Parks & Trails Associate - Northwest Region

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

Employer-paid life insurance

Tax-free expense accounts

Job summary

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment is seeking a Parks & Trails Associate in the Northwest Region to support the vision of providing unforgettable park and trail experiences.

Responsibilities include registering campers, providing public information, and maintaining facilities. Candidates should possess strong customer service and teamwork skills. Preferred qualifications include experience with Microsoft Office and prior retail experience.

This seasonal position operates in various locations and requires a Class D Driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and work independently.
• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleagues complete tasks.
• Problem-solving skills to handle customer-service situations.

Responsibilities

• Register campers and sell merchandise.
• Perform night security duties to protect park resources.
• Sell park vehicle permits and collect fees.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Point-of-sale operations

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 Details

• Job ID: 91158
• Location: Minnesota Northwest Area
• Telework Eligible: No
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Posting Date: 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 per hour
• 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

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• Register campers, sell merchandise, provide information to the public, and clean buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities.
• Perform night security duties where applicable, protecting park and trail resources from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangerous situations.
• Sell park vehicle permits, merchandise items and consumables, register campers, rent buildings, and collect fees to ensure visitors are charged accurately.
• Provide information to the public, give verbal directions, and hand out information to promote a positive image of Minnesota State Parks.
• Communicate with park personnel and keep supervisors informed to maintain control over public activities.
• Clean buildings, grounds, and facilities as directed, and request and select proper cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Organize reservations, assist in compiling weekly income reports, document visitor use, and provide miscellaneous clerical support to maintain 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 customer‑service situations.
• 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.
• Customer‑service skill to interpret and explain program information to customers, clients, and coworkers in a patient and unbiased manner.
• Math skill sufficient to make change, apply simple formulas, calculate account balances and amounts owed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or training in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Retail sales and/or customer service experience.
• Database and records‑management experience for accurate filing and categorization.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, 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

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

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low‑cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan after at least three years of service
• Employer‑paid life insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health and dependent care

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status, 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, contact the Careers Help Desk.