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Job Details

Working Title: Zoo Camp Student Worker
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 91127
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Intermittent
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/06/2026
• Closing Date: 01/20/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Insuff Wk Tm
• Division/Unit: Engagement & Strategy / Education / Zoo Camp
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift; hours will vary between 7:30 A.M. - 5:30 A.M.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $17.84 hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
• End Date: End of August
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

The work you''ll do is more than just a job.

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.

Job Summary

This position is limited with an intermittent fluctuating work schedule depending on the season and event needs, and may work up to 32 hours per week. The specific days and hours per week will vary and include school breaks and holidays.

Estimated work timeframe: mid-April to end of August.

This position assists camp staff in in engaging and encouraging students in learning through hands-on, inquiry-based, educational experiences for PreK-12th grade in support of the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. 

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assist Zoo Camp Instructors in engaging and encouraging students in learning through hands-on, inquiry-based, educational experiences according to agreed-upon protocols and best practices so that campers are engaged, and educational outcomes are achieved.
• Supervise zoo campers during transition times such as before care, after care, and lunches.
• Assist with program logistics so that that all camp spaces, materials and staff are available when needed, activities run smoothly, and program goals and outcomes are met. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.

To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she must carry at least six semester (nine quarter) credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment, and every (6) six months thereafter. Must be at least 16 years of age and a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three (3) months. 

Other requirements:

• Must be a student enrolled in high school or a post-secondary or graduate program or planning on enrolling within three (3) months
• Experience working with children, either paid or volunteer 
• Knowledge of natural sciences, conservation, and sustainability issues
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to respond to coworkers and guests with courtesy, respect, and interest in positive problem solving
• Ability to work with individuals from culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse and traditionally underserved communities 
• Ability to learn and share information about the Minnesota Zoo’s programs, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children in the role of nanny, babysitter, camp counselor, academic tutor, sports coach, and/or lifeguard
• Knowledge of environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology
• Knowledge of current educational methods such as inquiry-based learning and/or strategies for building empathy for others
• Demonstrated teaching, presentation, and behavior management skills with preschoolers and/or K-12 audiences
• Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals, their needs, and their importance in the environment
• Passion for and commitment to informal education, and enthusiasm for the potential impact conservation education and experiences can have on participants

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the campus on uneven terrain
• Ability to operate two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff
• Flexible availability throughout weekdays during summer camp season

Additional Requirements

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check including fingerprinting
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Or go to the zoo’s website at https://mnzoo.org/us/job-opportunities/ and click on the appropriate link.

Please be aware that emails from state email addresses may end up in your spam folder. To ensure these emails reach your inbox, add @state.mn.us to your safe sender list or check your spam folder.

State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Veteran’s Preference: 

In order to be considered an eligible candidate for Veteran''s Preference, apply online and email your valid DD-214 form along with the Job ID# and Position Title by the closing date to cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us, or mail to Cyndee Robinson, MN Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124.

For technical application assistance, please contact MMB Careers.

If you have questions please visit the page of Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden 

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota''s State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you''ll have access to benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid sick leave 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages 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.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

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, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.