Environmental Education Leadership Fellow

Do you enjoy teaching folks about nature in nature? Do you enjoy building your professional skills? Look no further! Join us in Minnesota for the 2022-2024 school seasons to seize your opportunity!

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit residential education center near Sandstone, Minnesota that provides outdoor educational opportunities to a diverse audience in an intimate setting. Our Leadership Program is committed to developing the talents of emerging leaders in environmental education through on-the-job experience, mentorship, on-site training seminars, and professional development at conferences and off-site training. Spend your first year learning the ins-and-outs of residential environmental education through hands-on experiences and through our extensive professional development program. During your second year, develop your leadership skills as a Mentor Educator for our team of instructors and receive tailored training in a self-selected focus area. We hope you join our dedicated and passionate education team in our effort to serve Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond!

Qualifications:

● BA or BS in a related field, or equivalent work experience/ training
● 21 years of age or older at the time of employment
● Ability to commit to a 2-year fellowship, from August 2022- August 2024, and live on site in communal housing
● Are COVID-19 vaccinated or is willing to become vaccinated
● Commitment to pursuing a career in environmental education
● Dedication to working with learners of all ages, particularly elementary and middle school students
● Interest and experience in outdoor activities including, but not limited to: camping, canoeing, backpacking, climbing, hiking, etc.
● Experience with, and enthusiasm for, summer youth camps and community programming
● Experience in working with or teaching members of underserved communities
● Interest and enthusiasm for working with and caring for our animal ambassadors
● Must be open-minded, self-directed, and enthusiastic--excited to learn and try new things!
● Ability to lift heavy equipment, such as a canoe, hike long distances, and work outside in all weather conditions
● Ability to lead and participate in our climbing wall and high ropes course (max height: 40 ft.)
● Conversational speaking ability in: Spanish, Somali, or Hmong is a plus!
● Committed to being a leader/mentor to students and colleagues--previous leadership experience is a plus!
● Valid First-aid/CPR/AED certification is a plus!

Year 1 Responsibilities:
● Teach ecology, wildlife, adventure, and cultural classes to large and small groups of all ages, including evening and weekend programming, both virtually and on-site where appropriate.
● Plan and lead Summer Camp programming and free-time activities, whether virtual or onsite
● Overnight counseling may be required for overnight camps and college groups.
● Serve as the primary Center representative and host to visiting conference and retreat groups. This includes being on-call for overnight visitors
● Attend weekly staff meetings and regular training throughout the year
● Provide basic husbandry for our animal ambassadors, including raptors, corvids, mammals, fish, invertebrates, and herps. This includes meal preparation requiring the cutting up and skinning of prey animals.
● Complete other self-directed projects, or projects/tasks as assigned

Year 2 Responsibilities:
● Continue with Year 1 Responsibilities
● Mentor new educators in teaching, outdoor adventure, and animal husbandry skills
● Complete Specific Focus area tasks:

Events and Programming Lead (1 Position Available):
● Serve as Assistant Camp Director for youth summer camps 
● Coordinate special programming such as Homeschool Camp, Winter Family Camp, Maple Syrup Day, and other community events
● Learn to develop, pilot, and assess inquiry-based curricula
● Lead education staff on curriculum development projects
● Attend an overnight, off-site conference on Environmental Education or other comparable training/ conference experience
● Work with the Education Director on area specific projects

Adventure Lead (1 Position Available):
● Assist on group trainings related to adventure equipment, adventure classes, basic first aid, emergency procedures and radio protocol
● Maintain all adventure equipment according to industry standards
● Maintain accurate inventories for all adventure equipment
● Assist with the assessment and implementation of risk management protocols
● Lead off-site and Community College adventure programming such as multi-day canoe trips, camping, advanced orienteering, and outdoor recreation
● Obtain certification in Challenge Course operation or other comparable training/ conference experience
● Work with the Fellowship Coordinator on area specific projects 

Benefits:
● Work outside in a beautiful setting: 780 acres with coniferous and mixed hardwood forest, creek, prairie, and wetland areas, as well as a lake with a beach adjacent to the staff house.
● 2 years of training in pedagogy, curriculum development, and environmental education theory
● National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide training
● One-on-one mentorship by professionals in the field
● Broad natural history and animal husbandry training
● Hundreds of hours of teaching experience with groups of diverse ages and backgrounds
● Private room in on-site Staff House, and meals during the work week/when groups are present
● Eight days off each month, plus 10 additional days of paid sick leave/PTO
● YEAR 1 COMPENSATION: $400/month stipend, room & board, + 8 Paid Graduate Credits through Hamline University towards a masters degree in Natural Science and Environmental Education ($3,000 value)
● YEAR 2 COMPENSATION: $540/month stipend, room & board, + Paid off-site training/conference attendance (focus-area specific, see above) 

How to apply:

This fellowship begins August 22th, 2022, and ends on August 9th, 2024

There are 2 positions available. Applications will be considered until positions are filled.

To apply, please send your cover letter, resume, three references to: Ashley Bozman, Fellowship Coordinator, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, bozman@ospreywilds.org