Seasonal Part-time Programs Specialist

SEASONAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST JOB POSTING 

 Email cover letter, resume, and references to Devin Brown Austin at dbrown@parkconnection.org.The deadline to apply is February 14, 2025. Priority will be given to applications received by January 31, 2025.  Open until filled.

MISSION 

Mississippi Park Connection strengthens the enduring connection between people and the national park by stewarding the river and enriching the lives of all those who experience the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. 

ABOUT MPC 

Mississippi Park Connection (MPC) is the official 501c3 nonprofit organization for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a unit of the national park system located in Minnesota's Twin Cities metro area and managed by the National Park Service. 

We support the national park by: 

providing funding for youth education, natural and cultural resources, interpretation, and public programs. 

co-managing programs to improve outcomes including Volunteers-in-Parks, Paddle Share, Plant for the Future, and Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change. 

supporting outreach and communication about the park through social media, the web, and in-person community programs. 

creating connections between the national park and people in its surrounding communities. 

Mississippi Park Connection serves as a place-based nonprofit organization in the Twin Cities seeking to connect people to the outdoors through hands-on, meaningful experiences on public lands. We accomplish this through habitat restoration events, community and corporate volunteerism, affinity programs like BIPOC in the Outdoors, and public programs on the river and in the park. To learn more about Mississippi Park Connection, visit our website at parkconnection.org. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Job Title: Seasonal Part-time Programs Specialist  

Location: Mississippi Park Connection/National Park Service Office, Saint Paul, MN and within the 72-mile corridor of Mississippi National River & Recreation Area  

Reports to: Community Programs Director, Devin Brown 

Type: Part-time seasonal, up to 30 hours a week.  

Pay rate: $21.00-$24.00/hour 

Mississippi Park Connection is seeking a PART-TIME SEASONAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST to provide guided tours and outdoor experiences for participants living in Environmental Justice 40 zones and for MPC program participants. The seasonal program specialist will be a flexible outdoor enthusiast who is eager to support MPC’s  BIPOC focused programming while also connecting people to the park through recreation, guided tours, and kayak programs within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.  

The ideal candidate is passionate about outdoor recreation and is confident leading programs, giving instruction, and assisting participants in a variety of activities such as kayaking, hiking, and fishing. They are comfortable in the outdoors and are seeking to build their interpretation and program skills within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.  They understand how to foster a safe and welcoming environment for participants of diverse backgrounds and look for opportunities to inspire people to connect (or reconnect) with the Mississippi River.  The seasonal program specialist will lead interpretive tours of Crosby Farm Regional Park, Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change plots, and other units within the park corridor. Experience in nature-based interpretation, communications, or program delivery is a plus. Candidates must be available to work Wednesdays through Sundays.  

This is a part-time grant funded position. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2025. Priority will be given to applications received by January 31, 2025.  

Job Duties and Responsibilities  

Works with programming staff to plan, prepare, and lead events for Mississippi Park Connection’s Public and BIPOC in the Outdoors programing. 

Coordinate with Mississippi Park Connection and National Park Service staff.  

Plan, set up and break down programs and events.  

Attend and receive certification in non-motorized water safety training to lead paddling events and educate participants on water safety and proper gear use.  

Attend pre-event meetings, site visits, and conduct day-of-event onsite preparation for programs. 

Greet participants and create a welcoming, community focused environment for events. 

Deliver introductions, with and without staff support, including welcome, MPC/NPS introduction, safety, logistics, and activity explanation.   

Take photos at programs and participants/activities and be willing to adhere to all MPC photography, privacy, and communications policies.  

Attend post-event debrief meetings to discuss successes, challenges, future considerations, etc.  

Participates in MPC/NPS trainings that are applicable to programming, safety, and visitor services.  

Host “train the trainer” sessions with MPC/MPS staff, community members, and volunteers.    

Represent Mississippi Park Connection with funders, partners, volunteers, and the community.  

Support event communications, including event marketing and logistics.  

Position job breakdown: 30 percent on program interpretation and delivery, 30 percent on program development and facilitation, and 30 percent on Paddle Share kayaking program.  

Qualifications  

To perform this position successfully, the candidate will have the following qualifications:  

Demonstrated professional knowledge and operational knowledge/expertise in outdoor recreation, interpretation, program delivery, or nature-based programs. 

Strong interpersonal relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse partners and community members.  

Strong verbal communication skills, and experience working with people from different backgrounds, life experiences, and cultures.  

Strong organizational skills including the ability to plan work and meet timelines.  

In partnership with MPC/NPS staff, community partners, and community members, advance the BIPOC in the Outdoors network and/or other affinity spaces (such as veterans, disability community, and LGBTQIA+) to create intentional spaces and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.  

Requirements: 

Experience preparing and delivering in-person workshops and/or training programs. 

Training in, or willingness to receive training in, paddling basics and safety. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

Ability to follow work plans, organize details, set priorities, and meet deadlines. 

Ability to work independently and be self-directed, and work as a positive, contributing member of a team. 

Ability to support the mission, vision, and values of Mississippi Park Connection. 

Desire to work alongside the National Park Service and ability to meet federal background requirements. 

Availability to work Wednesday - Sunday.  

Hold a valid U.S. Driver’s License. 

Ability to travel independently within the Mississippi National and River Recreation Area corridor. 

Lifting up to 50 pounds may be required. 

Mississippi Park Connection is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

At Mississippi Park Connection, we recognize that our effectiveness is enhanced when equity and inclusiveness are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, operations, culture, and staffing. MPC is committed to building a diverse community that is inclusive of people from all backgrounds. MPC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or veteran status.