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The Minnesota Naturalists’ Association (MNA) exists to advance
natural and cultural resource interpretation for the purpose
of fostering wise stewardship of all resources.
JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
The Minnesota Naturalists' Association is dedicated to supporting the next generation of environmental professionals. We strive to offer resources for folks seeking jobs, higher education, and other certifications to hone and develop their skills. MNA members have exclusive access to resources such as:
The GIANT JOB BOARD LIST which includes links to over 150 job boards and hiring webpages across Minnesota and the United States.
The CLASSIFICATION CLARIFICATION guide to help applicants understand language in job listings.
The GRADUATE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES guide for professionals interested in pursuing graduate credits or degrees.
The PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT guide for professionals seeking programs to gain new skills or keep existing skills fresh.
APPLYING FOR JOBS Considering a career in environmental education? Uncertain about where to start? Here are a few tips: 1. Visit nature centers, parks, museums, environmental learning centers, etc. to learn where you want to work and what style education you're most interested in offering. 2. Consider volunteering at a site that interests you or requesting the opportunity to interview/shadow staff to learn about the industry and if it would be a good fit for you. 3. Apply for a seasonal position at a site where you want to work or that offers the chance to develop new skills. Internships are typically offered to professionals new to the field with little relevant experience. Seasonal naturalist/educator roles are typically offered to professionals with some relevant experience who are still building their skills and resume. It is not uncommon to spend 2-5 years stringing together a series of seasonal roles before landing a permanent position. For more information, MNA members have exclusive access to the HOW TO GET A JOB guide with tips for successful resume/ cover letter writing, interviewing, and even what to do if you do not get the job you wanted. |  |
WHEN TO APPLY FOR JOBS
Environmental Education employers schedule programs and finalize their staffing months in advance. This means applicants should be looking for job listings 3-6 months before the anticipated start date of the seasonal role.
Regarding SEASONAL positions:
- Summer season jobs (MAY-OCT) tend to be listed December-January, interviewed in February, and hired by March.
- Winter season jobs (NOV-APR) tend to be listed July-September, interviewed in September/October, and hired by November
If you have been hired in a 6-month seasonal position, you should begin searching for your next seasonal role 2 months into your current working season.
Example Timeline for SEASONAL job search:
- January - apply for job
- February - receive an interview initiation and interview for job
- March - receive an offer
- May - start 6-month seasonal job
- July - begin updating resume and searching for/applying for jobs
- August/September - interview for jobs
- October - receive offer
- November/December - start next 6-month seasonal job
*It is important to remember that not all positions are 6-month seasons. Some sites offer 9-month, 12-month, or even 24-month seasons. It is also important to note that most Residential Environmental Learning Centers offer 11-month seasons that start late August and end in June (they align with the school year).
A great place to start looking for outdoor/environmental education jobs in Minnesota is the Conservation Job Board. |
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