Interested in a career as a naturalist?
Naturalist Corps and MinnAqua interns gain valuable on-the-job, career-driven summer work experience in Minnesota state parks and on state trails.
Naturalist Corps members will:
Interact with park and trail visitors of all ages.
Present recreational and educational programs under the mentorship of a parks and trails naturalist.
Gain experience in display development, new technology, resource management, and park and trail operations.
Attend required training.
How to apply
Note: Naturalist Corps internships are posted each year in January.
Log onto Minnesota Careers.
Enter "intern" in the Keywords field on the Job Search Page.
Select "Natural Resources Dept" in the "Agency" column on the left side of the page.
View internship postings.
Click the apply button to submit your application.
Season
Naturalist Corps and MinnAqua internships are three and one-half month, full-time summer positions that are available from early to mid-May through Labor Day (flexible, varies according to school year and state park). Selected applicants will be REQUIRED to attend a mandatory three-day training held in May at Lake Carlos State Park. The work hours vary, but will include afternoons, evenings, days, weekends and holidays.
Pay is $19 per hour. No benefits, but uniforms are provided.
Major responsibilities
Present and/or lead programs and activities to a variety of audiences ranging from children to adults. About 85% of the job involves public speaking to large through small groups of visitors. These programs may include nature walks, campfire talks, demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations and outdoors skill-building activities that relate to the park's natural, cultural and recreational resources.
Staff the park's visitor center and answer questions received from the public.
Assist park staff in conducting resource management activities such as invasive species control, plant and animal inventories and research, and seed harvesting.
Complete special projects and training as assigned.
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
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 program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.