New

Temporary Park Naturalist

Dakota County
Depends on Qualifications

Mar 11, 2025
General Description POSTING TYPE: External DEPARTMENT: Parks HOURS: Various PAY RANGE: $17.00 - $21.00/hour (dependent on qualifications) LOCATION: Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, Eagan UNION: None CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until all available positions are filled. What You'll Do We are currently seeking applicants for a Temporary Park Naturalist. The purpose of this position is to provide quality outdoor environmental and recreation education so that participants can enjoy and explore the vast Dakota County Park system. This position will also help develop curriculum and complete projects in support of the environmental education team. Hours are variable up to 40 hours per week with an average of 30 hours per week May through October and will include rotating weekend shifts and some evening shifts based on programming needs. Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Minimum Qualifications * High school diploma (GED) and Two years of pertinent college-level coursework working towards a degree in the environmental sciences, education or a related field OR a graduate (associate's or bachelor's) in similar field AND * At least 6 months of hands-on environmental education, recreation education or youth work experience. The work experience may have been earned as a volunteer, intern or direct employment. AND * A valid driver's license PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIRED: * Direct work experience implementing youth or community programs a plus. * Language proficiency in Spanish, Somali, and/or Hmong. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions. 1. Lead education programs including summer camps, general public classes, birthday parties, school field trips, and others. 2. Assist with recreational and outdoor environmental education program preparation, including maintaining program equipment and supplies. 3. Prepare curriculum, educational displays, and other interpretative materials. 4. Perform other duties as assigned. Essential Functions 1-4 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment * Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a variety of audiences. * Excellent organizational skills. * Experience teaching others, especially youth and working with diverse communities. * Knowledge of natural history and outdoor recreation programming/equipment. * Self-motivated and enthusiastic. * Proven ability to work well with others. * Willing to learn and perform other duties. Work Environment Work is performed inside and outside County buildings. The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of walking, standing, crouching, or riding over rough, uneven terrain. There may be intermittent exposure to varied weather conditions on the worksite that occasionally necessitates the use of weather appropriate dress attire, gloves, etc. This position may involve driving a County vehicle and/or a personal vehicle. This position may involve lifting up to 50 pounds. Selection Process You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer We extend an offer and conduct background checks Pre-employment, including a drug screen background check, and physical need to be successfully completed by all candidates.