Parks & Trails Associate

Working Title: Parks & Trails Associate - Southern Region

Job Class: Parks & Trails Associate

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 91174

• Location : Minnesota Southwest Area

• Telework Eligible : No

• Regular/Temporary : Seasonal

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 01/12/2026

• Closing Date : 09/30/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Region 4

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies

• Days of Work : Varies

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $20.51 - $26.16 / hourly

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 203 - Service/ AFSCME and 218 - Insufficient Work Time

• Work Area : Various locations in Southern Region

• FLSA: Non-Exempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ( : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Parks and Trails vision is to create unforgettable park, trail, and water recreation experiences that inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.

This is a continuous posting that will be used to fill multiple part-time and full-time seasonal vacancies throughout the Southern region of Minnesota. To find which State Park and Trail locations you may be interested in, search our parkfinder map ( . The Southern Region generally includes locations south of New London and west of Hutchinson and Owatonna, MN. Interested applicants should select ALL locations they would like to be considered for. Applicants will be contacted when an opening in one of their selected locations becomes available.

The DNR is currently seeking multiple Parks and Trails Associates. The typical anticipated season dates are from April through October; however, the actual season dates may start later or end earlier to meet contractual obligations or agency needs. Shifts will vary depending on location and will be discussed as part of the interview process. Typical work schedules include working weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Parks and Trails Associates duties vary by location: working in a ranger station or working in a ranger station and performing night security. In addition to office responsibilities, this position will also include outdoor tasks. An overview of responsibilities based on location are listed below.

Parks and Trails Associate; these job duties can include registering campers, selling merchandise, providing information to the public, and cleaning buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities. Typical work schedules include working weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Parks and Trails Associate/Night Security; these job duties can include registering campers, selling merchandise, providing information to the public, and cleaning buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities. You will also perform security so that parks and trails visitors and state park and trail property and resources are protected from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangerous or damaging situations. Typical work schedules include working weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Sell park vehicle permits, merchandise items and consumables, register campers, rent buildings, and collect fees so that visitors are charged the current rate for all goods and services. Act as a representative of the DNR, Division of Parks and Trails.

• Provide information to the public, give verbal directions and hand out information as requested, so that all visitors are made aware of rules, facilities, and activities available in the park and surrounding area in a way that a positive image of Minnesota State Parks is generated.

• Provide communication with park personnel and keep supervisors informed so that adequate control is maintained over public activities throughout the park.

• Clean buildings, grounds, and facilities as directed, to request and select proper cleaning equipment and supplies, and to maintain cleanliness.

• Organize reservations, assist in compiling weekly income report, document visitor use and provide miscellaneous clerical support so that effective visitor service, attendance and fiscal accountability are maintained.

Applicants to this posting will be considered after the seven (7) day internal bidding process has completed. DNR employees who would like their application considered via the bidding process must submit their application to the separate bid-only vacancy postings accessible through Self-Service. DNR employees who are not eligible bidders should apply to this vacancy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and work independently with limited supervision while prioritizing customer service and safety.

• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleagues complete tasks efficiently and safely.

• Problem solving skills sufficient to handle uncertain situations related to customer service.

• Skill sufficient to welcome a diverse user base to Minnesota State Parks and Trails Units.

• Ability to operate point of sale systems and computers to accurately count and collect fees.

• Skill in customer service sufficient to interpret and explain program information to customers, clients, and coworkers, such as policy, procedures, eligibility requirements, application details, and payment methods in a patient and unbiased manner.

• Skill in math sufficient to make change, apply simple formulas, calculate account balances and amounts owed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or training in a work or educational setting in any of the following:

• Software such as Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

• Retail sales and/ or customer service.

• Database and records management sufficient to accurately file and categorize documents

• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

Additional Requirements

*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io . Please indicate what assistance is needed.