Parks & Trails Associate - Northwest Region

Working Title: Parks & Trails Associate - Northwest Region
Job Class: Parks & Trails Associate
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• Location:
  
  Minnesota Northwest Area
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Regular/Temporary:
  Seasonal
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 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 / hourly
• 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

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

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.

This is a continuous posting used to fill multiple part‑time and full‑time seasonal vacancies throughout the Northwest Region of Minnesota. To find which State Park and Trail locations you may be interested in, search our parkfinder map
. The Northwest Region generally includes locations north of Benson/Brainerd and west of Walker, MN. Interested applicants should select ALL locations they would like to be considered for. Applicants will be contacted when an opening in one of their selected locations becomes available.

• Work in a ranger station or in a ranger station and perform night security duties.
• Register campers, sell merchandise, provide information to the public, and clean buildings, fixtures, and bathroom facilities.
• Act as a representative of the DNR, Division of Parks and Trails, selling park vehicle permits, merchandise items and consumables, renting buildings, and collecting fees.
• Communicate with park personnel and keep supervisors informed so that adequate control is maintained over public activities throughout the park.
• Maintain cleanliness of buildings, grounds, and facilities by selecting proper cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Organize reservations, assist in compiling weekly income reports, document visitor use, and provide miscellaneous clerical support to maintain effective visitor service, attendance and fiscal accountability.
• Provide security to protect park and trail visitors and property from unsafe conditions, illegal acts, or other dangerous or damaging situations.

Itasca State Park has a limited number of housing opportunities available. Inquire directly at 218‑699‑7202.

• 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 situations related to customer service.
• 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.
• Skill in customer service sufficient to interpret and explain program information to customers, clients, and coworkers in a patient and unbiased manner.
• Skill in math sufficient to make change, apply simple formulas, calculate account balances and amounts owed.

• Experience or training in a work or educational setting in any of the following:
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Retail sales and/or customer service.
• Database and records management sufficient to accurately file and categorize documents.
• First Aid and CPR training or certification.