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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 1 week ago

Naturalist Corps Intern

State Center, IA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$19/hr - $19/hr

Start in 2026 Summer

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to managing Minnesota's natural resources and providing outdoor recreation activities. They are seeking Naturalist Corps interns to interpret natural and cultural features of state parks and trails, enhancing visitors' awareness and appreciation of these resources through public programs and various projects.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

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, and 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 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

Teach fishing skills, fish identification, aquatic ecology, fisheries management, and water stewardship to a variety of audiences

Lead fishing programs, which includes handling live fish and bait

Qualification

Public speakingEnvironmental educationAquatic resources knowledgeDiversityInclusion knowledgeCommunication skillsIndependent workHandling fishBaitVolunteer experienceEducation experience

Required

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

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

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

Preferred

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, and fishing

Experience working with diverse audiences including families, youth, young children, senior citizens, and adults with various physical and learning abilities and ethnic backgrounds

Benefits

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

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

Company

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with citizens to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

Founded in 1971