Role Summary: Seasonal position welcoming and assisting visitors and providing interpretive education opportunities for youth and adults at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary located in Theodore Wirth Park. Lead regular public tours and specialized programs and provide other educational services to Wildflower Garden visitors. Assist with Wildflower Garden phenology observations and record-keeping and other projects as assigned.

Essential Duties (2024):

• Staff the Martha Crone Visitor Shelter, trails and welcome kiosk at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
• Lead engaging nature focused activities at the Wildflower Garden
• Lead scheduled tours and interpretive programs for youth and adults
• Develop curriculum for fun and engaging tours, interpretive programs, and outreach activities
• Maintain daily naturalists’ log of Garden phenology and assist with related upkeep of records and hand-outs
• Write articles for publications including the Garden’s seasonal e-bulletin and the Friends of the Wildflower Garden’s Fringed Gentian newsletter
• Assist with special projects, programs, and events
• Assist with general housekeeping and organization-focused tasks
• Follow and diplomatically enforce MPRB rules and regulations

Knowledge of:

• Minnesota and regional native plants and plant communities
• Minnesota (with a focus on local) wildlife
• Environmental education practices and principals

Skills and Abilities to:

• Follow written and oral instructions with attention to detail
• Meet Garden project deadlines on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
• Work respectfully as a team member with MPRB staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors
• Communicate in a professional and friendly manner with the public
• Facilitate high-quality nature-focused programs and interpretive opportunities for visitors and volunteers
• Utilize computer with Microsoft Office applications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• In-depth knowledge in one or more of the following subjects: ecology, botany, ornithology, mycology, entomology, zoology, geology and/or environmental education (academic training in one of these fields preferred)
• At least three months interpretive experience working 20 hours per week at a nature center, camp, zoo, arboretum, or similar venue (other education-focused and customer service experience will be considered)
• Demonstrated ability to work skillfully and respectfully with children, adults, and diverse populations
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to write, listen and speak publicly in a clear, professional, respectful, and engaging manner

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field
• Previous experience working as an interpretive naturalist or educator
• Fluency in a second language (including Dakota, Ojibwe, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, ASL)

Background Investigation: Individuals who have received a conditional offer of employment must successfully pass a background check before being eligible for employment as per the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Background Check Policy.

Compensation: Starting at $18.00/hour

Work season & schedule: April 4, 2024– October 31, 2024. Commitment to finish the full Garden season is required. Shifts: Part-time hours (22-28 hours per week). Weekly commitment working 3-5 shifts per week overall including one weekend shift per week. Required attendance at staff meetings and trainings as scheduled each Thursday of each month from 1:30-3:00pm April 18-October 10 and Thursdays April 4 and April 11 from 1:30-4:30pm. Commitment to complete full Garden season is required.

To Apply: Submit Resume and Cover Letter

Deadline: Open until filled

Direct Questions and Application Material to: Lori Smiley, lsmiley@minneapolisparks.org

The Way We Work

The Employees of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board:

• Work and accept responsibility to search for, create and execute new and innovative approaches to improve the performance of Park Board services and objectives
• Assist external and internal customers to serve their needs and take responsibility for continuously improving customer service
• Foster meaningful interaction among people through the exchange of information to produce understanding
• Continuously develop and use effective strategies and interpersonal styles to engage and guide others toward the accomplishment of identified objectives and goals in the best interest of the Park Board and community
• Consistently work toward the common good of the organization and encourage others to do the same
• Conduct themselves at all times in a professionally appropriate and respectful manner
• Apply the proper safety/security practices according to established protocols, guidelines and policies

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.