"Alerted.org

Working Title: Park Specialist

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Parks & Trails

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

+ **Job ID** : 86256

+ **Location** : _Itasca State Park

+ **Telework Eligible** : No

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Temporary

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

+ **Date Posted** : 5/31/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 6/20/2025

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

+ **Division/Unit** : DNR Parks & Trails Reg 1 / Itasca State Park

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Rotating Shift

+ **Days of Work** : Varies

+ **Travel Required** : No

+ **Salary Range:** $24.42 - $35.43 / hourly; $50,989 - $73,978 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Unclassified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

+ **FLSA Status** : Non-Exempt

+ 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.

Job Summary

Established in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota and one of the first state parks in the country. Home to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, the park is one of the top tourism attractions in the Upper Midwest. Itasca State Park operates 7 days a week with visitors on-site 24 hours a day during peak operations.

The DNR is currently seeking a full-time temporary Park Specialist to lead and implement programs, activities, policies, and rules at Itasca State Park, LaSalle Lake State Recreation Area, and Mantrap, Hungryman, Huntersville, and Shell City State Forest Campgrounds. Work hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays, and weekends. This temporary position will be in place for up to three (3) years.

Responsibilities include:

+ As lead worker for Enforcement and Emergency Services team; prioritize, assign, direct, guide, and report on the work activities of Park Patrol/Security Guards. Enforce relevant rules and statues, provide emergency response to ensure visitor safety, and ensure training opportunities for all Park Ranger and EMR staff.

+ Physical plant management: repair, maintenance, and custodial services for buildings, grounds, utilities, and all other facilities.

+ Fiscal management: assist with revenue operations, budgets, and purchasing of goods and services.

+ Visitor services management: assist with administration of vehicle permit sales, campground operation, and operation of all public facilities.

+ Public relations: provide information to park visitors and to the local community via media outlets; also includes involvement with local community interest groups.

+ Policy and planning: participate in planning and policy efforts of the park, division, and department.

+ Safety: perform inspections, ensure use of protective equipment and safe work behavior, investigate/report injuries and potential visitor hazards, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates degree in in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation or closely related field and ONE YEAR of experience in a natural resources or parks and trails field.

A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in natural or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science or closely related field will substitute for the above experience.

AND

Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups.

Communication skills sufficient to give clear instructions and provide appropriate responses to individuals and groups.

Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.

Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize memos, letters and other correspondence without spelling errors and using appropriate business language.

Ability to use and understand computer and communication equipment sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and complete work effectively. This includes database, presentation and spreadsheet development and usage.

Ability to navigate natural terrain, board vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment) and endure physical exertion.

Preferred Qualifications

Para-professional work experience that includes construction work, including techniques and materials.

Experience and skill managing natural areas such as exotic species control, prescribed burning, conducting resource inventories, and preparing environmental impact assessments.

Experience prioritizing work and managing projects

Experience in preparing natural resource management plans, using GIS skills to create plan maps, and analyzing data.

Experience coordinating resource projects.

Experience directing staff, coordinating volunteers, and working with other agencies.

Experience communicating with audiences, giving presentations, media interviews, and writing articles and publications.

First Aid and CPR Training.

Additional Requirements

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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.