Seasonal Recreation Program Specialist (Wargo Nature Center)

anokacounty; Lino Lakes (MN); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Anoka County Parks is seeking a Seasonal Recreation Program Specialist to plan and deliver park programs at our facilities, primarily at Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes, MN. This non-exempt on-site role offers 24 hours per week and varied shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities include teaching outdoor activities, leading winter programs, and upholding respectful use of parks and equipment. Safe operation and driving between sites are required.

Qualifications

• Requires accreditation from a technical school or applicable trades program.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver park program activities that align with program goals.
• Teach outdoor recreational activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, hikes, and ice fishing.
• Lead winter programs and support Wildlife Outreach or Environmental Education when needed.
• Encourage respect for personal property, facilities, equipment, and the environment.
• Load, transport, and maintain recreational equipment (snowshoes, skis, bikes, fishing gear).

Skills

Outdoor recreation experience

Customer service

Verbal & written communication

Education

Technical school accreditation or trades program

Job description

Job Posting End Date: December 13, 2026 at 11:59pm CST

Hiring range: $17.00 to $20.00 per hour. The starting rate will depend on experience, education, and qualifications. Advancement opportunities exist for individuals motivated to move up within Anoka County.

Come join our team at Anoka County where you can serve your community while enjoying the benefits of work-life balance!

In order to be considered for this position, information to support your answers must be included in your application. A resume attachment is optional and cannot be used in place of this application.

Position Description

The Anoka County Parks mission is as a department of Anoka County, our mission is to positively impact the quality of life in Anoka County by providing parks, outdoor recreation, and leisure services for the public. Our mission encompasses the protection of the natural environment, improving the health of citizens, and supporting a strong local economy. The department has an immediate opening for Seasonal Recreation Program Specialist who will perform various duties. Some of the critical responsibilities of this position include plan and deliver park program activities that align with the program delivery goals and desired outcomes of the Parks Department.

This is a seasonal, non-exempt, on-site position. Interviews will take place as applications are received for those selected to move forward in the hiring process.

Pay & Benefits

Salary: $17.00 to $20.00 per hour.

Professional development opportunities.

Work Location

This position will primarily work at Wargo Nature Center, located at 7701 Main St, Lino Lakes, MN. Travel to other Anoka County Parks as needed.

Expected work hours are varied including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays, around 24 hours per week. This may include extended hours on weekends and holidays as required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

These examples are not all-inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of the primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Seasonal Recreation Program Specialist.

• Teach outdoor recreational activities such as snowshoeing, skiing, hikes, and ice fishing.
• Lead public and private programming throughout the winter months, with the flexibility to support Wildlife Outreach or Environmental Education programs as needed.
• Encourage respect for personal property, recreational equipment, facilities, and the environment.
• Load, transport, and maintain recreational equipment including snowshoes, kick sleds, cross country skis, fat tire bikes, and fishing equipment.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Requires accreditation from a technical school or applicable trades program.
• In lieu of the required education, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
• Must have valid driver's license and vehicle available for business use
• Successfully pass driver's license and criminal history background check

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed

• Outdoor recreational experience.
• Degree in recreation and park administration or related field
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

Indoor and outdoor county worksites in all weather conditions depending on assignment

Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus, such as to work on computers. Ability to see colors, shades and brightness.

Hearing abilities required for general and phone communication, signals, and machine sounds

Assignments require several hours of varied physical activity in addition to viewing a computer screen, sitting at a desk, or walking/standing

Physical activity may include repeated bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, prolonged walking on sloped or uneven terrain, and handling/carrying equipment

Ability to detect, discern, and tolerate a wide range of scents required for safety and performance of essential duties

Cognitive abilities required include problem solving, prioritization of tasks, short- and long-term memory, interpreting and understanding written documents, and general mathematical skills

Regular lifting of 0-25 lbs., occasional lifting of up to 75 lbs.

Equipment used includes computers, phones, and standard office equipment in addition to various park maintenance equipment depending on assignment

Driving is required for this position and staff must have the ability to use a variety of mowers, tractors, pickup trucks, UTV's, and boats

Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, airborne particles, prolonged vibration from machinery, and other hazards is possible while performing essential duties

Travel between work sites may require driving a county vehicle and/or a personal vehicle

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

Selection Process

It is importan