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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 6 hours ago

Park Operations Intern

State Center, IA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$19/hr - $19/hr

Start in 2026

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to managing the state's natural resources and providing outdoor recreation activities. They are seeking interns to assist with park operations, visitor services, and environmental education while gaining practical experience in park management.

Government Administration

Responsibilities

Assist staff in daily operation activities while learning about visitor services and customer service by greeting the public and providing information on the park and local area. Daily operation activities include cleaning and grounds maintenance

Become familiar with and explain the park rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to the public

Sell vehicle permits, firewood, and merchandise

Learn about and follow auditing procedures by collecting user fees and reconciling the daily receipts

All activities are performed under the direction of park management. Student will be trained and instructed in the use of construction tools, constructions skills, safety, and park management

Qualification

Customer servicePark managementCommunication skillsNatural resources knowledgeEmergency managementEquipment operationIndependenceHuman relationsTeamworkAdaptability

Required

You must be a student at an accredited educational institution

Your advisor must certify that you will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship

Ability to follow directions and work well independently or as part of a team

Excellent human relation and communication skills sufficient to interact with park users and to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner

Ability to operate a motor vehicle, ATV, lawn mower, small hand tools, and other equipment and tools

Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions

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

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment

Preferred

Enrolled in a degree program related to Natural Resources

Ability to effectively manage an emergency situation

Ability to provide excellent customer service

Experience with or knowledge about social science research methods and survey administration

Benefits

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

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

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

Company

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with citizens to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

Founded in 1971