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Working Title: Intermittent Interpretive Naturalist

Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

+ **Job ID** : 89909

+ **Location** : Apple Valley

+ **Telework Eligible** : No

+ **Full/Part Time** : Intermittent

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

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

+ **Date Posted** : 11/4/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 11/17/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Insuff Wk Tm

+ **Division/Unit** : Strategy & Engagement / Learning & Education / Education

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Work hours vary and may include weekdays or weekends, day time or evening, depending upon program schedules.

+ **Travel Required** : No

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

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep

+ **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.

Work hours vary and may include workdays or weekends, day time or evening, depending upon program schedules.

This position exists to assist in the development and implementation of education programs which could include (but are not restricted to) zoo camps, public programs, early childhood, family, adult, and school programs. This position is also responsible for promoting the importance of conservation, and the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

Duties include but are not limited to:

+ Present established education programs in a professional, high-quality manner according to the appropriate curricula and established lesson plans.

+ Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of education programs as needed ensuring that education programs are of the highest quality and convey conservation, ecological, and natural history information in an effective, fun and engaging way.

+ Integrate Conservation messages into all education programming and experiences so participants are able to act on behalf of wildlife.

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.

+ Two (2) years’ experience developing and/or implementing environmental/nature, socio-cultural, historical, or closely related programs at a zoo, nature center, or aquarium.

OR

+ Two (2) years’ experience as a teacher in a formal educational setting teaching elementary, middle school and/or high school science or related subjects.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Interpretation, Education, or closely related field.

+ Demonstrated knowledge of and proven experience in environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology.

+ Evidence of exceptional interpersonal skills.

+ Superior oral and written communication skills.

+ Excellent teaching and presentation skills, practices, and processes.

+ Knowledge of zoology, biology, life sciences and environmental sciences.

+ Knowledge of conservation, wildlife biology, and sustainability issues.

+ Knowledge of the Minnesota Zoo operational services, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines.

Physical Requirements

+ Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain.

+ Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff.

+ Flexible availability including weekdays, weekends, and evenings.

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.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo 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 including fingerprinting

+ 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.