The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center (PWLC) is a regional destination that provides outdoor education opportunities for more than 20,000 school children from 30 local communities annually. It is also home to the Fergus Falls School District’s Prairie Science Class. Its goal is to foster a sense of wonder, connection to nature and grow our next generation of conservation stewards. The individual will be supporting the Visitor Services Team with that mission by facilitating lessons to the Prairie Science Class, visiting schools and public events. Additionally, some time may be spent in the Visitor Center interacting with the public, assisting other staff with habitat projects around the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District and some administrative tasks.

Summary

Schedule

October 6, 2025 - May 15, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Assist with curriculum-based environmental education programming primarily for students in grades K-8
Assist with educational and interpretive projects such as developing field trips, interpretive programs, and materials
Assist with greenhouse duties

Marginal Duties

Provide quality visitor services by staffing visitor center
Assist other staff in the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District with field projects
Administrative tasks
Assist with collateral duties such as creating media products and performing minor labor or custodial work
Perform collateral duties in alignment with the intern’s personal/professional interests

Required Qualifications

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently or with a team
A genuine desire to work with children, and some prior experience
Experience leading/facilitating youth through structured activities
Able to engage and manage groups of youth and/or adults for 2+ hours
Passion for the environment and working outdoors
Enthusiasm for outdoor education, environmental stewardship, and experiential learning
Willingness to learn and receive feedback in a structured, growth-oriented environment
Ability to supervise and engage children in both structured and unstructured settings
Strong communication skills and a positive attitude
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (sub-zero temps to heat and humidity)
Driver license
Personal vehicle required
Competence in customer service without constant supervision
Be comfortable talking to members of the public

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field (environmental or outdoor education, interpretation, geography, ecology, etc.) and/or some work experience that is relevant to the position (park ranger, naturalist, environmental educator), preferably for a land management agency
Artistic skills in graphic design or other visual arts
NAI certification
CPR/1st Aid

Compensation Information

Compensation

Weekly living allowance - $600
One-time roundtrip travel allowance - $1,100
No cost housing available in facility dorm

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Living Accommodations

Housing available in the Dormitory. Room has a full-sized bed and one set of bunk beds, a desk or dresser, writing tables, and chairs. The rooms are furnished with microwave ovens and a mini fridge. Private bathroom. Shared kitchen, lounge area and laundry facilities.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training
Interpretive Skills
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible