Job Information
State of Minnesota NR Mine Interpreter in Soudan, Minnesota
Working Title: NR Mine Interpreter
Job Class: Natural Resources Mine Interpreter
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 85567
Location : Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Part-Time
Regular/Temporary : Seasonal
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/17/2025
Closing Date : 05/07/2025
Hiring Agency: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Parks and Trails
Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies
Days of Work : Varies
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $22.57 - $31.89 / hourly
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : Soudan Underground Mine State Park
FLSA Status : Non-exempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
We are currently seeking to fill one (1) part time (90%) Mine Interpreter position at Lake Vermillion Soudan Underground Mine State Park. This position will work approximately 36 hours per week and have anticipated season dates from approximately May to October each year. The park offers tours 7 days a week. Workdays are typically between the hours of 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with an occasional early start or evening. Due to the seasonality of the position, employees may be called to work weekends and holidays. Days off may vary.
A trip 2,341 feet down to the 27 th level of the Soudan Underground Mine is one of the most unique tour experiences available in Minnesota. The NR Mine Interpreter will bring this authentic experience to others by developing and leading historic mine tours, walking geology tours, science-based physics lab tours and surface interpretation at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The NR Mine Interpreter position will develop and lead mine tours and surface interpretation at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. This position provides interpretive services such as answering questions from customers, researching material for programs, assisting with tour movements, and maintaining the visitor center facilities.
Responsibilities include:
Develop and present interpretive tours.
Coordinate tour movements.
Perform administrative functions to ensure orderly interpretive services are provided and documented.
Enforce mine safety rules.
Sell tour tickets and gift store items.
Respond to medical and emergency situations.
Maintain the visitor center facilities and surrounding buildings and grounds.
Operate equipment such as the train, cage and shaft system and communication equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
Minimum Qualifications
CANDIDATES MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD or older by start date, in compliance with applicable law
Six months experience in interpretation; OR one year experience in cultural history, geology, education, or natural history; OR equivalent experience.
Applicants who meet this requirement must also pass a practical exercise that involves developing and giving a short presentation.
Additional requirements:
Communication skills sufficient to effectively present informative and interesting information on the mine and park to diverse audiences.
Ability to consistently present a positive, professional and friendly image sufficient to create a good experience for visitors and co-workers.
Ability to plan and execute educational programs.
Ability to operate the mine cage and shaft system and train.
Ability to manage visitors and deal with emergency response situations.
Arithmetic skills sufficient to accurately collect money from the public for various fees, and make change.
Ability to read and comprehend instructions.
Ability to work in dark, damp and cool underground mine environments.
Ability to climb stairs and emergency ladders.
Ability to work in confined spaces.
Ability to use a computer and cash register.
Preferred Qualifications
College degree in education, geology, interpretation, history, or related field.
Knowledge of iron mining history, methods, technology and geology.
Knowledge of park rules, policies, and facilities.
Knowledge of interpretive techniques and methods.
Experience in public speaking.
Knowledge of research methods.
Ability to use a computer and cash register.
Organizational skills.
First aid and CPR training.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.