Grow With Us

At the Nature Center, our team is connected by a shared passion: inspiring curiosity, protecting local ecosystems, and building meaningful connections between people and the outdoors. Whether you’re leading educational programs on the trails, maintaining our native habitats, or welcoming visitors at the front desk, your work directly shapes how our community experiences nature. We are always seeking passionate, team-minded individuals who share our dedication to environmental stewardship, community education, and outdoor recreation.
Browse our current openings below to start your journey with us.

The City of Austin, MN is seeking a highly motivated, energetic individual for a full year intern/teacher/naturalist position at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, a division of our park and recreation department. The ideal candidate would be able to start January 2, 2027.
The successful candidate will:

  • Teach environmental, conservation, and outdoor education to all ages. The intern will work most often with children in grades preschool through 8th grade.
  • Teach in a variety of learning environments rain or shine, including our Nature Center and surrounding property, our Sola Fide Observatory, and on offsite trips.
  • Write and deliver the curriculum for two summer classes. The intern will also assist with writing and updating summer programming.
  • Help care for and maintain the Nature Center’s gardens and landscaped spaces.
  • Handle, feed, and care for all critters, including the Nature Center’s bees, snakes, and raptors.
  • Assist with the rescue and triage of injured birds of prey.
  • Maintain the Nature Center’s social media pages and website.
  • Promote the Nature Center through different media outlets including podcasts, newspaper articles, and the nature center’s own newsletters.
  • Participate in offsite classes like rock climbing and canoeing, as well as major events like the Dammen Family Fun Day, Halloween warm-up, and Merry & Bright Night.
  • Work consistently with the public and welcome visitors to the center.

The successful candidate must:

  • Have a minimum two years (preferred four years) college study in natural resources, biology, or environmental education.
  • Have good written and oral communication skills.
  • Present themselves in a way that reflects positively on the Nature Center both during work hours and after hours in the Austin community.
  • Be able to adapt to changes in time, subject matter, and weather while teaching school and public programming.
  • Be able to manage multiple projects while maintaining daily tasks.
  • Be able to work independently and as a team.
  • Have good interpersonal skills.
  • Be able and willing to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.
  • Have valid driver’s license.

Workweek is typically 40 hours per week and will include Saturdays and/or Sundays. The hourly wage is $16.00/hr. Intern will earn public employment retirement contribution (PERA) and is eligible for city health insurance benefits. Intern is also eligible for Minnesota Sick & Safe Leave accrual of one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked and can earn a maximum of 48 hours for the year.  Employment is contingent upon the satisfactory results of a background investigation.

Interested candidates should submit a completed application for employment form [FOUND HERE], cover letter, résumé, and three references to Director Luke Reese at info@hormelnaturecenter.org or to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Box 673, Austin, MN 55912.

Application Due Date: November 6, 2026

Location: Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
Wage Range: $13.00 – $16.00 per hour
Employment Type: Part-Time (12-16 hours per week)

Position Overview

We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Nature Center Custodian to help maintain the cleanliness of the Nature Center facilities. This part-time role (8-12 hours per week normally but occasionally up to 16 hours per week) includes cleaning responsibilities during evenings after closing or mornings before opening. Additionally, the position may involve staffing the Interpretive Center on Sunday afternoons to greet visitors, provide information, and ensure a welcoming atmosphere.

Responsibilities

  • Custodial Duties:
    • Clean and sanitize restrooms, offices, classrooms, and visitor areas.
    • Sweep, mop, vacuum, and dust designated spaces.
    • Empty trash and recycling bins and dispose of waste appropriately.
    • Wash windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces.
    • Replenish paper products, soap, and other cleaning supplies.
  • Event and Program Support:
    • Prepare facilities for the following day’s programs or events by ensuring cleanliness and organization.
  • Maintenance and Reporting:
    • Monitor and report maintenance or safety concerns to the supervisor.
  • Sunday Staffing (potentially in a backup capacity):
    • Greet and assist visitors in the Interpretive Center.
    • Provide basic information about exhibits, trails, and programs.
    • Monitor the facility and ensure a safe, welcoming environment for guests.
  • Other Duties:
    • Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the Nature Center’s operations.

Qualifications

  • Previous custodial or cleaning experience preferred but not required.
  • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and complete tasks efficiently.
  • Friendly, professional, and customer-focused attitude with strong communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and physical ability to perform cleaning tasks, including lifting up to 40 lbs, bending, and standing for extended periods.
  • Dependable and punctual, with flexibility to work evening, morning, or Sunday afternoon shifts as needed.

What We Offer

  • Competitive hourly wage of $13.00 – $16.00, based on experience and qualifications.
  • Flexible part-time schedule of 8 to 12 hours per week, with occasional opportunities for additional hours up to 16 per week.
  • Supportive team environment that values reliability, professionalism, and quality service.
  • A rewarding role helping create a clean and welcoming experience for guests and visitors.

How to Apply

  1. Complete the Application for Employment.
  2. Email the completed application to info@hormelnaturecenter.org, or drop it off at the Interpretive Center during business hours.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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