Intern – Parks

Recognized as one of the best places to work in Southeast Minnesota for three consecutive years, at Olmsted County every role helps to foster a vibrant community where everyone thrives. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do, driving public service excellence and community well-being.

We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career filled with purpose, growth, and fulfillment. Our benefits package ensures your wellbeing, while career advancement opportunities and professional development empower you to reach your full potential.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a purpose-driven team where your work truly makes a difference. Together, we build a sustainable, healthy, and welcoming community.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

College student pursuing a degree in natural sciences, interpretation, education, recreation, zoology, biology, or related field.

This internship does require evening and weekend hours.  

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Nature of Work

Olmsted County Parks has internship opportunities at both Chester Woods and Oxbow Park.  These internships are meant to introduce you to several aspects of the parks, such as leading public and school programs, creating interpretive signage, the daily husbandry of native Minnesota wild animals and not to mention learning the day-to-day operations and management of regional parks. Supports a diverse, respectful, and inclusive workplace.

Examples of Work

Chester Woods Park

• Lead nature walks/hikes and programs for all ages
• Keep interpretive posters, signage, and interpretive labels current
• Weekly checks on the natural playscape
• Assist in resource management of park lands including invasive species removal
• Assist with watercraft rental station
• Assist staff in the daily upkeep and maintenance needed throughout the park
• Assist in posting to park social media accounts
• Inspecting watercraft for AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species)

Oxbow Park

• Zoo animal care – diet prep, daily feeding, cleaning, animal enrichment, exhibit maintenance
• Present zoo animal and nature education programs to school-age groups and the general public
• Participate in community science projects conducted at the park
• Promote the park and zoo as a Nature Center attendant as well as in the community during outreach programs
• Participate in resource management of park lands, including invasive species removal, as well as other park maintenance
• Create an individual internship capstone project to better the park and provide the intern with new skills and knowledge, under supervision of park staff

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of environmental science.
• Skill in written and verbal communication.
• Skill in organization and self-motivation.
• Ability to accept responsibility.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to exercise some independent judgment and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to use office equipment required for performing the job.
• Ability to use a variety of hand tools.
• Ability to assist with a variety of programs and tasks.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.