Environmental Education Lead

The Loppet Foundation’s mission is connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community. We value anti-racism, collaboration, growth, inclusion, play, stewardship and well-being. The foundation provides quality programming for youth and adults, produces world class adventures and sporting events, and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community in its operations in Theodore Wirth Park. The Loppet staff are dedicated and energetic individuals who work together leveraging the various aspects of the Foundation to create a whole that is more than the sum of its parts. 

About the Stories of Connection Project: The Loppet Foundation’s Stories of Connection Project brings together community groups and others impacted by the life of the park to explore what Theodore Wirth Park means to people from the many different cultures that call Minneapolis home. This includes understanding points of inspiration and connection, as well as challenges faced by community members such as residents of BIPOC and lower income neighborhoods bordering the park. This multi-year project will tell these stories of connection to nature through art, media, signage, programming, and events throughout the community with the goal of increasing park usership and depth of experience as more people see their own stories reflected in the identity of Theodore Wirth Park. 

Job Summary: The Environmental Education Lead develops and implements curriculum in Theodore Wirth Park and other North Minneapolis green spaces, working with community partners to deliver diverse experience-based nature programs. They lead a summer outdoor pathways program for youth, focusing on nature connection, mindfulness, and environmental justice. This role involves delivering programs, exhibits, and events featuring the Stories of Connection Project and helps inform the Loppet Environmental Action Project committee on various stewardship initiatives. 

The Environmental Educator Lead is responsible for the following: 

• Developing and implementing environmental education curriculum in Theodore Wirth Park, in other North Minneapolis green spaces, and in civic hubs including schools and community centers.
• Working in partnership with North Minneapolis community organizations to design and deliver experiential learning-based environmental programs to a wide variety of participants diverse in age, ability, race/ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
• Leading a summer outdoor pathways program designed to connect high school-age youth and young adults from Minneapolis’ Northside with opportunities for nature connection, mindfulness, embodied practice, and environmental justice.
• Delivering a combination of programs, indoor/outdoor interpretive exhibits, and community events that feature storytellers, interpretive media, and art contributed by North Minneapolis residents.
• Attending the Loppet Environmental Action Project (LEAP) committee bi-monthly meetings to provide insight, suggestions and collaboration on implementing stewardship initiatives in energy, infrastructure, water, waste, habitat restoration, community engagement, and education.

Preferred Knowledge and Abilities: 

• Experience in curriculum development, with a focus on nature connection and outdoor education.
• Working with a wide range of age groups, from children to adults, in dynamic educational settings.
• Ability to lead and create a positive learning environment for young adults, particularly in roles similar to camp counselors.
• Group facilitation skills, capable of engaging diverse groups effectively.
• Experience in project management, planning, organizing, tracking, and executing project deliverables.
• A strong background and/or interest in outdoor education. Background or formal education in ecology, environmental science, or related outdoor fields is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain positive and collaborative community partnerships.
• Availability to begin by April 1, 2025.

The Environmental Education Lead reports to the Environmental Educator & Justice Specialist who reports to the Community Engagement Manager. The hourly wage is $21 per hour. This is a part time, hourly seasonal position during the months of April – August 2025. Working approximately 10 hours per week from April – May, and up to 40 hours per week from June – August. Schedule and location are generally flexible with the understanding that a presence during regular business hours is important. However, it is also important to note there will be a variety of evening and weekend events outside of regular business hours that this role will need to be present for. 

This position also includes the following benefits: Accrued PTO, staff discount, and the ability to work and play in the magnificent Theodore Wirth Park!

We recognize the need for a diverse workforce and understand that traditionally underrepresented communities must be centered in the work we do. As a Foundation, we are committed to building a blended team that reflects the community we serve. Hence, we strongly encourage BIPOC, Indigenous and Queer-identified individuals to apply.