Aquatic Invasive Species Educator & Watercraft Inspector

About the Department

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is seeking educators to work in our Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) education and watercraft inspection program.  Educators will primarily work at Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis and Bde Maka Ska.  Assigned shifts and work locations will vary based on department needs.  The position is temporary with an expected duration from approximately April through December 1st.  Applicants available for any duration within this timeframe may be considered.  Applicants must be available for day, evening and weekend hours. Opening shifts start before dawn (as early as 5:45AM) to early afternoon and closing shifts start in the afternoon to after dusk (as late as 10:30PM), seven days per week. Hours/days vary throughout the season with most employees working up to 30 hours per week.   Workload based on seasonal needs and hours of operation including days, nights, holidays and weekends.  Regular attendance at work is expected.  Data collected in this position will be recorded in an iPhone application; some proficiency with smart phone technology may be required for this position.  May work for prolonged periods of time outdoors and in all weather conditions.  On-site shelters can be used during times of inclement weather.  May be assigned to work individually or in pairs/teams.
 
In October and November, the number of available work hours is reduced and assigned based on need and skill level.   Work assignments during this time will be combination of office and field work.  

JOIN OUR CREW, WE NEED YOU!

Join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and make a difference in your community!

We are looking for seasonal workers who love nature, people, and fun. Apply today and enjoy learning new skills, meeting new friends, and serving the community, all while working in our beautiful park system. Whether you are interested in recreation, environmental education, maintenance, or customer service, we have a job for you!

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of the premier park systems in the United States. Our picturesque lakes, neighborhood parks, recreation centers and diversified programming make the park system an important component of what makes Minneapolis a great place to live, play and work!

Position Duties

• Inspect watercraft and educate boaters as they enter and exit the lakes in the Minneapolis Parks. 
• Serve as a customer service agent for the Minneapolis Parks; provide information and respond to inquiries. 
• Provide interactive AIS education for all ages at boat landings in Minneapolis Parks. 
• Conduct inspections, track interactions with boaters, and collect customer service information from the general public; log information on a mobile device.  Mobile device also used for shift scheduling and communication with supervisory staff. 
• Conduct AIS early detection boat launch surveys using in-water detection tools and equipment. 
• Complete other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Need to Have:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must attend DNR watercraft inspector certification course and pass exam within 30 days from start date.
• Must have ability to travel between work locations within a 15-minute timeframe using personal transportation.  

Nice to Have:

• Experience in environmental education preferred.
• Previous customer service experience and/or working with public preferred.
• Ability to communicate fluently in a language other than English preferred. 
• Driver's license with safe driving record preferred.

Skills Crucial to Success in This Role:

• Interest in learning to identify Minnesota's aquatic invasive species. 
• Ability to arrive on time for scheduled shifts and travel between work locations in a reasonable amount of time. 
• Independent, self-motivated worker
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (morning, day and evening) at various MPRB boat launches.
• Excellent communication skills to interact positively and communicate the importance of invasive species programs, policies, and actions with a wide range of customers.
• Establish and maintain effective, respectful, and productive working relationships.
• Provide outstanding customer service and project positive image of MPRB to residents and customers. 
• Ability to use mobile device in the field including ability to navigate DNR web application and use of text and email communication.

Other Qualifications

FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Union Status: Non-represented

To view a full list of qualifications and job description, click Here

Selection Process:
To apply for this temporary position, applicants must complete an online application with supplemental questions at www.minneapolisparks.org/jobs. This position is open until filled.
What steps the selection process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We conduct an interview.
• References, including verification of employment and work performance, may be considered. Applicant must provide current contact information for at least two (2) references on their application.  Past performance and discipline may be considered.
• We conduct a background check. Upon receiving a conditional offer of employment, the applicant will be asked to sign an informed consent allowing the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to obtain their criminal history in connection with the positions sought. View the MPRB Background Check Policy Here

Please note that HR reserves the right to limit the number of people invited to successive testing events.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board- a great place to play, work and make a difference in the lives of others.    

The MPRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a tobacco-free workplace and park system.

MPR123

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is an independent park district that owns, maintains, and programs activities in public parks in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. It has 500 full-time and 1,300 part-time employees and an $111 million operating and capital budget.