Parks & Trails Associate -Southern Region

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 28,254 - 36,038; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision plans

Pension plan with retirement income

Life insurance

Job summary

The Parks & Trails Associate – Southern Region position in Minnesota State Parks and Trails offers a role focused on visitor service, registration, and merchandise sales within a vibrant park system. You will support reservations, operate POS systems, and help ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all visitors.

The role requires flexibility for weekday, weekend, evenings, and holiday shifts, along with a valid Driver's license and strong customer service skills.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and work independently with limited supervision.
• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleagues complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Problem-solving skills to handle uncertain situations related to customer service.
• Skill 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, and calculate account balances and amounts owed.

Responsibilities

• Register campers and sell merchandise, including park vehicle permits and other consumables.
• Provide information to the public and give verbal directions.
• Clean buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities; maintain grounds and perform outdoor tasks.
• Organize reservations, compile weekly income reports, and provide clerical support.
• Operate point‑of‑sale systems and computers to accurately collect fees.
• Perform night security duties, protecting visitors, park property, and resources from unsafe conditions and illegal acts.

Skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Computer skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Parks & Trails Associate – Southern Region

Salary range: $20.51 - $26.16 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Register campers and sell merchandise, including park vehicle permits and other consumables.
• Provide information to the public and give verbal directions.
• Clean buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities; maintain grounds and perform outdoor tasks.
• Organize reservations, compile weekly income reports, and provide clerical support.
• Operate point‑of‑sale systems and computers to accurately collect fees.
• Perform night security duties, protecting visitors, park property, and resources from unsafe conditions and illegal acts.

Typical work schedules include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to manage work tasks effectively and work independently with limited supervision.
• Teamwork skills sufficient to help colleagues complete tasks efficiently and safely.
• Problem‑solving skills to handle uncertain situations related to customer service.
• Skill 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, and calculate account balances and amounts owed.

Additional Requirements

• Requires unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; only individuals 18 + with a valid license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
• Must be able to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Background Check includes: Conflict of interest review, Criminal history check, Education verification, Employment reference/records check, License/certification verification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or training in software such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Retail sales and/or customer service experience.
• Database and records management skills.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.

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 with income after retirement (after 3 years of service).
• Employer‑paid life insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being.

Support and Training

• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (eligible positions).
• Employee Assistance Program providing confidential support for life challenges, mental health, and more.
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

Equal Opportunity & Disability Statement

Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative action, 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.

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, please contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.