Temp Park Naturalist

POSTING TYPE: External
DEPARTMENT: Parks
HOURS: Various
PAY RANGE: $19.00 – $23.00/hour (dependent on qualifications)
LOCATION: Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, Eagan
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until all available positions are filled. Apply early as the first review of applicants will occur on Friday, February 27, 2026.
What You’ll Do
We are currently seeking applicants for a Temporary Park Naturalist. The purpose of this position is to provide quality outdoor environmental education so that participants can enjoy and explore the vast Dakota County Park system. This position will also help develop curriculum and complete projects in support of the environmental education team.
Hours are variable up to 40 hours per week with an average of 30 hours per week May through October and will include rotating weekend shifts and some evening shifts based on programming needs.
Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

* Two years of pertinent college-level coursework working towards a degree in the environmental sciences, education or a related field AND 6 months of hands-on environmental education, or youth work experience. The work experience may have been earned as a volunteer, intern or direct employment.
AND
* A valid driver’s license
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIRED:
* CPR and First Aid
* Direct work experience implementing youth or community programs a plus.
* Language proficiency in Spanish, Somali, and/or Hmong.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Lead education programs including summer camps, public classes, birthday parties, school field trips, and others.
2. Assist with outdoor environmental education program preparation, including maintaining program equipment and supplies.
3. Prepare curriculum, educational displays, and other interpretative materials.
4. Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions 1-4

* Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a variety of audiences.
* Excellent organizational skills.
* Experience teaching others, especially youth and working with diverse communities.

* Knowledge of natural history and outdoor programming.
* Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
* Proven ability to work well with others.
* Willing to learn and perform other duties.
Work Environment
Work is performed inside County buildings, and outdoors in County parks and greenspaces. Employee will be frequently required to work in outside weather conditions, being exposed to cold and hot temperatures, precipitation, direct sunlight, wind, dust, and pollen that occasionally necessitate the use of rain gear, gloves, etc. The work requires some physical exertion such as long periods of walking, standing, crouching, paddling, or hiking over rough, uneven, swampy, or rocky terrain. Employee may need to perform the physical requirements of various outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, urban biking, fishing, archery, orienteering, geocaching, camping, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. It also requires the Staff have the physical ability to bend, twist, crouch, lift, forward & overhead reach, and push/pull and carry equipment necessary for the job which may weigh up to 50 pounds, and up to 74 pounds on an occasional basis. Types of office equipment used include telephone, computer, printer, copier, fax, laminator, conventional and digital cameras. Driving is required for this position and staff may be required to drive a county vehicle and tow a trailer.

Selection Process

• You submit an online Application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks
• Pre-employment, including a drug screen background check, and physical need to be successfully completed by all candidates.