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Park Specialist 
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Parks & Trails
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 86256
  • Location: _Itasca State Park
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Temporary
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 5/31/2025
  • Closing Date: 6/20/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Reg 1 / Itasca State Park
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $24.42 - $35.43 / hourly; $50,989 - $73,978 / annually
  • Classified Status: Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

Job Summary

 

Job Summary

Established in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota and one of the first state parks in the country. Home to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, the park is one of the top tourism attractions in the Upper Midwest. Itasca State Park operates 7 days a week with visitors on-site 24 hours a day during peak operations.

The DNR is currently seeking a full-time temporary Park Specialist to lead and implement programs, activities, policies, and rules at Itasca State Park, LaSalle Lake State Recreation Area, and Mantrap, Hungryman, Huntersville, and Shell City State Forest Campgrounds.  Work hours vary, and workdays include evenings, holidays, and weekends. This temporary position will be in place for up to three (3) years. 

Responsibilities include:

  • As lead worker for Enforcement and Emergency Services team; prioritize, assign, direct, guide, and report on the work activities of Park Patrol/Security Guards. Enforce relevant rules and statues, provide emergency response to ensure visitor safety, and ensure training opportunities for all Park Ranger and EMR staff. 
  • Physical plant management: repair, maintenance, and custodial services for buildings, grounds, utilities, and all other facilities.
  • Fiscal management: assist with revenue operations, budgets, and purchasing of goods and services.
  • Visitor services management: assist with administration of vehicle permit sales, campground operation, and operation of all public facilities.
  • Public relations: provide information to park visitors and to the local community via media outlets; also includes involvement with local community interest groups.
  • Policy and planning: participate in planning and policy efforts of the park, division, and department.
  • Safety: perform inspections, ensure use of protective equipment and safe work behavior, investigate/report injuries and potential visitor hazards, etc.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

Associates degree in in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation or closely related field and ONE YEAR of experience in a natural resources or parks and trails field. 

A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in natural or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science or closely related field will substitute for the above experience. 

AND  

Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups. 

Communication skills sufficient to give clear instructions and provide appropriate responses to individuals and groups. 

Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs. 

Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize memos, letters and other correspondence without spelling errors and using appropriate business language. 

Ability to use and understand computer and communication equipment sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and complete work effectively. This includes database, presentation and spreadsheet development and usage. 

Ability to navigate natural terrain, board vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment) and endure physical exertion.

Preferred Qualifications

Para-professional work experience that includes construction work, including techniques and materials.

Experience and skill managing natural areas such as exotic species control, prescribed burning, conducting resource inventories, and preparing environmental impact assessments.

Experience prioritizing work and managing projects

Experience in preparing natural resource management plans, using GIS skills to create plan maps, and analyzing data.

Experience coordinating resource projects.

Experience directing staff, coordinating volunteers, and working with other agencies.

Experience communicating with audiences, giving presentations, media interviews, and writing articles and publications.

First Aid and CPR Training.

Additional Requirements

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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status). 

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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nettie Cole at nettie.cole@state.mn.us or 218-699-7202.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Paige Stanius at paige.stanius@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

  • Paid vacation and sick leave 
  • 12 paid holidays each year 
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.