Interpretive Naturalist – Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

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

Seasonal Interpretive Naturalist Job Description [PDF]