Environmental Education Fellowship

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit residential learning center near Sandstone, MN that provides outdoor educational opportunities to diverse audiences in an intimate setting. Gain experience in current environmental education methods, as well as knowledge of Minnesota’s unique biomes and natural history through training seminars, direct mentorship, graduate-level coursework, and on-the-job learning. Our organization is committed to making the outdoors accessible to everyone with learner-centered, nature-focused programming that is responsive to all visitors. This commitment has not waivered through the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to our dynamic team’s creativity and the guidance of the Center for Disease Control. We hope you can join us and learn what it takes to be an outstanding environmental educator!

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 trainings 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

Environmental Education Fellows should 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/ weather

We think you should apply if:

• You are in the beginning stages of your professional career
• 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 a 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
• You enjoy participating in outdoor activities including, but not limited to: canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, wildlife observation, 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.)

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
• $420/month stipend, room & board, + 10 Paid Graduate Credits through Hamline University towards a master’s degree in Natural Science and Environmental Education ($5,637 value: on-site in-person classes)
  • Hamline credits are optional and result in a stipend increase to $500/month
• 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 9th, 2024; there are 4 positions available. 

Applications are currently being accepted and will be considered after February 6th, 2023. 

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

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