Job Details

Working Title: Outreach Naturalist
Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 82841
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time; 32 hours per week
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/07/2025
• Closing Date: 01/28/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Strategy and Engagement/ Learning and Engagement/ Education
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Start time between 8:00 and 9:00 AM; end time between 4:00 and 5:00 PM
• Days of Work: Wednesday to Saturday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $23.63 - $34.18 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for delivering programs on and off-site for all audiences to support the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. This includes presenting ambassador animals both on and off-site. The incumbent drives fleet vehicles to transport materials and/or animals to off-site programs.

• Deliver programming with ambassador animals according to agreed-upon protocols and best practices so that audiences are engaged, educational outcomes are achieved, and programs are relevant and accessible to diverse audiences.
• Assist coworkers with developing and delivering educational programming as directed so that educational goals, deadlines, and revenue is met.
• Develop relationships with and maintain knowledge of animals in the collection, their current training, and appropriate handling techniques to maintain the highest level of animal welfare for the collection.
• Perform program logistical tasks so that space and materials are ready on time, programs run smoothly, and all deadlines are met. 

Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Two (2) years of full-time experience in educational programming with live ambassador animals at a zoo or related setting 
• Experience interpreting and presenting educational and engaging presentations about animals, nature, and conservation using current and in-depth educational pedagogy practices and strategies to small and large audiences.
• Demonstrated presentation, guest engagement, and customer service skills with audiences of all ages.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to respond to coworkers and guests with courtesy, respect, and interest in positive problem solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and documentation skills sufficient to create, maintain and organize documentation to support system operation, procedures, and programs.
• Ability to react appropriately and effectively as required if an emergency were to occur, including taking appropriate first steps and notifying other parties as required.
• Current valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Education, Ecology, or closely related animal science
• Experience implementing existing curriculum for educational programs and assessing its impact on the participants based upon agreed upon criteria.
• Experience designing and developing educational and engaging curriculum about program and animal ambassadors to small and large audiences
• Experience applying operant conditioning principles with emphasis on animal choice to achieve animal training and behavior modification goals
• Experience working specifically with seniors, adult with disabilities, youth with special needs, and their families
• Culturally competent interpersonal skills sufficient to promote an inclusive work and learning environment that meets the needs of a diversity of ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities.
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Zoo operational services, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines

Physical Requirements

• Current rabies vaccination and negative TB or ability to become Rabies vaccinated and complete a negative TB test within the probationary period and complete ongoing Rabies titer testing. The MN Zoo will cover the cost of your vaccines if you schedule your appointment through our occupational health clinic, upon hire.
• Position requires the ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as well as being able to perform in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment 
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year round 
• Ability to climb steps, ladders
• Ability to reach forward and overhead
• Ability to carry, lift, push, pull, move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to lift items from the floor
• Ability to use hand/finger coordination
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain
• Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

About Minnesota Zoological Garden 

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.