Interview Questions

Words to avoid in a conflict

"you messages" "always" "never" "should"

How many sites are in the park?

71 drive-in sites 32 electrical sites 3 backpack sites 24 horse camp sites 1 Group camp (accommodates 30 people) 5 cabins (Muskie, Crappie, Baker, Pike, and Knoll -Knoll doe not have electricity and sleeps five instead of 6)

How many acres is Maplewood?

9,250 acres - including eight lakes and many ponds

Grass Lake

Adjacent to the main campground, is known for it's panfish and has trails around the lake.

While mowing on the riding mower, the blades stop turning, what do you do?

Always shut off the mower and disconnect the spark plug before servicing or reaching under the mower deck. The mower could have overheated so I would turn it off completely and wait for about 10 mins and check for debris that is stuck - with the mower off and without sticking any body parts under it.

If you could be any animal, which one would you be and why?

An elephant - Because I'm hard-working, loyal, I would say a logical thinker, and a team player

Five Why Technique

Analyze problems and near miss incidents with myself and staff

What lake is known for Rainbow Trout?

Bass Lake

Why did you take a job outside of your career path?

Being that I have enjoyed working for the DNR and it's seasonal I've taken positions to fill my time while I continue to develop my skills and wait for opportunities within the company here.

Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight, how did you handle it?

Concentrate on completing the task, talk to the individual and see why they are struggling. Perhaps they aren't sure on how to do the work or they are having a difficult time at home.

While making rounds after a storm, you note a tree down after a curve on a trail. You cannot get around it, even on foot. It is the end of your shift, and you are scheduled off the next day. What do you do?

Considering this is a hazard if it can't be walked around, I would notify other staff members of the situation through the radio and I would set up signs and caution tape to get guests from going on the trail. If it is that large it will probably need to be done by qualified fallers and equipment operators. Which I would contact right away for them to remove the tree.

Describe yourself to me in one word

Dynamic - change, adapt and I do whatever I need to do to succeed

What steps would you take in your daily work to protect cultural resources?

First I would make myself familiar with the known archaeological sites and buildings in order to not disturb them. If it's a newly found one then I would leave it, notify staff and contact Natural Resources Conservation Service

What do you know about the company?

Founded in 1931, The Parks and Trails Division was part of the Minnesota Forestry Service until it was given its own division in the Department of Conservation in 1935. The Division of Parks and Trails has three major goals. The first being to preserve both natural and cultural resources in Minnesota. The second comes in educating visitors. The third goal is to support opportunities for visitors to enjoy recreational activities in the parks, without causing damage to the wildlife, so people will be able to appreciate the resources for generations. Being that I'm passionate about preserving natural and cultural resources and love working with people is why I have enjoyed working for the DNR.

How have you responded to a colleague who is putting you down at work?

From experience I realize some colleagues may come from a different workplace culture or be accustomed to speaking to others in a certain way that they don't recognize as being inappropriate. Sometimes they are completely unaware of how they offended you. Therefore, I don't take it personally. If it becomes an issue I would let them know that the actions they are doing is not ok with me.

What is good customer service?

Good customer service is what the customer feels is good. It is defined by the customer. If the customer is delighted it isn't good customer service.

Trees in Maplewood

Hardwoods mainly - Sugar maple, basswood, American Elm and Oak

If you could relive the last ten years of your life, what would you do differently?

Hindsight is 20/20, if I look at it from a personal perspective, I would say we all have moments we would do differently, but overall I'm pleased with my decisions in my personal and professional career.

Have you ever had difficulty working with a supervisor or manager?

I appreciate the personality differences that I've seen in my various supervisors and found that I could learn something from working with each of them.

How much money do you make?

I believe I make about $17 an hour right now, but with my skills and qualifications I'm ready to increase my responsibility and I'm completely ok with the salary that was posted for this position.

How would you feel for working for someone that knows less than you?

I believe that there is a reason why everyone is in the position they are in. They must know more than me in some area and I can learn something useful from just about anyone.

How did you deal with the situation the last time your boss strongly disagreed with you on a statement or plan you made?

I can't really think of a situation where I have had a time my boss strongly disagree with me. I try to keep the lines of communication open so that doesn't happen, but misunderstandings happen so I would try to see if that was the case first, if I make a mistake I take steps to correct it and try not to repeat it.

Give a specific example of a time when you had to conform to a policy which you did not agree

I can't think of a time that happened. I might ask questions or express concerns over a policy because I think its part of my job to support the team and that includes spot issues that could become potential problems. However, there is a chain of command and I respect that.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I deal with difficult customers the same way I deal with easy customers. I want to make sure they have an exceptional time at the park. If we haven't met their expectations, I want to take responsibility for that and see if I can fix it. If I can't I still want to make their experience a positive one. Maybe that means giving a free night of camping or some other benefit, so they exit the situation as happy as possible.

Why should we give you the job over the other candidates?

I deserve the job because I have the skills, I meet the qualifications, I've done many of the tasks and exceeded expectations within my role already and I want to continue to do that with more responsibility.

Tell me about a time when you failed

I didn't fail any classes but if I wasn't getting an "A" I wasn't succeeding in my mind, If I got a lower grade on an exam I would analyze what was really being asked of me and the next time I would prepare myself differently and it would give me a better grade on the next exam and that is my mindset for my professional life.

What are your pet peeves?

I don't like negative attitudes, it doesn't help anyone, even the person who is being negative. It doesn't help anyone be successful.

How do you evaluate success?

I evaluate success in progress towards the goals I set for myself and the feedback I get on my performance.

What do you expect from a supervisor?

I expect a supervisor to have a willingness to teach, to give opportunities to do as much as possible to benefit the organization.

Describe your academic background

I graduated with honors from North Dakota State University with a bachelor's in biological sciences in the spring of 2019. I took courses such as statistics, chemistry, calculus, and numerous environmental classes like ornithology, mammalogy, conservation ecology and many more.

Tell me about yourself

I have a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from North Dakota State University where I graduated with honors. I took courses such as statistics, chemistry, calculus, and numerous environmental classes like ornithology, mammalogy, conservation ecology and many more.

What have you been doing since you got laid off?

I have been waiting patiently for this position to be posted and I have been working full-time at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls and part-time at the YMCA. I have also done a little bit of traveling and birding.

How was your working with your previous supervisor?

I have had a positive relationship with Jeff at Glendalough. I've learned a lot from him, and he is one of my references for this position.

Why do you think you can manage a team without any prior managerial experience?

I have had some experience as a customer service manager at Walmart. What I've seen from successful managers is someone who extremely driven, great communication, strong work ethic and wants the best for the company and their employees. I am that kind of that person.

What will you contribute to this job?

I have some ideas for my 30, 60, 90 day plan. At first I have some general learning and training to do. One thing I would like to make changes to is the deposit. Working at Glendalough we had an easier technique with excel and if we could transition to it it would save a lot of time and unnecessary paperwork. I would run all these ideas past Don and could train the office staff personally. Add the steps to an office binder. I enjoy working with numbers, I completed college courses such as statistics and calculus. I truly enjoyed statistics and I could definitely assist or possibly take over those tasks for Don if needed.

What makes you unique?

I have strong communication skills, over ten years of customer service, and my education give me advantaged me in finding solutions in the DNR.

We are looking for someone with experience, why should we hire you?

I just need a chance; we all have to be given one at some point. I'm a great candidate that learns quickly.

Why did you leave your last position?

I left my supervisor position at Walmart in order to pursue a higher education.

Do you prefer working in a team or alone?

I like the dynamics of working in a group but appreciate having more responsibility. I'm flexible and think I work well in both aspects.

What are your hobbies?

I love nature, so I'm always trying to be in it and expanding my knowledge of it. The last couple of years I have really started to hike, and birdwatch. More recently I have been doing photography of it.

What is your least favorite managerial task?

I think my least favorite thing is firing someone. It doesn't mean I wouldn't do it if it needs to be done.

What are your workplace values/ethics?

I think of others before myself and I do what I will say.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I want to grow and gain more responsibility. If you're looking at me for a park manager position in five years I would be interested, but that's not necessarily my end goal. I want to learn, grow, and contribute in a meaningful way.

You walk in the restrooms, and see that they are a mess even though an employee had been scheduled to clean them an hour ago. How would you handle the situation?

I would clean the bathrooms. The other employee could have been caught up with another task or helping a visitor.

While mowing on the riding mower, how would you deal with people setting up a picnic in the area that you are currently mowing?

I would turn off the blades and go to another area and return later to finish the area. If it is an area that absolutely needs to be mowed right away, I would suggest a close by location that might even be better suited for the picnic.

What kind of money would you be interested in making?

I'm completely ok with the salary that was posted for this position.

Why are you looking to leave your current job?

I'm looking for more reasonability and a position that uses my skill set. I've gotten excellent reviews on my evaluations so far and I want to continue to do that in more areas here.

Do you consider yourself a big-picture person or a detail- orientated person?

I'm more of a big-picture person because I think strategically. I think of things that would benefit the park in the larger goal and the success, but I'm able to focus on tasks that require more attention.

What motivates you?

I'm motivated in preserving natural and cultural resources and I love working with people that's why I'm motivated to be here and be successful. My enthusiasm and skills have worked well for this career and that's why Jeff has given me such positive evaluations.

Describe your experience with resource management, including any work with invasive species, prairie restoration, water resources, and forest management, including hazardous trees.

I've assisted in North Dakota with Conversation Inc. in removing and burning buckthorn along the Red River in January and February in 2019. I've posted signs for Zebra Mussels in Glendalough and know the clean, drain, and dispose of bait rules. I'm also familiar with ash borer and watermilfoil, but have never worked directly with it. I don't have a chainsaw license, but have assisted many times in the removal or spotting of trees. If I have questions regarding terrestrial invasive I would contact Chris Gronewold and for aquatics Mark Ranweiler.

Who was your best boss and who was your worst?

I've been fortunate and had some wonderful bosses and I've learned a lot from them whether it's a characteristic or knowledge that they have they have all been able to teach me something. Jeff has been influential in having things done in a structured way and working for Don has influenced a lot of my ideas for communicating amongst staff.

Why haven't you been promoted?

I've been offered promotions at LB Homes and the YMCA. However, even though I qualify for those jobs they would take me in a direction I don't want to go in my career.

Tell us about a time you went against corporate directives. Why? How did it turn out?

I've never gone against corporate directives, there's a reason for them and it would be reckless to do so.

Tell me about a time you disagreed with your boss about the way something should be done?

If I disagree, I try to offer an alternative solution and express my concerns, but it comes down to he is the boss and what he says goes.

How do you deal with stressful situations?

If a situation seems overwhelming, I break it into smaller steps or do-able goals and just focus on each one to accomplish the larger task. In fact, that's what I did a bit here at Maplewood with day permits because of COVID we had to keep the payment envelopes in the safe and during the fall we were getting hundreds a day. To complete all of those slips I would sort them into categories, such as cash, card, check, annuals, and people I needed to contact. This would make it go quicker and getting a stack done always made me feel like I was making significant progress.

You receive a message on the radio from the enforcement officer on duty that he has just asked a camper to remove himself from a reserved site, but can't seem to understand why he should have to move when he was here first. Describe how you would handle this angry customer, while ensuring your personal safety.

If the camper is in someone else's spot then inform them of the situation and sometimes the other person might not mind that they are in their spot. If they are just overstaying their time after 4pm, let them know they can remain in the park, but just need to remove their things

If we hire you, what will we know about you a year down the road?

If you hire me, a year from now you will know everything I've said in this interview is true. You will know why everyone that I work with has appreciated my work and wants me to work for them again.

What are your advantages and disadvantages?

Intelligent, organized, communicate well, I could be more detailed-orientated but that's why I prepare and organize everything to make that easier for me

Tell me about a time when you faced a difficult situation with a coworker?

It doesn't happen often but if it does, I remind myself there is a reason they are with us and they are a valuable member of the team and I must work with them. I figure I must be causing 50% of a problem. A lot of times it can just be a communication problem and it's important to look at it in a positive way.

Give me an example of a time you felt you went above and beyond the call of duty at work

Just this last month I noticed that my manager at the YMCA was having a difficult time completing tasks like the staff scheduling, filing, and working on the scholarships that they would normally have done. I offered to help them with some of his workloads so he could complete their tasks. I picked up several shifts and I helped them catch up on everything while learning a few new skills. I am always ready to go above and beyond to help a colleague or manager with tasks and projects.

Describe a time when your work was criticized and how you handled it.

Like everyone, I have received input from my managers that helped me to see how my work could be improved. At Glendalough 4 years ago we were putting in a new fish cleaning area and I had to pour soil under it first. I completed the task, but after Jeff came to view the work he critiqued me by letting me know that the soil wasn't as level as it should be, I thought initially it looked good, but once Jeff showed me how to make it more level. I realized it wasn't as level as I thought and it looked better. Which is why I'm always eager to learn from people with different views and experiences, especially when the commentary can help me grow in my career, and strengthen my skillset.

Describe your experience with building maintenance and what types of tools and equipment you have used

Mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, cleaning bathrooms, washing windows, and doors, unclogging toilets, replace doorknobs, power wash outside of buildings, unclogging drains, paint, for cleaning I used mops, brooms, cleaning chemicals - which require eye and hand protection with googles and rubber gloves. Also to complete those tasks I used pipe cleaners, pressure washers, paint brushes, paint rollers, drills, and screwdrivers

Describe your experience with grounds maintenance and what types of tools and equipment you have used

Mow, edge, weed, trim hedges, shrubs, and small trees Assist in removing dead, damaged, or unwanted trees. I used shovels, rakes, pruning sheers, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers. Most of these tasks require steel toed boots, ear protection, gloves, and a reflective vest.

How does this position fit into the career path you envision for yourself?

My career path serves me, and I serve my career. I'm looking to grow and become more and contribute more in my next role and I know if I do that I will be rewarded professionally, personally, and financially. This position fits that for me.

What would your friends tell me about you?

My friends would tell you the same thing my references would tell you, that I'm high energy and driven to succeed. I have the same qualities in my personal life as I do my professional.

How would you go about establishing your creditability quickly with the team?

My plan is just to buckle down and do the job as best as possible. Actions speak louder than words. Which is why I have a 30, 60, 90-day plan.

How do I know you still have the fire in the belly to do this job?

My references will tell you that I am what I say I am, and I will always do my best to exceed expectations.

Why do you want to join this company?

My skillset would be used, and it would benefit you and the goals of the DNR align with my own and that appeals to me.

Any experience in skill programs such as canoeing, camping, archery, fishing, and geo caching and other expertise?

NASP Archery - I've taught a couple of years at Glendalough, familiar with geo-caching. I've personally done some canoeing at Glendalough and I've done some cabin and tent camping in various parks. I would consider myself fairly knowledgeable in the ornithology department as well.

Are you overqualified for this job?

No, I think that in a leader position there is always room to grow and improve.

Firewood from vendors

Non-ash firewood and purchased in the same county - must have a receipt to show proof Must be certified by Minnesota Department of Agriculture or by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - kiln dried, unpainted, unstained, free of any metal or foreign substances, or manufactured logs. P Pallet wood is not approved firewood Dimensional lumber does not require proof of purchase

What excites you and scares you about this position?

Nothing scares me about this job, it is all exciting to me. I'm excited to have more responsibility and I know I can have a positive impact.

What will you do if you don't get this position?

Of course I will support whoever you choose to fill this position and I will continue to do the great job I always do but I do think I'm a great fit because of my skill set and passion.

Describe how you would handle a situation if you were required to finish multiple tasks by the end of the day, and there was no conceivable way that you could finish them?

Prioritize tasks, ability to think on your feet, reasonable solution - does everything have to be done today. Delegate work amongst staff.

Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it.

Prioritize tasks, some things need to be completed right away. Here at Maplewood during autumn the workload increases significantly due to the hundreds of park visitors daily, in order to manage the stress and workload I was flexible in my hours. It was important to be able to work during the busiest times and be willing to put in the extra hours to get the task completed. It was also important to stay positive. and communicate.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?

Right where I'm at. I'm ready to advance my career and this is where I need to be to do that.

What PPE would you need for mowing a riding mower?

Safety glasses, work gloves, hard hat, reflective vest, steel toed boots, ear protection like ear plugs or ear muffs, seat belt, no loose clothing or jewelry that could be caught, sunscreen and water as needed.

What PPE would you need for driving to town for supplies?

Seat belt, radio, in the vehicle there should always be a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

What do people most often criticize about you?

Sometimes I'm not patient, but that has given me a lot a drive in my professional life.

What is your greatest weakness?

Sometimes I'm not patient, but that has given me a lot a drive in my professional life.

What would your manager say was the area you needed most development in?

Sometimes I'm not patient, but that has given me a lot a drive in my professional life. Being that Jeff is one of my references and gave me an exceptional on my overall rating for my most recent evaluation I would like to think he doesn't see an area lacking too much.

Where is the best spot to swim?

South Lake Lida boarders the park to the west and is one of the most popular spots for swimmers and anglers.

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read that was fiction was "Where the Crawdads Sing" which is about a girl named Kya that lives in a marsh in North Carolina, and the last non-fiction was a birding book for Colombia.

Tell me about a time when you had to give someone difficult feedback and how did you handle it?

There have been times at Glendalough when I would walk into a building that should have been cleaned, but still looked like a mess after another employee already cleaned it. I cleaned it so it was ready for the rental and then later instead of being upset at the employee because of it, I just showed them what is expected and how to do it and let them know if they have questions or need assistance because we are a team.

What are some of your greatest and/proudest accomplishments?

This last fall on my evaluation I received an exceptional on my overall rating from Jeff. He let me know that he doesn't give those out often and my previous three evaluations I had done above average. I'm proud of each of those and that my effort in growing my skills and being an asset to the DNR are being recognized.

What was your most difficult work experience and how did you deal with it?

This last spring I assisted Jeff in personally contacting every single person renting cabins and yurts for the upcoming months to change or cancel their reservations in order to have the building vacant for 24 hrs. Instead of just canceling every single person I did my best to let them know as soon as possible so they could change their plans or possibly have choices for alternate plan such as staying in one of our tent sites for part of their time or the entire time. Most people were very understanding of the circumstances and were appreciative of being told more than a month in advance. In that case the most important thing was to communicate quickly and be understanding of their situations and how it can be frustrating for them.

What is your ideal job?

This one! Being that I'm passionate about preserving natural and cultural resources and love working with people is why I have chosen this as my career.

What type of work environment do you prefer?

This one! I've been here and that's why I 'am so eager to start. It is different every day and the problems can be unique, and I love that.

What PPE would you need for night security patrol in a tick infested area?

Tick guards, tick spray and permethrin treated clothing for ticks and also pepper spray/mace, flashlight, and radio for security

Tell us about a failed project

To me, failure is about not meeting expectations—others' as well as my own. I can't think of a specific project I failed except in grade school perhaps, but if I do poorly on a project I learn from it. Moving forward I know what needs to be done differently and what is expected from me.

Flowers in Maplewood

Trillium, yellow lady's slipper, prairie rose, and showy milkweed

Tell me your life story

Well I was born in Michigan - my family moved to Fergus Falls when I was a child - I graduated from the high school there- I was a customer service manager for Walmart there for 5 years - went to college at NDSU where I graduated with honors for my bachelor's in biological sciences degree - and I've been working with the DNR for the last four years.

Why have you changed jobs so frequently?

When I was going to North Dakota State University I had to have jobs that would allow me to focus on my academics. I've been waiting for the right position since I completed my degree.

Is there anything you would like to know about the company?

When are you looking to have the position filled by? Is there anything I can do in the meantime while I wait to hear from you?

Are you willing to relocate?

Where I live is not the most important issue for me. Utilizing my skills developing new ones and advancing my career are my driving interests. I'm convinced that this job is a great for me with my skills. Would you agree?

What PPE would you need for removing a fallen tree from a trail with a chainsaw?

Work gloves, face shield w/hard hat, SBR rubber boots, ear plugs, chaps free of tears, reflective vest, a first aid kit nearby and a fire extinguisher

What have you learned from your mistakes?

disorganized at times, resulting in stretching myself a bit thin in areas. In order to make my life less stressful I now plan and organize everything. I keep a planner with me at all times and try to keep everything in a designated spot.

EBM

evidence-based management - is to use scientific evidence when making decisions rather than simply trusting instincts.

What are SMART Goals?

specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time bound

What were your responsibilities at your last job?

· Put safety first in my work, commit to a goal of zero accidents, strive to eliminate unsafe practices · Maintain accurate records of transactions · Keep campground chart and daily attendance current · Explain park rules and policies, or refer questions to the appropriate authority · Create and post signs within the park on upcoming programs and events · Clean camping cabins and yurts, and check safety equipment between rentals · Clean and stock restrooms and toilets daily or as required · Patrol park roads, buildings, grounds, trails, and lakes to provide information and assistance to park visitors and to detect suspicious, unsafe, or illegal situations · Order park office supplies as needed · Work in various and sometimes hazardous weather conditions