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Job Details

Working Title: Zoo Camp Instructor
Job Class: Interpretive Naturalist 1
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 90583
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time, varies/up to 40 hrs/wk
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• 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: Strategy & Engagement / Learning & Engagement / Education / Zoo Camp
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Between hours of 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday. Days and hours vary based on programs.
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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 posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Positions are part-time, up to 40 hours per week depending on availability and program needs. Anticipated season dates of early May to end of August each year.

Candidates must successfully complete and pass a 5-minute presentation during the interview in order to be qualified.

Working schedule will be Monday – Friday. Between hours of 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Days and hours vary based on programs.

Position exists to assist in the development and implementation of zoo camps programs for PK-12th grade. They may also assist the paraprofessionals, the camp leads, and other Learning and Engagement Staff.  This position is also responsible for promoting the importance of conservation, and the Minnesota Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Present established education programs in a professional, high-quality manner according to the appropriate curricula and established lesson plans. 
• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of education programs as needed ensuring that education programs are of the highest quality and convey conservation, ecological, and natural history information in an effective, fun and engaging way. 
• Integrate Conservation messages into all education programming and experiences so participants are able to act on behalf of wildlife. 

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.

This position requires a balanced blend of organizational and human relationship skills, as well as, an understanding of biological concepts and in-depth educational skills. Skills and knowledge required include:

• Two (2) years’ experience developing and/or implementing environmental/nature, socio-cultural, historical, or closely related programs at a zoo, nature center, museum or aquarium. 

OR 

• Two (2) years’ experience as a teacher (PreK – 12th grade) in a formal educational setting.

AND

• Candidates must successfully complete and pass a 5-minute presentation during the interview to be qualified.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Interpretation, Education, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and proven experience in environmental, experiential and/or outdoor learning theory and methodology
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience working with culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse communities and/or organizations sufficient to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity.
• Evidence of exceptional interpersonal skills
• Fluent in a language in addition to English such as Spanish, Hmong, ASL, etc.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent teaching and presentation skills, practices, and processes.
• Knowledge of zoology, biology, life sciences and environmental sciences. 
• Knowledge of conservation, wildlife biology, and sustainability issues.
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Zoo operational services, philosophy, objectives, and guidelines.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain.

Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff.

Flexible availability on weekdays throughout the duration of camp.

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 to link to the posting https://mnzoo.org/us/job-opportunities/

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.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to 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 one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• 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.