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Working Title: Interpretive Naturalist 1

Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 91200
• Location : _Forestville/Mystery Cave Stat
• Telework Eligible : No
• Regular/Temporary : Seasonal
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 01/06/2026
• Closing Date : 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Region 3
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies
• Days of Work : Varies
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MAPE / 218 Insufficient Work Time
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

This announcement will be used to fill multiple positions throughout the 2026 operating season at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park near Preston, MN.

The DNR is seeking to fill multiple seasonal Interpretive Naturalist positions at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park near Preston, MN. The anticipated work schedule will generally be days that include weekends and holidays and some evenings; the anticipated season dates are from May through Labor Day (September) each calendar year; however, the actual season dates may start later or end earlier to meet contractual obligations or agency needs. This will be discussed as part of the interview process.

This position will develop, present, and publicize interpretive programs in order to educate the public about the natural, cultural and outdoor recreation aspects of Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. Much of this work involves presenting interpretive tours in Mystery Cave. Other duties include researching material for interpretive use, developing non-personal interpretive materials, staffing the information desk and visitor center, record keeping, opening/closing visitor center and cave, record keeping, operating the ticket and gift store counter.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and present interpretive activities by developing and conducting interpretive tours, operate lighting system on the cave tour routes, present safety and conservation messages to cave tour visitors, and present interpretive talks and/or activities above ground.
• Perform information and sales duties by meeting and greeting the public at assigned information/ticket sales area, sell tickets and gift store items; perform remittance, conduct inventory of gift store merchandise, and maintain shelves, counters, and walls in public view.
• Perform administrative functions by responding to inquiries from the public orally and in writing, attend and participate in staff meetings, record, and file visitor attendance, and create interpretive signs, forms, and spreadsheets.
• Perform operational duties by enabling safe, smooth, and efficient cave operations to be carried out.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 environmental education and interpretation OR equivalent.
• Three months relevant public speaking experience in a formal or informal setting. Relevant speaking experience may include professional, volunteer, or internship work.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience conducting interpretive programs in Minnesota State Parks.
• Prior work experience in Forestville Mystery Cave State Park.
• Six months professional experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation, or education.
• 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.

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

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.