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!

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 early January 2024- late December 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
• $105/week 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) Opt out of Hamline classes for an additional $55 a week stipend
• Private room in on-site Staff House, and meals during the work week/when groups are present ($12,000 value)
• Four days off per two-week pay period, plus 11 additional days of paid sick leave/PTO

This fellowship begins January 3rd, 2024 and ends on December 27th, 2024; There are 6 positions available.

Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis

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

Ashley Bozman, Fellowship Coordinator, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
[email protected] | (320) 245-2648 ext. 111 | www.ospreywilds.org