Park Operations & Research Intern

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life.
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Job Details Working Title: Park Operations & Research Intern Job Class: Intern Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 01/02/2024 Closing Date: 01/31/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources Division/Unit: Parks & 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 Anticipated Start Date: May 2024 Anticipated End Date: September 2024 Telework Eligible: No Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job.
Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
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 seeking to fill one (1) Park Operations & Research Intern position at the following state park location: Maplewood State Park This position exists to provide students with an educational experience and on the job training in park management, visitor services and public contact duties and to assist in various aspects of park operations.
The position also involves assisting in the administration of the state trail visitor survey at various state trails.
Other opportunities may include learning about and assisting the maintenance staff, resource management and assisting the park security staff.
Hours of work vary and include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Normal work hours vary depending on day of the week and park needs.
Most shifts will include late afternoon and/or evening hours.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Learn about visitor services and customer service by greeting the public and providing information on the park and local area.
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.
Staff the visitor center, assist visitors, answers questions from the public.
Learn about and assist the park naturalist and other park staff in environmental education and interpretive and resource management activities as appropriate.
Become familiar with the park’s maintenance program and assist staff to learn about and perform routine maintenance and cleaning of the park’s buildings, grounds, and facilities.
Learn about and assist the park security rangers in providing protection for the park visitors and resources.
Administer surveys of state trail visitors at various state trails throughout the system in accordance with the research protocol, sampling design, and best practices for handling sensitive, non-public data.
Represent the Parks and Trails Division positively in interactions with park users, by responding appropriately to questions and following agency guidelines for “Culture of Respect” and ethical behavior.
Track and report on survey contacts.
Use electronic tablet to maintain accurate information about the number of people contacted and number of surveys completed, as well as hours and locations of survey periods.
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 Natural Resources Management or related degree program.
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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.
mn.
us.
For additional information about the application process, go to https://www.
mn.
gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Don DelGreco at don.
delgreco@state.
mn.
us or 218-863-8383.
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.
Why Work for Us Diverse Workforce We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve.
The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found: 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule Comprehensive Benefits Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony.
As an employee, your benefits may include: Public pension plan Training and professional development Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Paid parental leave Low-cost medical and dental coverage Prescription drug coverage Vision coverage Wellness programs and resources Employer paid life insurance Short-term and long-term disability Health care spending and savings accounts Dependent care spending account Tax-deferred compensation Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition reimbursement Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program 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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers.
The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities.
If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.
mn.
us and indicate what assistance is needed.