Summer Camp Naturalist

Position Description

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking up to seven Summer Camp Naturalists to work in parks throughout Minneapolis doing the following:

• Deliver a variety of nature-themed summer day camps for preschool through middle school aged participants
• Prepare and deliver fun, educational, hands-on, nature-based programming that primarily takes place outside and promotes positive outdoor and recreational experiences for camp participants
• Ensure campers’ safety and well-being, facilitate children’s interactions with others and their surroundings as needed, and reinforce principles of respect and responsibility
• Engage and encourage campers in learning, exploration, and skill development
• Provide outstanding customer service to camp families and park visitors
• May handle and interpret education animal ambassadors
• Offer program support outside usual program assignment, as needed
• Complete administrative tasks and additional duties as assigned

Work Location

Each Summer Camp Naturalist will serve one of these sites:

• JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden
• Kroening Nature Center
• Neighborhood Naturalist camps, which take place in Wirth and Minnehaha Regional Parks

Work Season and Hours

Tentative start date is June 11th and final day of the camp season is August 28th. Work week is 32-40 hours. Hours typically fall on Mon-Fri between 7:30am and 5:30pm. Request for additional support on Saturday, September 12th to assist with the Minneapolis Monarch Festival/Festival de la Monarca

Compensation and Benefits

$18.50 per hour, plus mileage reimbursement when applicable. This position is eligible to receive sick and safe time per the Minneapolis City Ordinance and Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time and will earn one (1) hour of sick and safe leave for every thirty (30) hours worked. This position is not eligible for other benefits.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work well with children and diverse populations
• Excellent customer service skills, a positive attitude, creativity, and adaptability
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, communication, and public speaking skills
• Must be able to consistently arrive to programs prepared and on time
• Must be able to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs., hike uneven terrain, and teach effectively in all weather conditions
• Must have a driver’s license and a reliable personal vehicle to haul program materials and drive between work assignment locations (Neighborhood Naturalist role only)

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success teaching in an outdoor setting or classroom
• Interpretive or environmental education experience at a nature center, education center, or similar
• Training in environmental education, ecology, natural history, or teaching
• Previous experience with program content development
• Working knowledge of Minnesota flora, fauna, and ecosystems
• Working knowledge of produce gardening and cooking (JD Rivers’ role only)
• CPR and First Aid Certification