(ARCHIVED) Environmental Educator – Neighborhood Naturalist Program

Role Summary:

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking an Environmental Educator to work in parks throughout Minneapolis. The Neighborhood Naturalist will:

• Provide positive, outdoor, nature-based education programs in Minneapolis parks
• Provide interactive activities and education for people of all ages at community events
• Foster relationship building between community members and nature in neighborhood parks
• Communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors and co-workers within and between departments
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development
• Prepare materials and content for environmental education program delivery
• Complete program evaluations to log and collect data
• Assist with animal care, program marketing, and other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Interpretive or environmental education experience at a nature center, education center, or similar teaching program
• Academic training in environmental education, ecology, natural history, or teaching
• Working knowledge of Minnesota flora, fauna, and ecosystems
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and public speaking skills
• Excellent customer service skills, a positive attitude, creativity, and adaptability
• Demonstrated ability to work well with children and diverse populations
• Must be able to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision
• Must be able to consistently arrive to classes prepared and on time

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be able to lift 30 lbs., hike uneven terrain, and teach effectively in all weather conditions
• Must have a driver’s license and a reliable personal vehicle to haul program materials and drive between work assignment locations
• Must have availability that accommodates the Hours outlined for this position above

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated success teaching all ages (especially children) in an outdoor setting or classroom
• Ability to communicate fluently in a second language: Spanish, Hmong, or Somali preferred
• Previous experience with program content development

Criminal background check required.

Compensation: 

$18 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement provided. This position is eligible for sick and safe leave in accordance with the Minneapolis Sick and Safe Time Ordinance. This position is not eligible for other benefits.

Hours:

This is a year-round part-time position, 28 hours per week. The majority of weekly hours occur over 4 days during the morning, afternoon, and/or early evening M-F. Staff are expected to accommodate occasional later evening and weekend special events by maintaining at least one weekend per month available for these purposes.

Apply by submitting the following materials: 

Send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 professional references to: EEjobapplications@minneapolisparks.org. Please put ” Neighborhood Naturalist (Year Round)” in the subject line. Applicants will receive receipt of application via email. If no receipt of application is received within 48 hours of applying, please inquire with Lori Smiley LSmiley@minneapolisparks.org 612-313-7727.

Application Deadline: Applications will be evaluated as they are received. Submissions received after Sunday August 25, 2024 may not be considered. If you have any questions about the Seasonal Educator position, please contact: naturalists@minneapolisparks.org