"Alerted.org

Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

+ **Job ID** : 90954

+ **Location** : Buffalo River State Park

+ **Telework Eligible** : No

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

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Seasonal

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

+ **Date Posted** : 12/30/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 01/20/2026

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

+ **Division/Unit** : Parks & Trails / Region 1

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

+ **Days of Work** : Tuesday - Saturday

+ **Travel Required** : Yes, occasionally for meetings and trainings.

+ **Salary Range:** $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly; $50,070 - $72,432 / 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 DNR is seeking to fill one (1) seasonal full-time, Interpretive Naturalist position at Buffalo River State Park near Glyndon, MN. The typical anticipated season dates are from April through October; however, the actual season dates may start later or end earlier to meet contractual obligations or agency needs. The anticipated work schedule will generally be days shift that include weekends and holidays.

The Interpretive Naturalist 1 position develops, publicizes, and presents interpretive and environmental education programs to diverse audiences. This position provides information services to enhance the public’s awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources and their management at Buffalo River State Park, Bluestem Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA), and other nearby SNAs; foster resource stewardship; and inform the public about DNR programs and current environmental issues.

Responsibilities include:

+ Developing and presenting interpretive, environmental education and recreational activities to promote public awareness, appreciation and understanding of local, natural, cultural, and recreational resources and their management and to foster resource stewardship.

+ Under the guidance of the supervisor, contributing to the park’s and scientific and natural areas, public relations effort, informing the public about resources, interpretive programs and events, facilities, or management objectives of the Divisions and Department.

+ Performing administrative operations to ensure orderly and efficient interpretive services.

+ Researching statewide and local natural and cultural resources to increase knowledge, support work plans and improve visitor experience.

+ Performing all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. Encouraging a diverse workplace, treating others with respect, and contributing to work groups. Support the overall mission of the DNR.

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.

+ Advanced oral communication skills sufficient to present information on environmental and cultural values, facts, and theories in a clear and understandable manner to diverse individuals and groups.

+ Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports and write interesting and educational news releases.

+ Advanced human relations skills.

+ Ability/willingness to work as part of a team with changing assignments.

+ Understanding of interpretive techniques including the ability to assess audiences and the effectiveness of interpretive media.

+ Skills in historical, cultural, and natural resource research and literature search techniques.

+ Computer skills, i.e., MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Prior experience conducting interpretive programs in Minnesota State Parks.

+ Knowledge and understanding of Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas.

+ Six months professional experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation, or education.

+ Understanding of Minnesota's natural and cultural history and resource management.

+ Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals.

+ Knowledge of park resources.

+ Background in natural/cultural resource interpretation.

+ Understanding of basic interpretive exhibit and display standards and techniques.

+ Understanding of educational curriculum and materials sufficient to assess their effectiveness.

+ Illustration/photography/visual presentation skills.

+ Well-developed problem-solving skills.

+ Organizational skills sufficient to develop, schedule and implement summer programs.

+ Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.

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.

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.