Careers

Climate Change and Conservation Associate  

TITLE: Climate Change and Conservation Associate  
CLASSIFICATION: Full time
REPORTS TO: Climate and Conservation Manager
LOCATION: St. Paul, MN

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters (Friends) has been the leading voice for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) since 1976. Having played a role in the creation of the BWCA, we are looking to protect the BWCA and northeastern Minnesotan ecosystems from climate change for decades to come.

To this end, Friends is seeking a Climate Change and Conservation Associate. Friends has recently received a grant from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) to fund a project entitled, The Impacts of Climate Change on Northeastern Minnesota. The Climate Change and Conservation Associate will assist in the implementation of this project.

Background on the ENRTF Grant:

Climate change is rapidly increasing temperatures in the Quetico-Superior ecosystem of northeastern Minnesota, impacting the habitat and wildlife of the region. A range of government, tribal, academic, and private entities have conducted research relating to existing and future impacts of climate change on the region; however, this information is siloed and fragmented across multiple databases and sources. As a consequence, it is difficult to develop a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate change on the region’s ecosystems and assess appropriate responses to these impacts.

Friends’ Climate and Conservation Program looks to provide leadership on climate resilience in the Boundary Waters and northern Minnesota. 

To address these challenges, through the ENRTF grant, Friends will:

(1) Lead a systematic review of climate research in the Quetico-Superior ecosystem while engaging local, state, and federal governments; tribal governments; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations to collect and aggregate studies, research, management plans and other data relating to the impacts of climate change on land, water, wildlife, management, recreation, and human health in northeastern Minnesota. We will use this data to develop plain-language summaries of findings, identify major research opportunities in northeast Minnesota, test the efficacy of certain land management decisions, and illustrate what the future of northern ecosystems might look like depending on management decisions we make now. 

(2) Develop a publicly available, web-based hub of studies, research, management plans, and other information relating to the impacts of climate change on ecosystems in northeastern Minnesota. The website will serve several purposes. It will support public understanding of climate impacts, arm policy makers with climate-smart land management strategies, and inspire the next generation of ecologists in the region. 

The Climate Change and Conservation Associate will be responsible for assisting with these deliverables. 

These positions and this program will continue beyond the duration of the three-year ENRTF grant and will form the basis for the Friends’ new Climate Change and Conservation Program.

PRIMARY RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports directly to the Climate and Conservation Manager.
• Works effectively with other departments within the Friends, including Development, Policy, Communications, Northern Communities, and Education.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review and synthesize peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, and data
• Help to organize hundreds of peer-reviewed manuscripts and reports
• Develop maps and public-facing resources that facilitate good land and water management in northeastern Minnesota
• Engage local, state, and federal governments; tribal governments; academic institutions; and nonprofit organizations to identify their needs, collect and aggregate studies, research, management plans and other data relating to the impacts of climate change on the habitat and wildlife of northeastern Minnesota
• Contribute to the development of a publicly available, web-based, electronic database of studies, research, management plans, and other information relating to the impacts of climate change on the habitat and wildlife of northeastern Minnesota
• Monitor scientific and policy developments pertaining to climate change and wildlife conservation  in northeastern Minnesota
• Represent Friends at events and serve as a spokesperson for Friends

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in natural sciences with interdisciplinary experience, or 3 years applied experience with undergraduate degree in natural sciences
• Understanding of climate change, land and water management (both strategies and tradeoffs), and ecology, particularly in northern ecosystems
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex scientific data or research into easy-to-understand material appropriate for public consumption
• Experience with GIS and map creation
• Experience with data cleaning, carpentry, and summarization in R or Python (proficiency with meta-analysis is a plus)
• Experience doing research synthesis and science communication with state, federal, Tribal, NGOs, or private sector partners
• Initiative, good judgment, and a strong work ethic
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with staff and outside partners
• Ability to engage positively with a broad array of people and constituencies, including Tribal governments
• Ability to work on multiple projects of strategic importance while meeting deadlines
• Experience navigating complicated political landscapes and relationships
• Passion for conserving the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior ecosystem

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• $60,000 – $70,000 per year
• Paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan.
• In addition to paid vacation and sick leave, Friends provides a $600 stipend and five additional paid vacation days to each employee to take time off and recharge in the Boundary Waters.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working options
• We encourage life-long learning and ongoing professional development.

TO APPLY

Email a:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample that demonstrates effective science communication (blog, peer-reviewed publication, or report that weaves together multiple sources)
• Three references

To Case McCullough at casey@friends-bwca.org. In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Climate Change and Conservation Associate.”

Applications will be accepted until March 4, 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 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.