Minneopa State Park

Purpose (why we are doing this):

 Visitors entering the bison range need to be informed of the rules and safe viewing etiquette to photograph and experience the bison herd. Park staff are not always available to provide this information and to educate visitors of the bison, their role in native landscapes, and the partnership with the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd. For these reasons, Bison Ambassadors help establish a relationship between visitors and the park and answer any general questions people may have. 

Desired outcomes: 

1. Be a reliable source of information about safe bison viewing and general education.

2. Answer questions and document visitor statistics and general asked questions.

Impacts this position will have: Increase visitor knowledge and appreciation of the bison herd, their safe viewing, and the MN DNR's partnership with the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd through first-hand experiences with bison artifacts and volunteers. Create memorable experiences for visitors and volunteers. 

Benefits to the Volunteer 

Opportunity to help educate the public about bison and ensure the safety of bison viewers. Volunteers will get training from MN DNR about the bison, tips in public speaking, and connecting with park staff and others in a professional setting. Volunteers will develop skills in public speaking, communication, science education, and more. Volunteers may count their hours towards relevant service requirements. 

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work: 

1. Become familiar with basic bison viewing safety information, bison biology, and the ability to communicate these to a diverse audience of park visitors. 
2. Help the public view the bison herd at Minneopa State Park by answering questions about viewing etiquette and locations bison may be seen within the park. 
3. Answer questions and explain bison drive rules in a cheerful, professional, and helpful manner. Direct any questions relating to DNR policies and procedures to your supervisor, park management, or the DNR Information Center. 
4. Act professionally in your official role as Bison Ambassador. 
5. At the end of each volunteer shift, complete an Ambassador Log entry including the date, the time of the volunteer shift, who else was volunteering, the number of visitors interacted with, visitor statistics, frequently asked questions, and any significant visitor or bison behavior. Feel free to add any interesting or relevant nature observations such as weather, animal/plant species observed, etc. 
6. Occasionally assist with naturalist programs, as available, such as school field trips, guided hikes, presentations, and other park programs, as needed under the discretion of park management and park naturalist.

Restricted work:

 Qualifications needed:

Experience leading interpretive programs, environmental education outreach, or presenting on environmental topics. Passion and knowledge of environmental topics and outdoor recreation activities. Familiarity with the MN State Parks and their rules. Ability to walk/hike on uneven terrain with or without appropriate documented accommodations. Ability to effectively communicate to diverse audiences about environmental topics, science, and other natural topics. Ability to stand for long periods with or without appropriate documented accommodations. Ability and comfort to be outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including hot, cold, wet, dry, etc.

Safety training topics to be covered with volunteers: 

• Rules of Safe Bison Viewing
• Ticks
• Heat and Cold Related Illness

Minimum Time Commitment:

Weekends and holiday dates are open. 

Shifts are generally 2 hours long. You can sign up for multiple shifts if you would like to serve a longer period of time.  

Required to complete at least 8 hours of volunteer work during a season. 

Sign up:

• Complete the online application.
• Complete and pass a background check.
• All days and shifts will be visible when you apply.