State Trail Research Intern

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At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.
Job Details
Working Title: State Trail Research Intern
Job Class: Intern
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 01/02/2024
• Closing Date : 01/31/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit : Parks & Trails
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies
• Days of Work : Varies
• Travel Required : Yes
• Salary Range: $19.00 / hourly
• Classified Status : Non-Status
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 223 -Non-Employee / Unrepresented
• Anticipated Start Date : May 2024
• Anticipated End Date : September 2024
• FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
• Telework Eligible : No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
Job Summary
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota's natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.
We are currently seeking to fill one (1) State Trail Research internshipat The Central Office in Saint Paul, MN.
This positionprovides a student with educational experience and on the job training in research methods for outdoor recreation. The purpose of the State Trail survey is to randomly sample State Trail visitors throughout the summer to better understand visitors' activities, demographics, satisfaction, and opinions. The information will help parks and trails better understand customers and improve management of the State Trail system.
Hours of work will vary and will include some holidays and weekends. Shifts will include mornings, afternoons, and evenings.The schedule for surveying will be determined at least a month in advance.
It will require travel to and from survey locations.Individual will have access to state vehicles for travel or will be reimbursed for use of personal vehicle. Lodging for any required travel will be reimbursed.
Responsibilities include:

• Administer surveys of State Trail visitors in accordance with the research protocol, sampling design, and best practices for handling sensitive, non-public data.
• Track and report on trail survey contacts. Use electronic tablet to maintain accurate information about the number of people contacted and number of surveys completed, as well as hours and locations of survey periods.
• Represent the Parks and Trails Division positively in interactions with trail users, by responding appropriately to questions and following agency guidelines for "Culture of Respect" and ethical behavior.
• Learn and follow safety guidelines identified by the DNR to ensure safety of staff and visitors. Report injuries, accidents, and near-misses to supervisor immediately.
• Assist with the State Trail visitor survey project manager as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
To be eligible for an internship, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a student at an accredited educational institution; AND
• Your advisor must certify that you will either receive academic credit or fulfill an academic requirement. The signature of a sponsoring academic instructor is required prior to beginning an internship.

AND

• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to follow research protocols and work well independently.
• Verbal communication skills sufficient to answer questions posed by park visitors.
• Ability to operate tablet devices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enrolled in a degree program in recreation, natural resource management, planning, geography, sociology, economics, political science, or other similar social sciences.
• Demonstrated interest in recreation and/or environmental work.

Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.
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 Department of Natural Resources 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
• 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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
If you have questions about thepositions, contact Darin Newmanat darin.newman@state.mn.us or 651-259-5611 .
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us .
Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.