Employment Opportunity with the State of Minnesota

Date Posted: / 04/08/2015 / Closing Date: / 04/22/2014
Job Classification: / INTERPRET NATURALIST 1
Hiring Agency: / Natural Resources Dept
Division/Bureau: / Parks & Trails, Region 4
Location: / SIBLEY STATE PARK
Salary Range: / $ 17.76 - $ 25.69 hourly
Who May Apply: / Open to all qualified job seekers.
Posting Number: / 15DNR000327
Work Shift: / Rotating Shift / Travel Required: / yes
Days of Work: / Varies , 8:30 am-10:30 pm / Employment Condition: / Seasonal, Full-time
Classified Status: / Classified
Job Duties: / This is a seasonal, full-time position at Sibley State Park near New London/Willmar, Minnesota. The position has an attached Class Option of Parks. The position will work a rotating shift that will vary depending on demand and scheduling needs, and may include evenings, weekends and holidays. Anticipated season dates for the position are approximately May 18th through September 7th each year.
This position presents, publicizes and develops interpretive programs in order to educate the public about the natural, scientific, historical and recreational aspects of Sibley State Park and Monson Lake State Park.
Responsibilities include:
-Present interpretive activities using media including but not limited to hikes, talks, PowerPoints, DVD and demonstrations and experiential programs such as archery, canoeing, etc.to a variety of audiences.
-Evaluate/update presentations, activities, procedures and information.
-Research natural and cultural history information from a variety of sources for presentation development and resource assessment.
-Develop interpretive activities (such as hikes, slide/PowerPoint programs, campfire presentations, etc.) and materials.
-Develop interpretive themes, objectives, content and procedures for interpretive activities and acquire needed materials for them.
-Publicize and promote the park and its resources, interpretive services, recreational opportunities and resource management activities.
-Serve as a technical resource for local community, park visitors and staff by answering inquiries about area and park specific resources.
-Staff the visitor center providing service to park guests.
-Perform light custodial duties to maintain a safe and attractive visitor center.
-Discuss/exchange information on park operations, interpretive services and resource management issues with park management team.
-Train, schedule and provide work direction to interns and volunteers.
Minimum Qualifications: / Applicants must meet the following:
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 equivalent.
*PLEASE NOTE* Applicants who do not have current status in an Interpretive Naturalist 1-Parks position with the Department of Natural Resources ARE REQUIRED TO REQUEST, COMPLETE AND RETURN A QUESTIONNAIRE that assesses college course work in: a) natural or cultural resources such as earth science, ecology, zoology, botany, geology (minimum of 21 quarter/14 semester credits required) AND b) communications and/or education, AND c) park or forest recreation or natural or cultural resource interpretation, ALONG WITH SUPPORTING TRANSCRIPTS, PLUS
2) A relevant degree; AND
3) Relevant experience.
To obtain the questionnaire please contact Erin Tappan, at 651.259.5322, or by e-mail at .
Additional requirements include:
*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.
Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.
Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50-pound bags of feed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.
Preferred Qualifications: / Prior experience conducting interpretive programs in Minnesota State Parks.
Prior work experience in Sibley State Park.
Background knowledge of prairie and savanna natural communities.
Background knowledge of depression era work relief programs and the VCC.
Experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation or education.
Experience instructing and/or certification in, youth archery programs.
Experience instructing and/or certification in, basic canoeing programs.
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.
Computer skills in MS Office, including Power Point, Publisher and Excel.
Selection Process: / The selection process is a resume-based, skill-matching process. Resumes of all applicants to this posting who do not have current status as an Interpretive Naturalist 1-Parks, will be evaluated against the Minimum Qualifications stated above, AND FURTHER EVALUATED based on returned QUESTIONNAIRE and TRANSCRIPTS.
How to Apply: / Please identify Posting #15DNR000327 in your application materials.
ALL APPLICANTS MUST CONTACT Erin Tappan, at 651.259.5322, or by e-mail at TO REQUEST THE QUESTIONNAIRE noted above.
Then:
SUBMIT YOUR RESUME, either:
a) Online at < (apply to Posting Number 15DNR000327). You may apply for this position, by clicking the APPLY box found at the bottom of this job announcement. For additional information about the State’s selection process, go to <
OR
b) With a paper copy of your resume AND a completed State of Minnesota Employment Application form to: Minnesota Management Budget (MMB), 400 Centennial Office Building, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155. Be sure to indicate the posting number of this job (14DNR000327) on your application. The paper application is available on the State Employment Web and MMB web sites, at any state agency HR office, or by calling 651-259-3637.
AND
2) SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE and TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial-ok) to Jan Bailey, by e-mail to , by FAX, to 651.296.6494, or by mail to 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4049.
APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION BY the Posting Close Date (above), WILL NOT BE EVALUATED OR NOTIFIED FURTHER.
Current State Employees: Please note that employment provisions (including but not limited to seniority and leave accrual) vary among the three branches of Minnesota State government. When considering a job with another branch, you are highly encouraged to explore those differences. For assistance, please direct your questions to your current or anticipated Human Resources office.
For additional information about the State’s selection process, go to <
Contact for more info: / Jack Nelson , 320.354.2055 /

Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer
This information can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 259.3637 or (651) 282-2699 (TTY).

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