Minneopa State Park

Purpose (why we are doing this)

Desired outcomes:

Friends group volunteers work collaboratively with DNR unit supervisors and staff to identify and support projects and events that support the Parks and Trails Division’s vision of "creating unforgettable park, trail, and water recreation experiences that inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.”

Bison ambassador (if applicable): 1) Be a source of information about safe bison viewing and 2) Answer questions as you can and document FAQs

Impact this position will have:

• Enhance the quality and diversity of educational and outreach programs offered at the park/trail.
• Increase sustainability of park/trail natural and built resources via adopted maintenance projects.
• Enhance park/trail amenities and offerings through prioritized and strategic projects approved by DNR supervisors and staff.

Bison ambassador (if applicable): The public will remain safe while learning about bison.

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work:

• Work with unit supervisor or staff liaison to identify potential projects and tasks to support park/trail management and interpretive services goals. These items must be documented in an annual goal and project plan and may be updated throughout the year.
• During project work with the park/trail, volunteers serve as representatives of the Department of Natural Resources and shall demonstrate professional behavior and act respectful to all park visitors.
• Assist with naturalist program activities, events and interpretive projects, including but not limited to: serving as a bison ambassador and leading approved guided hikes or other programming.
• Assist with resource management projects.
• Follow safety guidance related to each separate project and activity and serve as a model for safe behaviors.

Bison ambassador (if applicable):

• Become familiar with basic bison safe viewing information and communicate this to visitors.
• Help the public view bison at Minneopa State Park by answering questions about viewing etiquette and locations where bison may be seen.
• Answer questions and explain bison drive rules in a cheerful and helpful manner.
• Act professionally in your official role as Bison Ambassador
• Refer all questions related to DNR policies and procedures to your supervisor or the DNR Information Center.
• Make at least one entry into the Ambassador Log Book for your shift. Entries could include frequently asked questions, notes on where the bison were, interesting nature observations, visitor behaviors of note, or anything you feel would be of value to share.
• Occasionally assist with the naturalist program by posting and distributing schedules, publicizing programs, or helping with programs.

Restricted work:

• The duties assigned to this volunteer position are laid out above and within an annual goal and project plan.
• Friends members may not conduct any volunteer work on State property without prior staff approval.
• Any kind of organizational work that is not described in this agreement or the annual goal and project plan (including fundraising, construction projects, capital improvement projects, or related external work) requires a separate agreement with the State, typically in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
• Any volunteer work outside of this park/trail unit will require a separate volunteer agreement.

Bison ambassador (if applicable):

• You must never come within 25 yards (75 feet or 1/4 of a football field) of bison. 
• Do not come within 75 feet of a cow and calf.
• Never drive a vehicle around or through a herd of bison.
• Avoid expressing personal opinions while on duty. Volunteers are representatives of the park and the DNR.

Qualifications Desired (education, skill, experience)

• Interest and willingness to support the mission and vision of Minnesota State Parks and Trails and its employees.
• Experience working with youth and adult audiences is preferred.
• Repeat volunteers are encouraged to consider participating in the Minnesota Master Naturalist volunteer training.
• Ability to work as a team and independently.
• Access to internet and email.
• For resource management projects, volunteers must be able to lift 20 pounds and bend over.
• Project work is flexible and can be matched to volunteer abilities and interests.
• Participate in cultural awareness and customer service training provided by the DNR.

Bison ambassador (if applicable):

• Be familiar with Minneopa State Park rules and safe bison viewing.
• Be familiar with basic bison facts (How much you learn about bison natural history is up to you.)
• Ability to work independently.

Safety training topics to be covered with volunteers: 

• Ticks
• Heat and Cold Related Illness
• Poisonous and Hazardous Plants
• Rules of safe bison viewing
• Others as needed

Minimum Time Commitment: 

Flexible schedule.

DNR Contact Person: Ashley Steevens, ashley.steevens@state.mn.us

Sign up:

• Complete the online application
• Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity
• Be sure to “Sign Up” after submitting your application