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Park Operations Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 81724
  • Location: Various
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Part-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Intern
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 01/02/2025
  • Closing Date: 01/31/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $19.00 / Hourly
  • Classified Status: Non-Status
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 223 - Non-Employee/Unrepresented
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Job Summary

 

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.

We are currently seeking to fill multiple internships at the following State Park locations: Buffalo River, Glendalough, Frontenac, Maplewood, Temperance River, Tettegouche, Lake Vermillion - Soudan Underground Mine, and Whitewater. After the posting close date, we will email applicants directly to request their preferred work location.

These positions provide students with an educational experience and on-the-job training in park management, visitor services, and public contact along with assisting with various aspects of park operations. Other opportunities may include learning about and assisting in environmental education and interpretive activities, the maintenance staff, resource management, and assisting the park security staff. To help us learn more about State Park visitors, and to better inform DNR State Park decisions, the Maplewood and Whitewater internship includes administering visitor surveys for up to approximately 50% of the internship.

Hours of work vary and include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Normal work hours vary depending on day of the week and park needs. Some shifts will include late afternoon and/or evening hours. Housing is provided at the following locations: Lake Vermillion - Soudan Underground Mine & Tettegouche.

Job responsibilities are unique at each location and may include, but are not limited to:

  • Assist staff in daily operation activities while learning about visitor services and customer service by greeting the public and providing information on the park and local area. Daily operation activities include cleaning and grounds maintenance.
  • Become familiar with and explain the park rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to the public.
  • Sell vehicle permits, firewood, and merchandise.
  • Register campers and work with the campground reservation system.
  • Learn about and follow auditing procedures by collecting user fees and reconciling the daily receipts.
  • All activities are performed under the direction of park management. Student will be trained and instructed in the use of construction tools, constructions skills, safety, and park management.
  • Administer surveys to state park visitors in accordance with the research protocol, sampling design, and best practices for handling sensitive, non-public data.

Qualifications

 

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
  • Ability to follow directions and work well independently or as part of a team.
  • Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to interact with park users and to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle, ATV, lawn mower, small hand tools, and other equipment and tools.
  • Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Enrolled in a degree program related to Natural Resources.
  • Ability to effectively manage an emergency situation.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service.
  • Experience with or knowledge about social science research methods and survey administration.

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

Application Details

 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Christa Maxwell at Christa.Maxwell@state.mn.us or 218-770-2817.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us.  

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

  • Paid vacation and sick leave 
  • 12 paid holidays each year 
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

 

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.