Find your path in Minnesota state parks.



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"January 2026"

A park worker smiles while pointing out a feature on a map. [ [link removed] ]

??: Itasca State Park

We're Hiring Seasonal Positions ??️

January marks the start of state parks and trails seasonal hiring and a chance to explore roles that connect your workday to Minnesota’s landscapes. 

From internships and seasonal positions to long-term career pathways, state parks and trails offer more than just a job. Many staff begin with a single season and grow their careers over time, moving between regions, learning new skills, and taking on greater responsibility. Whether you’re drawn to natural resources, maintenance, interpretation, hospitality, or public service, your interests can make a real impact.

If you’re looking for work that combines place with purpose, now is the time to explore your options. Browse open positions and apply online today [ [link removed] ].

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A Career That Grows With You ??

"Where a summer job can turn into a lifelong calling."

Most careers in Minnesota state parks and trails don’t start at the top—they grow over time. Seasonal positions, internships, and entry-level roles like parks and trails associates are often the first rung on a much taller ladder. From there, staff build experience across landscapes and responsibilities, moving into roles such as natural resource specialists, assistant park managers, area supervisors, and beyond. It’s a system built on learning by doing, mentorship, and years spent caring for places and people across the state.

A fishing pier is covered in snow and footprints. [ [link removed] ]

One example of that long-term growth is Jordan Schaefer, Northeast assistant region manager for state parks and trails. Jordan began his career as a seasonal general laborer and building and grounds worker in 2006 before moving up to parks specialist, park supervisor, and eventually district supervisor. Over the last 20 years, his on-the-ground experiences helped shape a path that eventually led to regional leadership. His story reflects what’s possible within parks and trails: a career built step by step, season by season, rooted in firsthand experience and a deep connection to Minnesota’s public lands.

Whether someone stays for a season or builds a career that spans decades, parks and trails offer more than a job—they offer a pathway.



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Minnesota Careers Website - Tips and Tricks ✅

"A job with the DNR starts with a great application."

Applying for a new job can feel daunting, but these tips can help make the process clearer and more manageable. All jobs with the state of Minnesota and the DNR are posted on the Minnesota careers website [ [link removed] ]. The website is your one-stop shop for applying to state parks and trails jobs. 


* Create an account on the Minnesota careers website to keep your saved and submitted applications in one place. You can also check on the status of applications and set up email alerts for when jobs are posted through your account. 
* Search jobs by keywords, job titles, or use the agency filter (select 'Natural Resources' to see all DNR jobs).
* Some DNR jobs are listed by region, rather than park. Candidates are interviewed by region first and assigned a park based on availability and preference.
* Pay close attention to the minimum qualifications and clearly list how you meet them on your application and resume.
* If you have questions about a position, look for the contact person listed at the bottom of the job. Don't be afraid to reach out for clarification!
* Keep an eye on your inbox—and spam folder—after you apply. 

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Bright ideas
Seasonal Roles Hiring Now (or Soon)  

"Explore career options close to nature. "

Every year, Minnesota state parks and trails welcome hundreds of seasonal employees who help care for the parks, trails, and people who visit them. These roles span the entire state and offer many ways to get started—whether you’re looking for your first job, a seasonal reset, or a stepping stone into a long-term career with the DNR. Check the Minnesota careers website [ [link removed] ] for seasonal job postings. Many are posted now.

A front desk worker smiles while at a computer. [ [link removed] ]

*Parks and Trails Associate*

Often the first faces visitors meet, parks and trails associates sell vehicle permits, assist campers, answer questions, and help keep daily operations running smoothly. These roles are a great fit for people who enjoy customer service and working in dynamic outdoor settings.



Two workers install a dock section. [ [link removed] ]

*Building and Grounds Worker*

From trail maintenance and facility repairs to groundskeeping and weather response, buildings and grounds workers play a hands-on role in keeping parks and trails welcoming and functional. No two days will be the same: your job site could be a horse or OHV trail, state park, or even a public water access. These positions are essential across the system and appeal to those who enjoy physical work outdoors.



Gray ranger truck. [ [link removed] ]

*Security*

Security staff help keep visitors safe by responding to emergencies and assisting with visitor education. These roles are well-suited for people who are interested in public service, problem-solving, and emergency response.



A staff worker makes a bed in a lodge.

*Housekeeping*
At *Itasca State Park* [ [link removed] ], the vast number of lodging options and high visitation requires a large housekeeping team. These staff are essential in preserving the park's historic structures and keeping guest spaces clean, welcoming, and ready for the next arrival. This work plays a key behind-the-scenes role in creating positive visitor experiences and keeping park operations running smoothly. 



A food worker prepares a plate in the back of the kitchen.

*Food Service*
At Itasca, there are also unique opportunities to work in the Douglas Lodge Restaurant and Mary Gibbs Cafe. Seasonal food service staff include hosts, cooks, servers, and food service workers. These roles help create memorable experiences for guests and offer valuable hospitality, cooking, and restaurant management experience. 

*Housing Options at Itasca State Park*

Itasca State Park also offers limited on-site housing for seasonal staff for a fee, upon request, and offers a comfortable, community-oriented living setup for the season. Staff have individual bedrooms, with access to shared kitchens, shared bathrooms, and shared laundry facilities. Wi-Fi and cable TV are included, making it easy to stay connected after a day of work.

For those who prefer camping, seasonal employees may also have the option to camp at nearby La Salle Lake State Recreation Area, located about 10 miles from Itasca. Please note that pets are not permitted in employee housing.



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Internship Opportunities in State Parks ??

"Your summer of learning starts here—apply today."

A group of interns wade in a waterway using nets. [ [link removed] ]

If you’re a college student considering a career in natural resources, education, or park management, an internship with Minnesota state parks and trails [ [link removed] ] is a great place to start. Our *PAID *internships offer hands-on experience and real-world training in some of the most beautiful places in the state—all while helping you build skills that can open doors to future careers with the DNR and beyond.

Interns work alongside experienced staff and gain exposure to a wide range of roles, from visitor services and park operations to resource management and interpretation. Interns are placed at parks across Minnesota, including well-known destinations like Itasca, Gooseberry Falls, Afton, Sibley, Wild River, and many others.

To be eligible, interns must be fulfilling an academic requirement or receiving academic credit through their college or university. Applications are open now and due Monday, February 2, 2026. If you’re ready to spend your summer learning, growing, and working outdoors, this could be your foot in the door. Learn more and apply today [ [link removed] ]!



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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A naturalist intern sits in a chair behind a table outside in a park. On the table are activities like animal furs and a spinning trivia wheel. [ [link removed] ]

??: Naturalist Corps intern Eli greets visitors at Jay Cooke State Park.

Teaching the Teachers ??

"Naturalist Corps is perfect for budding outdoor educators."

Each summer, Minnesota state parks and trails host Naturalist Corps [ [link removed] ] interns—college students who take on full-time roles supporting outdoor education, interpretation, and park operations. These internships provide hands-on experience for students interested in environmental education, helping them build skills while working alongside experienced park naturalists.

Last summer, Eli Nelson served as a Naturalist Corps intern at *Jay Cooke State Park* [ [link removed] ]. As part of the program, Eli helped lead interpretive and recreational programs, assisted with visitor engagement, and gained valuable field experience under the mentorship of park staff.

A naturalist intern holds a paper up while giving a presentation outside. [ [link removed] ]

Eli has long been interested in the natural world but didn’t initially realize that becoming a naturalist could be a career path. Through his studies and hands-on work in the park, he discovered how interpretation blends science, storytelling, and public connection.

One highlight of Eli’s internship was developing and leading his own interpretive program. Drawing on his interest in ecology, he created a Naturalist Fungus Walk that introduced visitors to the fungi and mushroom species found throughout Jay Cooke State Park. The program gave participants a closer look at an often-overlooked part of the ecosystem while allowing Eli to apply what he had learned in his college coursework.

“I feel much more confident as an interpreter and more knowledgeable about wildlife,” Eli said. “I’m now comfortable communicating with the public, which is helpful for any career.”

Naturalist Corps interns apply for placements by sharing their interests, experience, and preferred park assignments. Jay Cooke State Park stood out to Eli for its location and diverse landscape, offering a setting where he could deepen his ecological knowledge while connecting with visitors on the trail.

The Naturalist Corps program supports Minnesota state parks and trails by helping deliver engaging educational programs while preparing students for future careers in natural resources and environmental education. For Eli, the internship was a chance to turn classroom learning into real-world experience—one guided walk at a time.

Naturalist Corps applications are open—apply today!

Summer 2026 Naturalist Corps Internships are currently accepting applications. Learn more about the program, including expectations, requirements, and how to apply on the Summer Naturalist Corps webpage [ [link removed] ].



Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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A group of park workers pose smiling at the camera from an outcropping of rocks next to a river. [ [link removed] ]

??: Marcie Garcia and team at Temperance River State Park.

From National Parks to State Parks

"Marcie Garcia returns to Minnesota after federal jobs. "

Natural resource specialists play a critical role in Minnesota state parks and trails. These positions blend hands-on fieldwork, resource protection, visitor safety, and stewardship of some of the state’s most treasured landscapes. At *Temperance River State Park* [ [link removed] ], Natural Resource Specialist Marcie Garcia offers a clear example of how varied experiences, persistence, and a love of the outdoors can lead to meaningful work in Minnesota’s state parks.

Marcie, a park ranger stands in uniform outside a DNR building.

Marcie attended college at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, where she earned a degree in Conservation Law Enforcement with an emphasis in Natural Resource Management. During her undergraduate, Marcie spent a summer as the security intern for Itasca State Park—an experience she often says was the best summer of her life. The internship [ [link removed] ] gave her hands-on experience in park operations, visitor safety, and public interaction, further reinforcing her desire to work in parks.

After college, Marcie followed a strong sense of wanderlust and began working for the National Park Service in an enforcement role at Yosemite National Park. Over the next several years, she worked in national parks across the country, including Grand Teton, Joshua Tree, Lake Mead, and Mojave National Preserve. Each role helped her build a broad and adaptable skill set.

After five years of traveling and sometimes living in remote locations, Marcie began to miss home. Minnesota holds a special place in her heart—it’s where she grew up and first discovered her love for the outdoors. She returned to the Midwest and joined Chisago County as a deputy. Part of her job as a deputy was driving by and checking in on parks around the area. After months of finding joy in short stops at the parks and chatting with park staff, she decided it was time to apply for a job with the Minnesota DNR. “You’re helping people enjoy the outdoors, and that’s something that has been important to me since I was young,” Marcie said. Now, every day is a new adventure, and she intends to keep it that way.

As a natural resource specialist at Temperance River State Park, Marcie’s days are spent caring for park resources, supporting visitors, and continuing to build the skills that can lead to roles like park supervisor or other leadership positions within Minnesota state parks and trails. Marcie credits a lot of her skill development to the DNR, which has provided extensive training opportunities and coworkers who have grown to feel like family. 



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Lake Bronson Dam Replacement

"Snow didn't stop recent bridge girder installation."
Illustration of the Lake Bronson dam that will be complete in Fall 2026. [ [link removed] ]

A major infrastructure project is underway at *Lake Bronson State Park [ [link removed] ]*, where crews have been working since September 2024 to replace the park’s 87-year-old dam. Originally built in 1937, the aging structure was classified as a high hazard dam due to an undersized spillway, seepage through the embankment, and other signs of deterioration. Replacing it is a major investment in the long-term safety and health of the park.

A crane lowers bridge girders on a snowy day. [ [link removed] ]

In December, we checked in with park supervisor Tim and assistant park supervisor Amber to see how construction was progressing and what the new dam will mean for the park’s future. Watch a short interview with them on our social media [ [link removed] ]. A key milestone came in early December with the installation of six massive girders—an impressive sight that marked the end of construction activity for the winter season.

Work will resume when warmer weather returns, with the full project [ [link removed] ] anticipated to be complete in late 2026—helping ensure Lake Bronson State Park can be enjoyed for generations to come.





A Moment of 'Ahhh'
The sun rises over a snowy lake at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. [ [link removed] ]

Whether you need a quick pause, or a long reflection, the Itasca State Park webcam [ [link removed] ] is available to be your virtual moment in nature. The online camera is free and streams 24/7. Overlooking the Mississippi River Headwaters, viewers are often treated to stunning sunrises, sunsets, and even occasional wildlife such as deer and swans.  




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*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ]*

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