Seasonal position welcoming and assisting visitors and providing interpretive education opportunities for youth and adults at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary located in Theodore Wirth Park. Lead regular public tours and specialized programs and provide other educational services to Wildflower Garden visitors. Assist with Wildflower Garden phenology observations and record-keeping and other projects as assigned.
Essential Duties:
- Staff the Martha Crone Visitor Shelter, trails, and welcome kiosk at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
- Lead engaging nature focused activities at the Wildflower Garden
- Lead scheduled tours and interpretive programs for youth and adults
- Develop curriculum for fun and engaging tours, interpretive programs, and outreach activities
- Maintain daily naturalists’ log of Garden phenology and assist with related upkeep of records and hand-outs
- Write articles for publications including the Garden’s seasonal e-bulletin and the Friends of the Wildflower Garden’s Fringed Gentian newsletter
- Assist with special projects, programs, and events
- Assist with general housekeeping and organization-focused tasks
- Follow and diplomatically enforce MPRB rules and regulations
Work season & schedule: Early/mid-July through mid-October, 2026. Commitment to finishing the full season is required. Shifts: Part-time hours (20-28 hours per week). Weekly commitment to working 4-5 shifts per week overall including one weekend shift per week. Typical schedule for this position is: 9:45am-3pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and Thursdays 1:45pm-6:15pm. Required attendance at staff meetings each Thursday from 2:00-3:15pm.
Knowledge of:
- Minnesota and regional native plants and plant communities
- Minnesota (with a focus on local) wildlife
- Environmental education practices and principals
Skills and Ability to:
- Follow written and oral instructions with attention to detail
- Meet Garden project deadlines on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
- Work respectfully as a team member with MPRB staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors
- Communicate in a professional and friendly manner with the public
- Facilitate high-quality nature-focused programs and interpretive opportunities for visitors and volunteers
- Utilize computer with Microsoft Office applications
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- In-depth knowledge in one or more of the following subjects: ecology, botany, ornithology, mycology, entomology, zoology, geology and/or environmental education (academic training in one of these fields preferred)
- At least three months interpretive experience working 20 hours per week at a nature center, camp, zoo, arboretum, or similar venue (other education-focused and customer service experience will be considered)
- Demonstrated ability to work skillfully and respectfully with children, adults, and diverse populations
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to write, listen and speak publicly in a clear, professional, respectful, and engaging manner
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field
- Previous experience working as an interpretive naturalist or educator
- Fluency in a second language (including Dakota, Ojibwe, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, ASL)
Criminal background investigation required per MPRB policy.
Compensation: $18.50/hour
Application deadline: June 26, 2026
Send resume and cover letter to:
Lori Smiley, lsmiley@minneapolisparks.org