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!
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 August 2023-August 2024, and live on site in communal housing
- Is COVID-19 vaccinated or is willing to become vaccinated
- 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 communities that have traditionally underserved by the environmental education field.
- Interest and enthusiasm for working with and caring for our animal ambassadors
- Must be excited to learn and try new things, and willing to take initiative to support our programs and staff.
- 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.)
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 training throughout the year
- Provide basic husbandry for our animal ambassadors, including raptors, corvids, mammals, fish, invertebrates and herps. This includes meal preparation requiring the cutting up of frozen animals and the maintenance of a vermiculture bin and dermestid beetle colony.
- Complete other self-directed projects, or projects/tasks 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
- 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 masters degree in Natural Science and Environmental Education ($5,637 value)
- Private room in on-site Staff House, and meals during the work week/when groups are present
- Eight days off each month, plus 11 additional days of paid sick leave/PTO
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 ext. 111 | www.ospreywilds.org
