualifications
Understanding of educational curriculum and materials to develop activities for K-12 students, assess the effectiveness of these activities and train others to use the park for education.
Experience developing relationships with communities that have a culture different than one's own or course work in diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Knowledge of indigenous cultures and perspectives as they pertain to the natural resources and cultural history of the region.
Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals.
Experience providing outreach to underserved populations and communities.
Experience supervising or leading the work of others.
Understanding of basic interpretive exhibit and display standards and techniques.
Ability to communicate in a second language.
Additional Requirements
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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
