Seasonal Natural Resources Specialist Location: Southside Operations Center, 3800 Bryant Ave. S

Role Summary

Assist in maintaining native plant communities in natural areas using a variety of methods including mechanical and chemical control of introduced species and noxious weeds, native plant surveys, biocontrol monitoring, and seeding or planting native species. Maintains trails, works alongside Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa corpsmembers, and may assist volunteer work groups. May also assist with seasonal prescribed fire operations. Works in all types of weather and conditions consistent with the MPRB Inclement Weather Policy. Will work in MPRB’s Regional Park Natural Areas which includes diverse ecosystems such as, upland and floodplain forest, prairie, oak savanna, and Minneapolis’ only sphagnum bog.

Work season & schedule

Position is temporary with an expected duration of nine months (primarily March through December). Hours/days may vary throughout season, typically Monday to Friday 7am-3:30pm. 40 hours per week.

Duties

Performs under the general supervision of the Natural Resources Supervisor, and is responsible for, but not limited to, the following duties:

Essential Duties:

• Plant and maintain native plant communities in MPRB Natural Areas
• Control invasive species and weed species using a variety of techniques and tools
• Provide care of Natural Areas using best management practices and integrated pest management strategies
• Provide assistance and support for volunteer programs and events
• Assist MPRB Natural Resources Technicians with tasks pertaining to maintenance and restoration of MPRB Natural Areas
• Assist with seasonal prescribed burning, following the direction of Wildfire Certified personnel
• Perform and foster an environment of safe work practices and report safety issues promptly to appropriate staff
• Assist with other maintenance duties as assigned

Related Work:

• Tactfully enforce MPRB rules and regulations
• Perform inspections and maintain equipment, machinery
• Provide outstanding customer service for park visitors
• Notify supervisor of concerns
• Perform other related work as assigned

Position requirements at entry

Knowledge of: 

• Native and non-native plants; ability to accurately identify
• Practices related to the care and maintenance of native plants and native plant communities, including, but not limited to woodlands, savannahs, prairies, and wetlands
• Best management practices and Integrated Pest Management strategies for natural areas
• Basic professional conduct in the workplace, including respectful communication and civility toward others

Skills and Ability to:

• Use and properly operate tools necessary for the performance of duties
• Work independently
• Ability to document work activities and develop reports summarizing work activities
• Read and/or listen to instructions and understand content of such instructions in order to follow through on next steps
• Perform simple arithmetic
• Work in a team environment and adapt to changing conditions and situations
• Establish and maintain effective, respectful, and productive working relationships
• Understand and follow supervisor directions, MPRB work rules, policies, and procedures
• Provide outstanding customer service
• Work safely following safety standards and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Training and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• College or technical school coursework in one of the following disciplines: horticultural sciences, ecology, natural resources, botany, landscape architecture, earth sciences, or biology preferred
• Previous experience working in natural areas preferred
• Previous experience interacting and working with the public preferred
• Previous experience working with volunteers preferred
• Previous experience working with power tools such as chainsaws and brushsaws preferred
• Previous experience working with prescribed fire preferred

Compensation

$20 -$22 per hour based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), medical insurance will be offered to seasonal employees in this job classification who, at the time of hire, are reasonably expected to work 30 or more hours per week for 6 months or longer. The ACA eligibility rules apply to medical insurance only. This position is eligible for sick and safe leave in accordance with the Minneapolis Sick and Safe Time Ordinance and Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time. This position may be eligible for retirement benefits. This position is not eligible for other benefits.

Licensing Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License
• MN Pesticide Applicator’s License (obtainable after hiring)
• S130, S190 training preferred

TO APPLY

Send cover letter and resume via email to Lori Smiley: lsmiley@minneapolisparks.org

Or mail to:
Natural Resources – 2025 Seasonal Natural Resources Specialist
3800 Bryant Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55409

Questions related to the position can be sent directly to Natural Resources Supervisor, James Shaffer, at jshaffer@minneapolisparks.org.

DEADLINE

Position is open until filled and applications will be reviewed as received.

The MPRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a tobacco-free workplace and park system.