Are you passionate about fostering environments where all feel welcome and included in the outdoors? Do you want to introduce children and adults to the wonders of nature? Do you desire to gain skills in environmental education and explore a career in conservation?

Summary

We are hiring three full-time, one- year Environmental Education Interns to join our team.

As an Educator you will:

Teach environmental education programs to K-8th graders and host refuge field trips
Facilitate recreational activities for youth, including bird watching, fishing, paddling and snowshoeing
Develop communications content, including newsletter articles and social media posts
Support visitor center operations
Connect with communities though nature-based programming
Explore career paths and network with local employers in the field of natural resources management, education and community outreach

Term Dates: June 1, 2026 - Early June 2027

Location(s): Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Primary Report Station: Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN 55425
Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, 15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver, MN 55315

Required Qualifications:

Valid driver’s license
Pass Federal background check
U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong interest in one or more of the following: environmental education, youth development, community outreach, public communications or history
Excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication
Experience working with people, particularly with children
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, detail-oriented and organized, ability to follow oral and written direction
Spanish, Somali or ASL language skills
Post-secondary education
Availability to attend the Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom Workshop in Fergus Falls, MN from June 22-25, 2026

To Apply: Submit the following information in ONE document to jobs@mnvalleytrust.org:

1) 1-page personal statement addressing the following questions:

How does your lived experience align with our goals of connecting communities, people, nature and wildlife?
How will this opportunity further your personal or career goals as they relate to the field of conservation?

2) Resume noting education, experience and skills

3) List of three professional or academic references

In the subject line, please include first and last name and Environmental Education Internship.

Compensation Information

Wage: $19.45 per hour

Hours: Work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Sunday through Thursday and occasional evenings.

Benefits: Paid time off, Federal holidays, life & disability insurance, paid family medical leave, employer contribution to health and dental insurance, employer match to retirement plan. Gear and training stipend. Uniform shirts provided.