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Job Description / Duties

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: 09/21/2023
Closing Date: 10/04/2023
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
Division/Unit: Education / General Education
Work Shift/Work Hours: Varied
Days of Work: Varied
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $22.61 - $32.71 / hourly
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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
This position will 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.

Responsibilities 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 / Required Skills

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
This position requires successful completion of the following:

Employment Verification Check
Criminal Background Check including fingerprinting
Driver's License Check

Additional Information

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 or 952-431-9482.

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.

Salary: Salary Range: $22.61 - $32.71 / hourly

Contact Information

If you have questions about the position, contact Michele Lamm at michele.lamm@state.mn.us or 952-431-9482.

Employer Profile

Minnesota Zoological Gardens

The Zoo encompasses a 485 acre campus and is home to more than 5,300 animals with about 1.29 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State’s largest environmental educator with over 400,000 participants annually. The Zoo’s conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world