Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitator

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness are seeking two education facilitators to assist with our school programming and other outreach events. This position will be involved in our education program, No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters, as well as other areas of the organization that further the Friends’ mission of protecting, preserving, and restoring the wilderness character of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior ecosystem. 

School Programming: Our growing education program reaches schools and organizations all over the state, primarily working with grades 6-12 to bring opportunities to learn about, investigate, and experience the Boundary Waters through classroom education, local exploration, and wilderness trips, targeting under-resourced communities throughout Minnesota.

The main duties of the position will be to assist with teaching in school and outdoor settings and collaborating with the full-time Education team to hold BWCA programming at schools around Minnesota. Many schools will be local to the metro area, but some schools may be in greater Minnesota and will require occasional overnight travel. In addition to teaching at school events, this position will assist with program preparation, evaluation, and record keeping. This position will also assist with logistics for our BWCA Wilderness Trip program as we prepare schools with the gear and expertise they need to go on a summer BWCA trip through our program. Most educational programming takes place between May-June and September - October, though there are intermittent educational programs throughout the summer. 

Outreach and Public Events: In addition to in-school programming, this position will work with the Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator to attend community events in the Twin Cities and connect with potential supporters at, for example, the State Fair, Trivia nights, or other tabling opportunities. This work will take place mainly in July - August. Some weekends or evenings may be required to support these events. 

The position requires working at these in-person events but may also include remote work to prepare for these events and to support planning and logistics. The position will run from early May until the end of August, with the opportunity to continue program work into October if the applicant’s schedule allows.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate BWCA programming for participating schools/organizations, working with a range of group sizes. Lessons range from nature and ecology activities like investigations involving animal adaptations, water quality, or biomes, to wilderness skills such as canoeing, fire-building, portaging, and using a map and compass. Proficiency in each of these areas is not required, but it is encouraged to be familiar with at least one area. For more details on the courses this program offers, please visit our course catalog. 

https://www.friends-bwca.org/wp-content/uploads/NoBoundariesCourses.pdf

• Assist with BWCA Trip logistics such as cleaning and distributing gear, processing trip media, and other needs as school groups prepare to go on a BWCA Trip in the summer. 
• Work with the education team to prepare materials and lessons for full and half day programs at schools. 
• Assist with the creation of program materials, lessons, and other education department projects. 
• Create “Media Recaps” for school events and summer trips, incorporating photos, quotes, and videos for social media. 
• Travel with the Education Team for up to two hours away for day programs, with occasional overnight stays for longer visits.
• Modify teaching methods and lesson content to different age groups between 6th and 12th grade. 
• Reset program supplies to ensure they are ready for the next school visit, and track supplies that may need replacement. Assist with record-keeping for programs.
• Alter existing programming to meet the needs of a particular group.
• Engage the public by attending community outreach events throughout the Twin Cities
• Assist with planning, preparation, and execution of the Friends’ booth at the Minnesota State Fair and other events. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required:
• Experience teaching or working with students in grades 6-12.
• Availability for school programs during school day hours (between 7–4 pm) at least two days a week.
• Interest in teaching in an outdoor setting, with a focus on experiential learning. 
• Must pass a background check.
• Must have access to transportation to our office in St. Paul.
• Willing to participate in First Aid Training. 
• Must attend a mandatory 3-day training in May, dates to be determined. 

• Preferred:
• Experience teaching in an outdoor setting. 
• Knowledge of culturally responsive teaching methods. 
• Experience working with youth from a variety of racial, geographic, and financial backgrounds. 
• Completed or pursuing a degree in education, environmental education, environmental studies, outdoor recreation, or a related field. 
• Passion for equity in the outdoors. 
• Proficiency in another language. 

INTERNSHIP CREDITS

Previous facilitators have applied their experience in this position to undergraduate internship requirements- please inquire within. 

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

The internship will be 15-20 hours per week, with occasional weeks exceeding 20 hours. The pay rate is $18.00 per hour and mileage paid at the IRS rate.

TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references: 

Case McCullough

Administrative Coordinator

casey@friends-bwca.org

In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitator.”

Applications will be accepted until January 30th, 2026

At Friends, we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. Friends is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.