Environmental Education Fellow

Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center

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. 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 a 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 (48 paid weeks), from August 2025 – August 2026, or 11 months (48 paid weeks) from January 2026 – December 2026 and live on site in communal housing
• 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.)
• Have a valid driver’s license
• 21 years old or turning 21 within three weeks of starting date

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 Archery in our Schools Program Basic Archery Instructor certification, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and other industry related certifications
• Training in environmental education pedagogy, lesson plan development, and outdoor education and recreation practices
• Broad natural history and animal husbandry training
• $275/week stipend or $225/week stipend + 10 Paid Graduate Credits through Hamline University towards a masters degree in Natural Science and Environmental Education ($5,700 value: onsite in person classes)
• Opportunity for advancement – pending performance review
• Stay on for a second year to experience more leadership and administrative responsibilities
• Private room in on-site Staff House, and meals during the work week/when groups are present ($13,932 value)
• Four days off per two-week pay period, plus 13 additional days of PTO and accrual of up to 80 hours of paid sick leave.
• Free Employee Assistance Program (access to crisis counseling, short-term therapy, financial assistance, and other services)

Position Dates:

This fellowship begins August 11th, 2025 and ends on August 7th 2026 (48 paid weeks total); or January 5, 2026 – December 4, 2026 

There are up to 4 positions available for August start, and up to 3 positions for January start. 

Complete applications are currently being accepted and will begin to be considered upon receipt with preference given to applications received by March 7, 2025 for the August cohort and September 29, 2025 for the January cohort. 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:

Cassidy Michels, Fellowship Coordinator, Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
michels@ospreywilds.org tendersglobal.net (320) 245-2648 tendersglobal.net www.ospreywilds.org