2025 MN State Fair DNR volunteer positions

The Minnesota State Fair is coming to St. Paul, August 21 - September 1, and YOU can be a part of it!

Receive admission tickets to the fair for each day you volunteer with the DNR!
Parking and meals are your responsibility.
All volunteers must pass a background check and safety quiz.
Follow the web link cited at the end of each position to sign up.

Wildlife Wing Interpreter

Wildlife Wing Interpreter

Share your passion and knowledge of wildlife with fairgoers in the Wildlife Wing of the DNR Building.

Duties:

Authorized work:

Provide interpretation of the mounted animals and other features to the public.
Answer questions from the public and provide general directions at the fair.
Represent the DNR in a positive fashion.

Restrictions:

Avoid expressing personal opinions or views.
You are not expected to be knowledgeable in all areas concerning the DNR. All questions related to DNR policies and procedures are to be referred to DNR staff located outside the State Fair DNR building or to the DNR Information Line at 1-888-646-6367 or (651) 296-6157 (Twin Cities only).

Qualifications Desired:

You must be 18 years of age or older.
Interested in animals and able to communicate with the public verbally.
Physically able to stand or sit in a non-air-conditioned area.
Master Naturalist certification or natural resources related degree is preferred, but not required.
You must pass a criminal background check to work at the fair.

Time Commitment:

At least one 3-hour shift during the MN State Fair
Volunteers may sign up for more than one shift.

Training:

Training is not provided because all animal mounts are set up immediately before the fair opens, but an animal list is available upon request.
Binder/field guides with animal information are also available for reference at the site.

State Fair Safety Training

All volunteers must complete an online safety training quiz to be eligible to work at the Minnesota State Fair.
Please go to the DNR State Fair Safety Training page for instructions.

Sign up:

Complete the Wildlife Wing Interpreter online application
Once you have created an account in the system, you will see the available shifts and will be able to sign up for one. Shifts go all the way to Labor Day; you may need to click the “get more shifts” button to see them or you can use the “Filter” feature to filter by available shifts.
Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity.
Make note of the username and password you create for this site so you can go back to update your profile, check your schedule, email your volunteer coordinator and apply for other DNR volunteer opportunities at any time. This will be your DNR Volunteer profile from now on. Log in to MyImpactPage.com to access anytime.
You will receive more information and confirmation of your schedule after this.
Maps, instructions, and an admission ticket will be mailed to you for each day you volunteer.
Remember, you may sign up for more than 1 shift.

For more information, contact Wendy Lee, Fish and Wildlife Division, at 651-322-4643 or email [email protected]. Written instructions will be provided prior to your shift.

Accessibility Exhibit Attendant

Accessibility Exhibit Attendant

Be part of an exhibit that highlighting various features and equipment the DNR offers to improve access to the outdoors and outdoor recreation in Minnesota.

Volunteers will monitor and provide information about an accessible hunting blind, an all-terrain track-chair, and other elements which reduce barriers to outdoor recreation and enjoyment. Preference will be given to volunteers who are in any way familiar with the use of accessible outdoor equipment or recent improvements in DNR parks and recreation areas.

Purpose (why we are doing this)
Desired outcomes:
To showcase the equipment and improvements from the DNR to break barriers and help all Minnesotans get outdoors.
To share what accessible tools are available, and to explain where and how to find them.
Build awareness of accessibility benefits for all.

Benefits to the Volunteer

All volunteers will receive an admission ticket to the MN State Fair

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)
Authorized work:

Report to the office supervisor upstairs in the loft area of the building. They will direct you to the accessibility exhibit (if unable to access upstairs loft, report to the information booth on the North end of the building and ask for the office supervisor for your volunteer shift. They can come down to meet you).
Wear an official red volunteer vest that is provided (please return after your shift).
Stand and/or sit at either the accessibility exhibit in the DNR building or at an extension of the exhibit on the grounds as directed.
Share information about and/or experience with the DNR’s accessibility improvement with exhibit visitors.
Monitor and tidy exhibit items as needed.
Report any problems to the office supervisor or building coordinator on duty at the time of your shift.

Restricted work:

Do not replace staff or other volunteers at different exhibits/booths.
Do not voice any personal opinions or views when speaking with the public. You are representing the DNR in a professional capacity as a volunteer and must remain neutral on all topics.

Qualifications needed:

Must be 16 years of age or older
Must pass a criminal background check (adults 18+ years only)
Be friendly and outgoing
Able to work in hot and humid conditions without air conditioning

State Fair Safety Training

All volunteers must complete an online safety training quiz to be eligible to work at the Minnesota State Fair.
Please go to the DNR State Fair Safety Training page for instructions.

Minimum Time Commitment:

One or more 3-hour shifts in a day (9 AM - 12 PM, 12-3 PM, or 3-6 PM)

DNR Contact Person: Renee Vail

Sign up:

Complete the online Accessibility Exhibit Attendant application
Select your day and 3-hour time slot on the fair schedule.
Shifts are set at one person per shift; contact Renée Vail at [email protected] to inquiry for a friend or spouse to accompany you
Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity and your answers will not be saved.

Invasive Species Display

Invasive Species Display Assistance

Help State Fair visitors learn about invasive species! In this activity you will work at the invasive species exhibit in the main room of the DNR building at the Minnesota State Fair.

Your duties include:

Talk with visitors about the impacts of invasive species.
Explain to visitors the actions they can take to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Explain the invasive species exhibits and handouts.
Answer questions about invasive species.
Keep the display area stocked and tidy.

Qualifications for this position include:

Knowledge of either aquatic or terrestrial invasive species.
Willingness to gain an understanding of the materials and displays at the invasive species exhibit.
Enjoy interacting with visitors and sharing invasive species prevention messages such as "Clean.Drain.Dispose." and "PlayCleanGo."
Complete all required forms and State Fair safety training.

State Fair Safety Training:

Everyone must complete an online safety training quiz to be eligible to work at the Minnesota State Fair.
Please go to the DNR State Fair Safety Training page for instructions.

TO SIGN UP

Complete an Invasive Species Display application.
Create a volunteer profile.
Once you have created an account in the system, you will see the available shifts and will be able to sign up for a shift. Shifts go all the way to Labor Day; you may need to click the “get more shifts” button to see them or you can use the “Filter” feature to filter by available shifts.
Do not sign up for more than 2 shifts.
Select your day and 4-hour time slot on the fair schedule.
Shifts are:

8:45 am - 1:15 pm
1:00 pm - 5:30 pm
5:15 pm - 9:15 pm

Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity.

Make note of the username and password you create for this site so you can go back to update your profile, check your schedule, log hours, email your volunteer coordinator and apply for other DNR volunteer opportunities at any time. This will be your DNR Volunteer profile from now on. Log in to MyImpactPage.com to access anytime.

You will receive more information and confirmation of your schedule after this. Maps and instructions will be emailed to you. An admission ticket will be sent to you in the US mail for each day you volunteer. Remember, you may only sign up for one or two shifts.

Thank you! Your efforts make the invasive species display a truly interactive experience!

Contact Sascha Lodge at [email protected] with questions.

Greeters and Rovers

Greeter and Rover

Welcome people to the DNR State Fair Park! Greeters are needed to create a welcoming atmosphere and direct people where to find DNR exhibits, help, entertainment, restrooms, and more! Also help staff with small, odd jobs around the site as needed.

Sit or stand near the doorway to the DNR Building or by the outdoor fish pond as you:

Greet fairgoers with a smile.
Wear the official red volunteer vest provided for your shift.
Answer questions and direct fairgoers where to find the DNR Information Booth, License Center, Trail Center, Wildlife Wing, bird shows, fish pond, music stage, restrooms, and more! (Maps will be provided.)
Assist DNR staff as requested with small tasks such as breaking down cardboard boxes, standing in for staff at a booth when they need a break, or helping with boxes of supplies for the Info Booth or Trail Center.
Walk through the Wildlife Wing and Lands and Minerals exhibit periodically to help keep an eye on the animal mounts and display items.

You are not expected to be knowledgeable in all areas concerning the DNR. Refer all questions related to DNR policies and procedures to DNR staff located outside the State Fair DNR building in the Information Booth. Do not voice any personal opinions or views when speaking with the public. You are representing the DNR in a professional capacity as a volunteer and must remain neutral on all topics.

Qualifications needed:

Must be 16 years of age or older
Must pass a criminal background check (adults 18+ years only)
Be friendly and outgoing
Physically able to stand or sit in hot and humid conditions without air-conditioning
Able to move about and carry objects
Able to lift up to 10 pounds

State Fair Safety Training

All volunteers must complete an online safety training quiz to be eligible to work at the Minnesota State Fair.
Please go to the DNR State Fair Safety Training page for instructions.

Minimum Time Commitment:

One or more 3-hour shifts in a day (9 AM – 12 PM, 12-3 PM, 3-6 PM or 6-9 PM)
Volunteers may sign up for a maximum of two (2) days at the fair

TO SIGN UP

Complete a Greeter and Rover online application
Create a volunteer profile.
Once you have created an account in the system, you will see the available shifts and will be able to sign up for a shift. Shifts go all the way to Labor Day; you may need to click the “get more shifts” button to see them or you can use the “Filter” feature to filter by available shifts.

Select your day and 3-hour time slot on the fair schedule
Remember, do not sign up for more than 2 shifts
Shifts are set at one person per shift; contact Renée Vail below to inquiry for a friend or spouse to accompany you
Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity

For more information, contact Renée Vail, Volunteer Programs, at 651-259-5249 or email [email protected].

Wildfire Prevention Volunteer

Wildfire Prevention Volunteer

Engage with the public and answer general questions about fire prevention, suppression, and Firewise in Minnesota using talking points and program information provided to you. Direct people inside the building for wildfire prevention materials and give-away items.

Talk to the public about wildfire prevention as you:

Engage with people about wildfire prevention.
Assist at wildland fire gear station, wildfire vehicles, or prevention building as assigned. Location will change throughout the shift depending on break needs and the number of staff present.
Answer wildfire/Firewise related questions with the help of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document or redirect to a DNR staff person.
Hand out wildfire prevention/Firewise trinkets and information to fairgoers.
Refer fairgoers with questions on other topics to the DNR Information Booth nearby. Most divisions in the DNR have representatives there to answer questions.

To qualify you must be:

18 years of age or older
Friendly and confident talking to people
Physically capable of standing or sitting for long periods of time in/near the Wildfire Prevention Building
Capable of answering fire-related questions, or finding answers on a printed FAQ sheet
Pass a background check.

Time commitment:

Three 3-hour shifts are available each day of the fair.

Morning: 9 AM to 12 PM
Mid-day: 12 PM to 3 PM
Afternoon: 3 PM to 6 PM

Volunteers must be present for their entire assigned shift.

A DNR Prevention staff will be available to assign the volunteer to a location, provide the FAQ sheet for reference, and provide for short breaks (to find a meal, fill water bottle, use restroom, etc.).

State Fair Safety Training

All volunteers must complete the annual online safety training, including quiz, to be eligible to work at the Minnesota State Fair.
Please go to the DNR State Fair Safety Training page for instructions.

TO SIGN UP

Complete a State Fair DNR Wildfire Prevention Volunteer application
Create a volunteer profile.
Once you have created an account in the system, you will see the available shifts and will be able to sign up for a shift. Shifts go all the way to September 1st; you may need to click the “get more shifts” button to see them or you can use the “Filter” feature to filter by available shifts.
Select your day and 3-hour time slot on the fair schedule.
There is a maximum of 4 volunteers per shift.
Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity.

Please note: if friends/family accompany you to the Fair they MUST be signed up as DNR Volunteers and take the safety training in order to help you. Up to four (4) people per shift are needed.

An admission ticket will be provided for each day you volunteer. Maps, tickets, and instructions will be mailed to you ahead of your shift date(s).

For more information, contact Karen Harrison, Wildfire Prevention Specialist, at 651-259-5903 or email [email protected].