Outdoor Recreation Outreach Specialist – Interpret Naturalist 2

Job Description

**Job Details**
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**Working Title: Outdoor Recreation Outreach Specialist**

**Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 2**

**Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources**

* **Job ID**: 78383
* **Location**: St. Paul
* **Telework Eligible**: Yes
* **Full/Part Time**: Full-Time
* **Regular/Temporary**: Unlimited
* **Who May Apply**: Open to all qualified job seekers
* **Date Posted**: 08/14/2024
* **Closing Date**: 09/03/2024
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit**: Department of Natural Resources
* **Division/Unit**: Parks & Trails
* **Work Shift/Work Hours**: Rotating
* **Days of Work**: Varies
* **Travel Required**: Yes
* **Salary Range:** $25.29 – $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 – $76,650 / annually
* **Classified Status**: Classified
* **Bargaining Unit/Union**: 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees – MAPE
* 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**
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This Outdoor Recreation Outreach Specialist position exists to develop, and implement welcoming and inclusive outdoor recreation-based programs, activities, overnight trips, and educational materials to:

* Engage new and diverse users in outdoor recreation.
* Enhance the public’s awareness, appreciation and understanding of natural, cultural and recreational resources.
* Foster resource stewardship.
Inform the public about the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs and current environmental issues.
*

This position provides outdoor recreation outreach programming throughout the state – at parks and trails units and in communities. Programs will focus on developing outdoor recreation skills through hands-on experiences. As a part of the I Can! program series, this position will lead canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, and camping programs. One of the primary goals of the I Can! programs is to introduce new users to the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system.

Additionally, this position will work with multicultural communities and organizations, to provide inclusive recreational experiences and to promote visitation to Minnesota state parks and trails.

The work week varies and includes weekends, evenings, and some overnight shifts.

Frequent weekend, evening, and overnight shifts during peak season (mid-May through September) are required. During non-peak seasons the work week varies and includes weekends, evenings, and some overnight shifts.

This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis during non-peak seasons. This is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

Responsibilities include:

* Develop, coordinate, and implement focused urban and community outreach efforts to cultivate, expand, and sustain strong relationships with under-represented segments of the population. The result of these relationships being participation in outdoor recreation-based programs, trips, and activities.
* Lead or implement inclusive outdoor recreation-based programs, trips, and activities to provide participants with the skills needed to recreate outdoors independently in the future. Promote public awareness, appreciation and understanding of local natural, cultural, and recreational resources and their management and to foster resource stewardship.
* Perform administrative operations to ensure orderly and efficient outdoor recreation-based programming.
* Under guidance of the supervisor, develop, evaluate, and maintain outdoor recreation-based materials to educate the public on various outdoor recreation skills, and to improve the visitor experience. Promote public awareness, appreciation and understanding of area natural, cultural, and recreational resources and opportunities.
* Research outdoor recreation skills, history, and trends, both locally and nationally. Research statewide and local natural and cultural resources to increase knowledge, support work plans and improve visitor experience.
* In coordination with supervisor, plan and implement a visitor information and public relations effort to inform the public of programs, trips, events, recreation opportunities, or management objectives of the Division and Department.
* Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. Encourage a diverse workplace, treat others with respect, and contribute to work groups. Support the overall mission of the DNR.

**Qualifications**
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### **Minimum Qualifications**

* A Bachelor’s degree in environmental education and interpretation OR one of the physical sciences such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology OR a cultural resource-focused degree such as Indigenous Studies, history, anthropology, archeology, OR parks and recreation management, communications, education, OR an equivalent.
* One year of experience that includes responsibilities for developing and leading outdoor recreation programs OR natural and/or cultural resource interpretive programs and services.

Additional Requirements include the following:

* Advanced human relations skills to create and maintain positive, professional work relationships with staff and positive experiences for park visitors.
* Advanced communication skills to present information on environmental and cultural values and facts and theories in a clear and understandable manner to diverse individuals and groups, provide direction to staff, and participate in media interviews.
* Experience in public speaking, interpersonal communication, interpretation, or outdoor education.
* Organizational skills to develop schedules and implement interpretive services.
* Writing skills sufficient to develop materials, compile reports, and write interesting and educational articles.
* Outdoor recreation skills, such as camping, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, hiking.
* Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.
* Ability to communicate effectively with customers/stakeholders and understand information.

### **Preferred Qualifications**

* Experience developing relationships with communities that have a culture different than one’s own or coursework in diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.
* Knowledge sufficient to identify plants and animals.
* Experience providing outreach to underserved populations and communities.
* Experience supervising or leading the work of others.

### **Additional Requirements**

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

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**
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### **How to Apply**

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line 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 Jennifer Conrad at jennifer.conrad@state.mn.us or 651-259-5597.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Jordan Krueger at jordan.krueger@state.mn.us.

### **About MN Department of Natural Resources**

(Include brief description of agency – limit to two sentences)

#### **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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.