Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit environmental 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 wavered 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!
Qualifications:
- BA or BS in a related field, or equivalent work experience/training
- 21 years of age or older at the time of employment
- Ability to commit to a full year, from June 2021-June 2022, and live on site
- Interest or experience in working with learners of all ages; particularly elementary and middle school age
- Interest and experience in outdoor activities including, but not limited to: camping, canoeing, backpacking, climbing, hiking, etc.
- Experience with, and enthusiasm for, summer youth camps and community programming
- Experience in working with or teaching members of underserved communities
- Must be open-minded, self-directed, and enthusiastic--excited to learn and try new things!
- Ability to lift heavy equipment, such as a canoe, hike long distances, and work outside in all weather conditions
- Ability to lead and participate in our climbing wall and high ropes course (max height: 40 ft.)
- Valid First-aid/CPR/AED certification is a plus!
- Conversational speaking ability in: Spanish, Somali, or Hmong is a plus!
Responsibilities:
- Contribute to ongoing conversations about how to serve our community with diverse offerings during the COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond
- 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
- Serve as the primary representative and host to visiting conference and retreat groups. This includes being on-call for overnight visitors (2-4/month)
- Attend weekly staff meetings and regular training throughout the year
- Provide basic husbandry for our animal ambassadors, including raptors, corvids, mammals, fish, invertebrates and herps
- Complete other self-directed projects, or projects as assigned
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
- Year-long training in pedagogy, curriculum development, and environmental education theory
- Broad natural history and animal husbandry training
- $360/month stipend + 10 Paid Graduate Credits through Hamline University for an Environmental Education Certification ($3,500 value)
- Private room in on-site Staff House, and meals during the workweek/when groups are present
Eight days off each month, plus 10 additional days of paid sick leave/PTO
Position Dates:
This fellowship begins June 5th, 2021 and ends on June 11th, 2022 (Start date is subject to adaptation to accommodate CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines)
There are 3 positions available. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
To apply, please send your cover letter, resume, and three references to:
Ashley Bozman, Fellowship Coordinator, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
bozman@ospreywilds.org | (320) 245-2648 ext. 111 | www.ospreywilds.org
