Parks & Trails Associate -Northeast Region

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Northeast St Louis (MN); On-site; USD 28,254 - 36,038; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans

Job summary

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment is hiring a Parks & Trails Associate for the Northeast Region. This seasonal position involves registering campers, selling park permits, and ensuring cleanliness.

Ideal candidates should have strong customer service skills and the ability to work independently. The role covers various locations across the region, offering unique outdoor experiences to visitors.

Benefits include paid leave, medical plans, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and work independently.
• Skill in customer service sufficient to interpret and explain program information.
• Ability to operate point of sale systems and computers.

Responsibilities

• Register campers and sell merchandise.
• Provide information to the public and maintain a positive image.
• Clean buildings, grounds, and facilities as directed.
• Perform security duties as needed.

Skills

Customer service skills

Problem-solving skills

Teamwork

Computer skills

Mathematical skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No
• Education Verification
• License / Certification Verification

Working Title

Parks & Trails Associate - Northeast Region

• Job Class: Parks & Trails Associate
• Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
• Job ID: 91173
• Location: Minnesota Northeast Area
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $20.51 - $26.16 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union:203 - Service/ AFSCME and 218 - Insufficient Work Time
• Work Area: Various locations in Northeast Region
• FLSA: Non-exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Parks and Trails vision is to create unforgettable park, trail, and water recreation experiences that inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.

This is a continuous posting that will be used to fill multiple part‑time and full‑time seasonal vacancies throughout the Northeast Region of Minnesota. The Northeast Region generally includes locations north of Pine City to the Canadian border and east of Walker, MN to the Wisconsin border and Lake Superior. Interested applicants should select ALL locations they would like to be considered for. Applicants will be contacted when an opening in one of their selected locations becomes available.

The typical anticipated season dates are from April through October; however, the actual season dates may start later or end earlier to meet contractual obligations or agency needs. Shifts will vary depending on location and will be discussed as part of the interview process. Typical work schedules include working weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Job Duties

Parks and Trails Associate; duties can include registering campers, selling merchandise, providing information to the public, and cleaning buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities.

Parks and Trails Associate/Night Security; duties include all of the above and also performing security to protect park visitors and property from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangerous situations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Sell park vehicle permits, merchandise items and consumables, register campers, rent buildings, and collect fees so that visitors are charged the current rate for all goods and services.
• Provide information to the public, give verbal directions and hand out information as requested, ensuring a positive image of Minnesota State Parks.
• Communicate with park personnel and keep supervisors informed to maintain control over public activities throughout the park.
• Clean buildings, grounds, and facilities as directed, selecting proper cleaning equipment and supplies, and maintaining cleanliness.
• Organize reservations, assist in compiling weekly income reports, document visitor use, and provide miscellaneous clerical support for effective visitor service and fiscal accountability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and work independently with limited supervision while prioritizing customer service and safety.
• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleagues complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Problem‑solving skills sufficient to handle uncertain situations related to customer service.
• Skill sufficient to welcome a diverse user base to Minnesota State Parks and Trails Units.
• Ability to operate point of sale systems and computers to accurately count and collect fees.
• Skill in customer service sufficient to interpret and explain program information to customers, clients, and coworkers, such as policy, procedures, eligibility requirements, application details, and payment methods in a patient and unbiased manner.
• Skill in math sufficient to make change, apply simple formulas, calculate account balances and amounts owed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or training in a work or educational setting in any of the following: software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Retail sales and/or customer service.
• Database and records management sufficient to accurately file and categorize documents.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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.

Background Check Requirements

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

Equal Opportunity Employers

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

Benefits

• 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

Career Development and Assistance

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, finances, legal issues, and daily living services.