Environmental Education Leadership Fellow

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit residential education  center near Sandstone, MN 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!

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 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, invertebrates and herps. This includes meal preparation requiring the cutting up of frozen animals and the maintenance of feeder invertebrates and dermestid beetle colony.
• 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

Wildlife Lead (1 Position Available):

• Assist in overseeing daily husbandry and barn operations
• Be primary caretaker of 1 - 2 animals
• Continue to learn and improve your personal animal training techniques
• Assist in training new education staff on wildlife programming 
• Assist with animal assessments and maintenance projects.
• Be a lead educator for wildlife outreach programming
• Learn and assist in documentation required for maintaining our wildlife program
• Attend a week-long training at the U of M Raptor Center or other comparable training/ conference experience.
• Work with the Wildlife Coordinator on area specific projects 

Osprey Wilds Expects an Environmental Education Fellow to be:

• Committed to providing positive experiences in nature with all site visitors in an equitable and just manner
• Passionate about growing their skills and knowledge
• Tenacious and willing to work and lead outside in all kinds of situations

We think you should apply if:

• You are in the beginning stages of your professional career but have some experience in the field already
• You are willing to take initiative to support our programs and staff and consider yourself a self-starter
• You have a passion for animals and have an willingness for working with and caring for our animal ambassadors
• You have an interest or experience in working with learners of all ages; particularly elementary and middle school age
• Interest in outdoor activities including, but not limited to: canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, orienteering, cross country skiing, etc.
• You are able to be adaptive to meet your group’s needs, including being vulnerable and stepping out of your comfort zone
•  
• Qualified candidates will have the following:
• BA or BS in a related field, or equivalent work experience/training
• Ability to commit to a full year, from August 2023-August 2024, and live on site in communal housing
• Is COVID-19 vaccinated or is willing to become vaccinated
• Ability to lift heavy equipment, such as a canoe, hike on uneven trails, and work outside in all weather conditions
• Ability to lead and participate in our climbing wall and high ropes course (max height: 40 ft.)
• A desire to be a peer mentor and assist with training where appropriate

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
• National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide course,  National Archery in our Schools Program Basic Archery Instructor certification, and other industry related certifications ($710 value minimum)
• Year-long training in pedagogy, curriculum development, and environmental education theory
• Broad natural history and animal husbandry training
• YEAR 1 COMPENSATION: $420/month stipend, room & board, + 10 Paid Graduate Credits through Hamline University towards a masters degree in Natural Science and Environmental Education ($5,637 value: onsite in person classes)
• Hamline credits are optional and result in a stipend increase to $500/month
• YEAR 2 COMPENSATION: $560/month stipend, room & board, + Paid off-site training/conference attendance (focus-area specific, see above)
• Private room in on-site Staff House, and meals during the work week/when groups are present ($12,000 value)
• Eight days off each month, plus 11 additional days of paid sick leave/PTO

How to apply:

Position Dates:

This fellowship begins August 21st, 2023, and ends on August 8th, 2025. There are 3 positions available. Applications are currently being accepted and will be considered after Feb 6th. 

To apply, please email your cover letter, resume, three references to:

Ashley Bozman, Fellowship Coordinator, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
bozman@ospreywilds.org |(320) 245-2648 ext. 111 | www.ospreywilds.org