Careers

Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitator

TITLE: Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitator  
CLASSIFICATION: Part Time/Temporary
REPORTS TO: Twin Cities Education and Outreach Manager
LOCATION: St. Paul, MN

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.
• 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.

Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitator

TITLE: Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitator – Grand Marais
CLASSIFICATION: Part Time/Temporary
REPORTS TO: Northern Education and Outreach Coordinator 
LOCATION: Grand Marais, MN

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness is seeking an education facilitator 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 environmental education curriculum centered on the BWCA in school and outdoor settings in Northeastern Minnesota, including program preparation, evaluation, and record keeping. In addition to teaching at school events, this position will 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. 

Outreach and public events: In addition to in-school programming, this position will work with the Community Coordinator in Grand Marais to attend community events and host events throughout Cook County. 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 facilitatorship 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

• Work with the Northern Education Coordinator to prepare materials and lessons for full and half day programs at schools. 
• Travel with the Northern Education Coordinator for up to 3 hours away (though generally within one hour) for day programs, with occasional overnight stays for longer visits.
• Modify teaching methods and lesson content to different age groups K-12 (though usually middle and high school). 
• Facilitate BWCA programming to participating schools, often in a half day program with rotating stations with small groups of students. 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.
• Reset program supplies to ensure they are ready for the next school visit, and track supplies that may need replacement. Assist with record-keeping and media for school programs.
• Assist the Northern Education Coordinator with building and maintaining partnerships in Grand Marais, such as the YMCA, Cook County Soil and Water, Community Education, and more.
• Assist with elementary school student programs through the Cook County YMCA and Community Education. These include full day and after school programs.
• Assist with the creation of program materials, lessons, and other education department projects. 
• 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. 
• Support trip participants on the first day and the last day of their trip experience.
• Assist with planning, preparation, and execution of Friend’s community events, including during the Fisherman’s Picnic weekend in Grand Marais. 

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 background check.
• Must have access to own transportation in order to travel to programs throughout the region.
• Willing to participate in First Aid Training. 
• Must attend a mandatory 3-day training in May, likely in Northeastern Minnesota, but possibly at our St. Paul office depending on availability. Dates to be determined on school schedules. 

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, or a related field. 
• Passion for equity in the outdoors. 

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

The facilitatorship will be 12-20 hours per week. The pay rate is $18 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.

Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitator

TITLE: Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitator – Ely   
CLASSIFICATION: Part Time/Temporary
REPORTS TO: Ely Education and Outreach Manager 
LOCATION: Ely, MN

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness is seeking an education facilitator 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 environmental education curriculum centered on the BWCA in school and outdoor settings in Northeastern Minnesota, including program preparation, evaluation, and record keeping. In addition to teaching at school events, this position will 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. 

Outreach and public events: In addition to in-school programming, this position will work with the Community Coordinator in Ely to attend community events and host events in the area (at our office space and on local lakes/hikes). 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. This role 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. Previous facilitators have applied their experience in this position to undergrad internship requirements–please inquire within. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the education team to prepare materials and lessons for full and half day programs at schools. 
• Travel with the Ely Education and Outreach Manager or other Education Team members 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 K-12 (though usually middle and high school). 
• Facilitate BWCA programming to participating schools, often in a half day program with rotating stations with small groups of students. 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

• 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 school programs.
• Assist the Ely Education and Outreach Manager with building and maintaining partnerships in Ely, such as Ely Community Resource, Ely Public Schools, the Wolf Center, and more. 
• Assist with the creation of program materials, lessons, and other education department projects.
• 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. 
• Support trip participants on the first day and the last day of their trip experience.
• Assist with office tasks as needed, including basic office maintenance.
• Assist with planning, preparation, and execution of Friend’s community events, including during the Fourth of July celebration in Ely. 

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 background check.
• Must be able to get to our Ely Office on Sheridan Street.
• Willing to participate in First Aid Training. 
• Must attend a mandatory 3-day training in May, likely in Northeastern Minnesota, but possibly at our St. Paul office depending on availability. Dates to be determined on school schedules. 

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, or a related field. 
• Passion for equity in the outdoors. 

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

The internship will be 12-20 hours per week. The pay rate is $18 per hour and mileage paid at the IRS rate.

TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references: 

Case McCullough, Administrative Assistant: casey@friends-bwca.org

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

Applications will be accepted until January 30, 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.

Office Host  

TITLE: Office Host   
CLASSIFICATION: Part Time/Temporary
REPORTS TO: Ely Education and Outreach Manager 
LOCATION: Ely, MN

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (Friends) is seeking an office host to work in our Ely office during the summer season. This person will play the key role of being the face of the organization in Ely during the busy Summer paddling season. Visitors stop in our office to learn more about our organization, about the Boundary Waters, about Ely and surrounding areas, or, sometimes just to share BWCA stories and chat. Friends is looking for someone who is friendly, welcoming, and has excellent customer service skills to greet, talk with, and assist visitors. Being an office host provides the opportunity to learn more about the community of Ely, while sharing with others about the Boundary Waters. This person will also help out with Friends’ events, like the Ely 4th of July parade, maintain a welcoming environment, and support other projects that happen over the Summer months.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greet and interact with visitors and provide information about the BWCA and other local information
• Assist visitors in signing up for Friends newsletters or membership
• Can help visitors find more resources on the different pillars of Friends (wilderness, community, people)
• Help create a warm and welcoming environment by keeping the office tidy
• Maintain displays of and sell Friends merchandise, assist in monitoring inventory
• Assist in preparing for and hosting events, including the 4^th of July parade
• May support additional office projects (ie: resource creation, Ely specific paperwork, etc)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent customer service skills
• Good verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently 
• Good organizational skills
• Knowledge of the BWCA and surrounding region is helpful but not required

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

40 hours per week Wednesday – Sunday, mid-May through August

*Days of the week can be flexible if necessary, but 5 days, including weekends is required*

$20.00 per hour 

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 “Office Host.”

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

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.