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Interpretive Naturalist

Posted: March 15, 2023 by cece

Category: Minnesota Zoological Garden

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Interpretive Naturalist
Job Type
  • Full Time
  • Part Time & Seasonal
Organization Minnesota Zoo
Job Description

Job Details

Working Title: Interpret Naturalist 1
Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 03/04/2023
  • Closing Date: 03/31/2023
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Insuff Wk Tm
  • Division/Unit: Education
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $21.43 - $31.00 / hourly
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
  • 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.

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to assist in the development and implementation of education programs which could include (but are not restricted to) zoo camps, public programs, early childhood, family, adult, and school programs. This position is also responsible for promoting the importance of conservation, and the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Present established education programs in a professional, high-quality manner according to the appropriate curricula and established lesson plans
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of education programs as needed ensuring that education programs are of the highest quality and convey conservation, ecological, and natural history information in an effective, fun and engaging way
  • Integrate Conservation messages into all education programming and experiences so participants are able to act on behalf of wildlife
  • Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Interpretation, Education, or closely related
  • AND EITHER one year experience developing and/or implementing environmental/nature, socio-cultural, historical, or closely related programs at a zoo, nature center, or aquarium
  • OR 1 year experience as a teacher in a formal educational setting teaching biology, life science, or closely related course

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and proven experience in environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology
  • Evidence of exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Superior oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent teaching and presentation skills, practices, and processes.
  • Knowledge of zoology, biology, life sciences and environmental sciences.
  • Knowledge of conservation, wildlife biology, and sustainability issues.
  • Knowledge of the Minnesota Zoo operational services, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff.
  • Flexible availability including weekdays, weekends, and evenings

Additional Requirements

Employment verification checks, criminal background checks including fingerprints, and driver's license check

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 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 Michele Lamm at michele.lamm@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 Michele Lamm at michele.lamm@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems

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.

Location Apple Valley, MN
Expires 2023-03-31
Link https://careers.mn.gov/psc/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1001&JobOpeningId=63722&PostingSeq=1&PortalActualURL=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2fMNCAREERS%2fHRCR%2fc%2fHRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL%3fPage%3dHRS_APP_JBPST_FL%26Action%3dU%26FOCUS%3dApplicant%26SiteId%3d1001%26JobOpeningId%3d63722%26PostingSeq%3d1&PortalRegistryName=MNCAREERS&PortalServletURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsp%2fmnjob%2f&PortalURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2f&PortalHostNode=HRMS&NoCrumbs=yes&PortalKeyStruct=yes
MAEE Partner Minnesota Zoological Garden
Interpretive Naturalist
  • Full Time
  • Part Time & Seasonal
Minnesota Zoo
Location: Apple Valley, MN
Expires: 2023-03-31
Link: https://careers.mn.gov/psc/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1001&JobOpeningId=63722&PostingSeq=1&PortalActualURL=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2fMNCAREERS%2fHRCR%2fc%2fHRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL%3fPage%3dHRS_APP_JBPST_FL%26Action%3dU%26FOCUS%3dApplicant%26SiteId%3d1001%26JobOpeningId%3d63722%26PostingSeq%3d1&PortalRegistryName=MNCAREERS&PortalServletURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsp%2fmnjob%2f&PortalURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2f&PortalHostNode=HRMS&NoCrumbs=yes&PortalKeyStruct=yes
MAEE Partner: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job Description:

Job Details

Working Title: Interpret Naturalist 1
Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 03/04/2023
  • Closing Date: 03/31/2023
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Insuff Wk Tm
  • Division/Unit: Education
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $21.43 - $31.00 / hourly
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
  • 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.

Job Summary

The purpose of this position is to assist in the development and implementation of education programs which could include (but are not restricted to) zoo camps, public programs, early childhood, family, adult, and school programs. This position is also responsible for promoting the importance of conservation, and the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Present established education programs in a professional, high-quality manner according to the appropriate curricula and established lesson plans
  • Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of education programs as needed ensuring that education programs are of the highest quality and convey conservation, ecological, and natural history information in an effective, fun and engaging way
  • Integrate Conservation messages into all education programming and experiences so participants are able to act on behalf of wildlife
  • Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Interpretation, Education, or closely related
  • AND EITHER one year experience developing and/or implementing environmental/nature, socio-cultural, historical, or closely related programs at a zoo, nature center, or aquarium
  • OR 1 year experience as a teacher in a formal educational setting teaching biology, life science, or closely related course

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated knowledge of and proven experience in environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology
  • Evidence of exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Superior oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent teaching and presentation skills, practices, and processes.
  • Knowledge of zoology, biology, life sciences and environmental sciences.
  • Knowledge of conservation, wildlife biology, and sustainability issues.
  • Knowledge of the Minnesota Zoo operational services, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff.
  • Flexible availability including weekdays, weekends, and evenings

Additional Requirements

Employment verification checks, criminal background checks including fingerprints, and driver's license check

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 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 Michele Lamm at michele.lamm@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 Michele Lamm at michele.lamm@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems

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.

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