Working Title: Naturalist Corps Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90566
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Intern
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 01/02/2026
Closing Date : 02/02/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Parks and Trails
Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies
Days of Work : Varies
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $19.00 / hour
Classified Status : Non-Status
Bargaining Unit/Union : 223 - Non-Employee/Unrepresented
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota's natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.
This posting will be used to fill multiple internships in the following state park locations: Afton, Fort Snelling, Gooseberry Falls, Interstate, Itasca, Jay Cooke, Lake Bemidji, Lake Carlos, Mille Lacs Kathio, Minneopa, Sibley, St. Croix, Tettegouche, Whitewater, Wild River, and William O'Brien. After the posting close date, we will email applicants directly to request their preferred work location. For more state park information, visit the DNR website (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/index.html) .
Naturalist Corps interns interpret the natural and cultural features of state parks and trails to enhance visitors' awareness, understanding, appreciation and stewardship of those resources. Under the mentorship of a park naturalist, Naturalist Corps interns provide public programs, answer visitor questions, and complete other projects as assigned.
Work hours vary, but will include afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Summer 3.5-month positions are from early to mid-May through Labor Day. This schedule is flexible and varies according to school year and state park. Uniforms are required and provided. Park housing is available for rent at only the following locations: Itasca, St. Croix, and Tettegouche.
Selected applicants will be REQUIRED to attend a mandatory 3-day training held May 19-21, 2026 at Lake Carlos State Park. This statewide naturalist training is held BEFORE the regular 3.5-month summer position begins.
Responsibilities include:
Present and lead programs and activities to diverse audiences ranging from children to adults. (About 85% of the job involves public speaking to large and small groups of visitors.) These programs may include nature walks, campfire talks, demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations, and make-and-take activities that relate to the park's natural, cultural, and recreational resources.
Conduct roving interpretation in high-use areas of the park. This may include developing a short interpretive talk on one of the natural, cultural, or recreational resources with appropriate props or quick hands-on activities.
Staff the park's visitor center and answer questions from the public. Read prepared materials and become familiar with the park's points of interest, facilities, and trails to provide visitors with accurate park information. Keep brochures available for the public and maintain exhibits in a clean and orderly manner.
Assist park staff in conducting resource management activities, such as invasive species control, plant and animal inventories, research, and seed harvesting.
Complete special projects and training as assigned. This may include projects that relate to cultural or natural resource research, park operations, or regional or statewide interpretive projects or training activities.
Some Naturalist Corps positions perform fishing and aquatic resources programs as part of their duties. Fishing programs include:
Teach fishing skills, fish identification, aquatic ecology, fisheries management, and water stewardship to a variety of audiences.
Lead fishing programs, which includes handling live fish and bait.
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; AND
Your advisor must certify that you will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.
AND
Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
Knowledge about diversity, equity and inclusion; and ability to serve diverse visitors.
Ability to manage and complete assigned duties by working independently.
Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
Ability to handle fish and bait.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in public speaking or communications.
Volunteer work or employment in education, interpretation, or environmental education.
Experience related to aquatic resources such as aquatic biology, fisheries, and fishing.
Experience working with diverse audiences including families, youth, young children, senior citizens, and adults with various physical and learning abilities and ethnic backgrounds.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.
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.
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.
