You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Interpretive Naturalist 2

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Email

Interpretive Naturalist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 88876
  • Location: _Afton State Park
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 09/17/2025
  • Closing Date: 10/07/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources 
  • Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 3
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Days / Varies
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,599 - $77,799 / annually
  • Job Class Option: Parks
  • 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: 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

 

The DNR is currently seeking to fill One (1) full-time Interpretive Naturalist 2 position located at Afton State Park near Hastings, MN. Work hours and days of work vary and include nights, weekends, and holidays. From May to October, the typical work week is Wednesday through Sunday. From November to April, the typical work week is Monday through Friday.

This position exists to develop, publicize, and implement welcoming and inclusive state parks and trails interpretive, environmental education and information services. These services enhance the public's awareness, appreciation and understanding of cultural, natural, and recreational resources; foster resource stewardship; and inform the public about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs and current environmental issues. The position will be based at Afton State Park and will be responsible for the items listed above at Afton State Park; the Luce Line, Gateway, and Brown’s Creek State Trails; and Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area. 

Interpretive services participants include park and trail visitors, local communities, underserved populations, organized groups, public and private schools, other units within the Minnesota DNR, parks support groups, special interest groups, volunteers, media outlets, and other governmental organizations.

The position primarily serves Afton State Park and other surrounding park and trail units such as Gateway, Brown’s Creek, Luce Line. This position is also responsible for outreach within the metro area.

Responsibilities include:
• Present or implement interpretive, environmental education and recreational activities. Presentations are primarily provided in-person.
• Perform administrative operations to ensure orderly and efficient unit-level interpretive services. 
• Reach out to create and provide welcoming, relevant and inclusive interpretive experiences for diverse audiences.
• Research statewide and local natural and cultural resources to increase knowledge, support work plans and improve visitor experience.
• Develop, evaluate and maintain interpretive and informational materials.
• Plan and implement a visitor information and public relations effort on the unit’s resources and interpretive programs.
• Supervise interns and volunteers to enhance interpretive services, provide stewardship and provide entry-level career experience. 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Bachelor's degree in environmental education and interpretation OR one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology OR a cultural resource-focused degree such as Indigenous Studies, history, anthropology, archeology OR parks and recreation management OR an equivalent
  • One year of professional experience that includes responsibilities for developing and conducting natural and/or cultural resource interpretive programs and services.

Additional Requirements include the following:

  • Advanced human relations skills to create and maintain positive, professional work relationships with staff and positive experiences for park visitors.
  • Advanced oral communication skills to:
    • Present information on environmental and cultural values and facts and theories in a clear and understandable manner to diverse individuals and groups.
    • Provide direction to staff.
    • Participate in media interviews.
  • Experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation or education.
  • Organizational skills to develop schedules and implement interpretive services.
  • Skills in cultural, historical and natural resource research and literature search techniques.
  • Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports, and write interesting and educational newspaper articles.
  • Understanding of interpretive techniques including the ability to assess audiences and the effectiveness of interpretive media.
  • Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Understanding of educational curriculum and materials to develop activities for K-12 students, assess the effectiveness of these activities and train others to use the park for education.
  • Experience developing relationships with communities that have a culture different than one’s own or coursework in diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.
  • Paddling experience, including on-water leadership.
  • Knowledge of the natural resources and cultural history of Minnesota.
  • Knowledge of the local indigenous cultures and perspectives as they pertain to the natural resources and cultural history of the region.
  • Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals.
  • Experience providing outreach to underserved populations and communities. 
  • Experience supervising or leading the work of others.
  • Understanding of basic interpretive exhibit and display standards and techniques.
  • Ability to communicate in a second language.

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.

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

  • Employment Reference Check
  • SEMA4 Records Check
  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Criminal History Check
  • Education/license 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 Nicholas (Nick) Bartels at nicholas.bartels@state.mn.us or 651-201-6780.

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. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Ashley Luecken at ashley.luecken@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.