At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: Parks & Trails Associate
Job Class: Parks & Trails Associate
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/05/2023
• Closing Date: 05/25/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Natural Resources Dept / Natural Resources-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Reg 2 / PAT-R2 GooseberryFalls Staff 3
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $17.54 - $23.37 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 203 - Service/AFSCME
• Work Area: Gooseberry Falls State Park
• Work Location: Two Harbors, MN
• Employment Condition: Seasonal, part-time
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The DNR is currently seeking to fill a seasonal part-time (up to 90%), position located at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Days and hours of work will vary and will include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work shifts are between 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Anticipated season dates are May 17th through October 23rd, each year.

A Parks and Trails Associate position exists to serve the public, register campers, sell Vehicle Permits and Nature Store products, collect fees, distribute information and present a favorable image to the public. When required, to do light maintenance and cleaning, and to assist the park administrative staff as requested.

Responsibilities include:

• Sell Park vehicle permits, merchandise and consumables, register campers, rent buildings, and collect fees.
• Organize reservations, assist in compiling weekly income reports, document visitor use, and provide miscellaneous clerical support.
• Provide information to the public giving verbal directions and hand out information on Gooseberry Falls State Parks rules, facilities and activities available in the park and surrounding area.
• Provide communication with park personnel and keep supervisors informed.
• Clean buildings, grounds, and facilities as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to effectively communicate with the public and other employees.
• Ability to provide written information and instructions to the public and other park employees.
• Knowledge of office equipment such as calculators, cash registers, POS systems, computers, mobile devices, printers, telephone systems and other office equipment.
• Arithmetic skills sufficient to accurately collect money from the public for various fees.
• Computer skills using Microsoft Office and other proprietary software.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions on labels, in instruction manuals, etc.
• Ability to operate a phone, two way radio, computer and other office equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating a cash register.
• Knowledge of Minnesota State park rules, policies and facilities.
• Record keeping skills.
• Computer skills using Microsoft Office and other proprietary software.
• Experience in retail operations.

Physical Requirements

Medium Work - Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even though the weights being lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job is in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education/license verification

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.

If you have questions about the position, contact Karen Frey at karen.frey@state.mn.us or 218-595-7104.

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 Erin Tappan at erin.tappan@state.mn.us

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.