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 currently seeking to fill up to 13 internships at the following State Park locations: Forestville-Mystery Cave, Frontenac, Glendalough, Great River Bluffs, Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine, Lake Bemidji, Maplewood, Tettegouche, and Whitewater. 

These positions provide students with an educational experience and on-the-job training in park management, visitor services, and public contact along with assisting with various aspects of park operations. Other opportunities may include learning about and assisting in environmental education and interpretive activities, the maintenance staff, resource management, and assisting the park security staff. To help us learn more about State Park visitors, and to better inform DNR State Park decisions, the Lake Bemidji, Maplewood, and Whitewater internship includes administering visitor surveys for up to approximately 50% of the internship.

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. Housing is only provided at the following location: Tettegouche.

Job responsibilities are unique at each location and may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist staff in daily operation activities while learning about visitor services and customer service by greeting the public and providing information on the park and local area. Daily operation activities include cleaning and grounds maintenance.

• 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.

• All activities are performed under the direction of park management. Student will be trained and instructed in the use of construction tools, constructions skills, safety, and park management.

• Administer surveys to state park visitors in accordance with the research protocol, sampling design, and best practices for handling sensitive, non-public data.

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.