Parks & Trails Associate - Northwest Region

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Minnesota Lake (MN); On-site; USD 28,254 - 36,038; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A governmental agency in Minnesota is hiring a Parks & Trails Associate for seasonal positions throughout the Northwest Region. Responsibilities include assisting campers, selling permits, and ensuring facility cleanliness. Candidates should possess organizational skills and a commitment to customer service. This role offers an hourly wage between $20.51 to $26.16, and applicants must have a valid Class D Driver’s license. Opportunities for personal and professional growth are available within a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and work independently.
• Skills to provide exceptional customer service to park users.
• Ability to operate point-of-sale systems and collect fees.

Responsibilities

• Assist campers and perform night security duties.
• Register campers and clean facilities.
• Sell permits and collect fees from visitors.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Mathematical skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working Title: Parks & Trails Associate - Northwest Region
Job Class: Parks & Trails Associate
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 91158
• Location: Minnesota Northwest Area
• Telework Eligible: No
• 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 1
• 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 Northwest Region
• FLSA: Non-exempt
• 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.

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 used to fill multiple part‑time and full‑time seasonal vacancies throughout the Northwest Region of Minnesota. To find which State Park and Trail locations you may be interested in, search our parkfinder map. The Northwest Region generally includes locations north of Benson/Brainerd and west of Walker, MN. 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.

Responsibilities

• Work in a ranger station or in a ranger station and perform night security duties.
• Register campers, sell merchandise, provide information to the public, and clean buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities.
• Act as a representative of the DNR, Division of Parks and Trails, selling park vehicle permits, merchandise items and consumables, renting buildings, and collecting fees.
• Communicate with park personnel and keep supervisors informed so that adequate control is maintained over public activities throughout the park.
• Maintain cleanliness of buildings, grounds, and facilities by selecting proper cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Organize reservations, assist in compiling weekly income reports, document visitor use, and provide miscellaneous clerical support to maintain effective visitor service, attendance and fiscal accountability.
• Provide security to protect park and trail visitors and property from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangerous or damaging situations.

Itasca State Park has a limited number of housing opportunities available. Inquire directly at 218‑699‑7202.

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 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:
• 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 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 complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources 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
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

For inquiries about this position, contact Christa Maxwell at [e-mail] or 218‑770‑2817.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [e-mail]. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Paige Stanius at [e-mail].

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.

• 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.

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.