Visitor Services and Outreach Apprentice

Minnesota Valley Trust, Inc. (Trust) and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District (refuge) have partnered together to provide paid, developmental opportunities for individuals who are interested in the field of conservation.

We are hiring one full-time, two-year Visitor Services and Outreach (VSO) Apprentice to join our team. Join us to play an integral role at this thriving urban refuge where nature connects people, communities and wildlife!

As a VSO Apprentice you will:

• Connect with communities through nature-based programming
• Facilitate public and outreach programs on the refuge and in the community
• Engage in special events with community partners
• Assist in the production of a variety of communication tools including flyers, brochures and social media content, and managing our website
• Support visitor center operations and volunteer management at our two visitor centers.
• Explore career paths and network with local employers in the field of natural resource management, education and community outreach
• Grow an understanding of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the field of visitor services

Term Dates: June 1, 2026-Late May 2028

Location: Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

• Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN 55425

Wage: $19.45 per hour

Hours: 40 hours per week including one weekend day and occasional evenings.

Benefits: Paid time off, Federal holidays, life & disability insurance, paid family medical leave, employer contribution to health and dental insurance, employer match to retirement plan. Gear and training stipend. Uniform shirts provided.

Required Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Pass Federal background check
• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interest in one or more of the following: partnership development, volunteer management, community outreach, environmental education or communications
• Excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication
• Public facing experience
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, detail-oriented and organized, ability to follow oral and written direction
• Spanish, Somali or ASL language skills
• Post-secondary education

On the Job Training: Apprentices will develop a plan to gain marketable career skills to further their career in natural resources. Apprentices will be mentored by USFWS professionals and network with other Trust and refuge staff, interns and volunteers, and community partners.

Special Hiring Authority: Apprentices may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior Public Lands Corps non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. More information provided upon request.