Environmental Education Fellowship

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is a public, 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!

This fellowship begins August 14th, 2024 and ends on August 8th 2025;  There are 9 positions available. 

Complete applications are currently being accepted and will begin to be considered after March 6th with interviews soon to follow. This position will remain open until filled.

To apply, please email your cover letter (explaining why you want to work in the outdoors with children), resume, and three references (at least 2 professional references) to: Ashley Bozman, Fellowship Coordinator, bozman@ospreywilds.org

Responsibilities:

• Teach ecology, wildlife, adventure, and cultural classes to large and small groups of all ages, including evening and weekend programming.
• Plan and lead Summer Camp programming and free-time activities.
  • 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 and serving food
• 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

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
• Excited to work with children
• 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:

• 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 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 groups 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 2024 - August 2025, 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.)