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Naturalist Corps Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 81777
  • Location: Various
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Intern
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 01/02/2025
  • 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: No
  • Salary Range: $19 / 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.

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, Maplewood (With Glendalough), Mille Lacs Kathio, New London, 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.

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. For more state park information, visit the DNR website.

Selected applicants will be REQUIRED to attend a mandatory 3-day training held May 20th, 2025, through May 22nd, 2025, 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, historical, and/or 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 in order 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.

Many Naturalist Corps positions perform fishing and aquatic resources programs for 25%-100% of their duties. Those duties include: 

  • Teach fishing skills, fish identification, aquatic ecology, fisheries management, and water stewardship to a variety of audiences.
  • At some locations, lead fishing programs, which includes handling live fish and bait.
     

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

  • 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, etc.
  • 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

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 Jennifer Conrad at Jennifer.conrad@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-368-2670.

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.