Description
Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center is a public, non-profit residential learning center on Grindstone Lake near Sandstone, MN that provides outdoor educational opportunities to diverse audiences in an intimate setting.
Residential and day-use environmental education experiences for thousands of K-12 students from across the Midwest focus on a selection of adventure, team building, outdoor/environmental education, cultural, natural history and science, wildlife ecology, and renewable energy classes. We are accredited by Cognia, and have over 50 years of environmental education experience and an incredible variety of programs and audiences.
Working at Osprey Wilds as a Fellow is a one-of-a-kind opportunity! Join our team and 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.
Key Responsibilities
- Teach ecology, wildlife, adventure, and cultural classes to large and small groups of all ages, including evening and weekend programming.
- Serve as the primary representative and host to visiting conference and retreat groups (includes being on-call for overnight visitors and serving food).
- Plan and lead summer camp programming and free-time activities.
- Attend weekly staff meetings and regular training throughout the year.
- Provide basic husbandry for Osprey Wilds Animal Ambassadors, including raptors, corvids, mammals, invertebrates and herps.
- Complete other self-directed projects or projects/tasks as assigned.
Benefits
-Compensation includes a $225/week stipend
-Delicious, healthy meals during the week (when groups are present) made from locally sourced ingredients and produce from our Trapp Farm
-Private room in staff housing adjacent to Grindstone Lake
-Four days off per two-week pay period, 13 PTO days, accrual of up to 80 hours of paid sick leave
-Access to an Employee Assistance Program
-Employee discounts for events and lodging for family members and in the Osprey Wilds store
Requirements
BA or BS in a related field, or equivalent work experience/training
Ability to commit to a full year (48 paid weeks), from August 2026 - August 2027
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
To Apply:
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 Amy Heusinkvelt, Fellowship Coordinator at heusinkvelt@ospreywilds.org.
