Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit residential education center near Sandstone, MN that provides outdoor educational opportunities to a diverse audience in an intimate setting. Our Leadership Program is committed to developing the talents of emerging leaders in environmental education through on-the-job experience, mentorship, on-site training seminars, and professional development at conferences and off-site training. Spend your first year learning the ins-and-outs of residential environmental education through hands-on experiences and through our extensive professional development program. During your second year, develop your leadership skills as a Mentor Educator for our team of instructors and receive tailored training in a self-selected focus area. We hope you join our dedicated and passionate education team in our effort to serve Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond!
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 2-year fellowship, from August 2022- August 2024, and live on site in communal housing
- Are COVID-19 vaccinated or is willing to become vaccinated
- Commitment to pursuing a career in environmental education
- Dedication to working with learners of all ages, particularly elementary and middle school students
- 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
- Interest and enthusiasm for working with and caring for our animal ambassadors
- 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.)
- Conversational speaking ability in: Spanish, Somali, or Hmong is a plus!
- Committed to being a leader/mentor to students and colleagues–previous leadership experience is a plus!
Year 1 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 Center 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 and skinning of prey animals.
- Complete other self-directed projects, or projects/tasks as assigned
Year 2 Responsibilities:
- Continue with Year 1 Responsibilities
- Mentor new educators in teaching, outdoor adventure, and animal husbandry skills
- Complete Specific Focus area tasks:
Events and Programming Lead (1 Position Available):
- Serve as Assistant Camp Director for youth summer camps
- Coordinate special programming such as Homeschool Camp, Winter Family Camp, Maple Syrup Day, and other community events
- Learn to develop, pilot, and assess inquiry-based curricula
- Lead education staff on curriculum development projects
- Attend an overnight, off-site conference on Environmental Education or other comparable training/ conference experience
- Work with the Education Director on area specific projects
Adventure Lead (1 Position Available):
- Assist on group trainings related to adventure equipment, adventure classes, basic first aid, emergency procedures and radio protocol
- Maintain all adventure equipment according to industry standards
- Maintain accurate inventories for all adventure equipment
- Assist with the assessment and implementation of risk management protocols
- Lead off-site and Community College adventure programming such as multi-day canoe trips, camping, advanced orienteering, and outdoor recreation
- Obtain certification in Challenge Course operation or other comparable training/ conference experience
- Work with the Fellowship Coordinator on area specific projects
Wildlife Lead (1 Position Available):
- Assist in overseeing daily husbandry and barn operations
- Be primary caretaker of 1 – 2 animals
- Continue to learn and improve your personal animal training techniques
- Assist in training new education staff on wildlife programming
- Assist with animal assessments and maintenance projects.
- Be a lead educator for wildlife outreach programming
- Learn and assist in documentation required for maintaining our wildlife program
- Attend a week-long training at the U of M Raptor Center or other comparable training/ conference experience.
- Work with the Wildlife Coordinator on area specific projects
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.
- 2 years of training in pedagogy, curriculum development, and environmental education theory
- 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)
- One-on-one mentorship by professionals in the field
- Broad natural history and animal husbandry training
- Hundreds of hours of teaching experience with groups of diverse ages and backgrounds
- 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
- YEAR 1 COMPENSATION: $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)
- YEAR 2 COMPENSATION: $560/month stipend, room & board, + Paid off-site training/conference attendance (focus-area specific, see above)
Position Dates:
This fellowship begins August 21st, 2023, and ends on August 8th, 2025. There are 3 positions available. Applications are currently being accepted and will be considered after Feb 6th.
To apply, please email your cover letter, resume, three references to:
Ashley Bozman, Fellowship Coordinator, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
bozman@ospreywilds.org |(320) 245-2648 ext. 111 | www.ospreywilds.org
