Dakota County Bison Ambassadors

General Description

Bison Ambassadors play an important role in helping visitors to the park understand the significance of bison within a prairie ecosystem while introducing them to the Dakota County Parks bison herd. Volunteers serve as educators and informal interpreters, answering visitor questions and engaging with the public at an education station or along the regional bike trail. Through these interactions, Bison Ambassadors help share the story of prairie restoration, wildlife conservation, and the key role bison play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Seasonal Commitment Required: We kindly ask that you do not sign up for this opportunity if you cannot commit to all the following requirements:

• The scheduled training in April is mandatory for new volunteers.
• Complete a background check through Dakota County.
• Commit to completing 15 hours during the season (May - October).
• Complete application onboarding process in a timely manner.

Location

Spring Lake Park Reserve - Fahey Trailhead

13690 Pine Bend Trail

Rosemount, MN 55068

Duties and Responsibilities

• Greet visitors and provide a welcoming presence at the trailhead and bison prairie, as well as along the regional bike trail.
• Answer visitor questions and provide basic interpretation about prairie restoration, wildlife, the regional bike trail, and park features.
• Host an interpretative table and use provided materials and biofacts as ways to engage visitors of all ages.
• Encourage safe and respectful wildlife viewing and responsible park use.
• Communicate visitor feedback, concerns, or wildlife observations to park staff.
• Represent Dakota County Parks in a positive, friendly, and professional manner.

Qualifications

• Must be 16 years old or older and complete a background check with the county.
• Enjoy interacting with the public and sharing information with visitors of all ages.
• Ability to learn and communicate basic information about bison, prairie restoration, and Dakota County Parks.
• Willingness to spend time outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Dependable and able to follow park guidelines and volunteer expectations.

Time Commitment

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 15 hours during the program season (May – October). Shifts are scheduled throughout the program season as seen below (slight variations may occur):

• Fridays from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
• Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Activity Level

Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity. Comfortable, sturdy shoes recommended. Will be outdoors and exposed to weather elements such as sun, heat, wind, and rain.

Required Training

We make sure our volunteers have everything they need to thrive. We provide all program training and supplies needed for this opportunity. Volunteers must complete a training session before volunteering.

Training Date/Time

Wednesday, April 22 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Dinner and all program supplies will be provided.

Can't make the training date? We will also be offering a virtual option for people to review on their own time for those who cannot make the live training date. We highly encourage everyone to try and make the training in-person (especially if you are new to the program).

Training Location

Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center

13690 Pine Bend Trail

Rosemount, MN 55068

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us