Careers | Friends of the Boundary Waters

Current Openings

Currently, Friends has three openings: For a Wilderness Volunteer Crew Leader, an Ely Office Intern and an Education and Outreach Intern.

We also have volunteer openings on our Board of Directors.

Opening – Board of Director

Superior National Forest/ Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness Volunteer Crew Leader

TITLE: Wilderness Volunteer Crew Leader

CLASSIFICATION: Independent Contractor

REPORTS TO: Community Coordinator

LOCATION: Ely, MN

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (Friends) in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) Superior National Forest, is seeking two independent contractors to serve as Wilderness Volunteer Crew Leaders over the 2023 Summer season. Crew Leaders work in a remote setting on the Superior National Forest. They lead Superior National Forest conservation projects with groups of Friends Wilderness Volunteers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) at one or more Districts- La Croix, Kawishiwi, Tofte, or Gunflint. These projects may include: portage trail maintenance, hiking trail maintenance, and campsite and shoreline restoration. When not working with Friends Wilderness Volunteers, Crew Leaders will work in tandem with USFS wilderness rangers on other projects within the Wilderness. These projects may include: use visitor monitoring, trail and campsite inventory/maintenance, and visitor education. Crew Leaders will also occasionally help with Friends events and in the Friends office, including at the 4^th of July Parade in Ely. Along with the Superior National Forest, Friends is dedicated to protecting and preserving the BWCAW. Crew Leaders play an active and immediate role in the preservation of the Wilderness, and they will foster a sense of community in their volunteers that will inspire the next generation of wilderness stewards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain a safe environment for yourself, volunteers, and the public.
Make reasonable and sound decisions.
Maintain a positive relationship with the USFS, partner organizations, volunteers, and the public.
Lead crews of up to 8 other people on Wilderness Volunteer trips for up to 7 days at a time.
Instruct Wilderness Volunteers on fundamentals of canoeing and/or hiking and provide instruction and assistance with low impact camp tasks (tent pitching, cooking, etc.)
Coordinate all projects and recruitment efforts with the USFS and the Friends Community Coordinator.
Occasionally represent Friends at local events

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

Experience leading wilderness/backcountry groups
Clear verbal and written communication skills
Experience working and camping in remote settings
Conflict resolution/mediation skills
Ability to carry out physically demanding tasks such as lifting heavy objects, hiking, paddling, and portaging gear over uneven terrain.
Current Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification
Valid Drivers’ License and auto insurance

Desired Qualifications:

Conservation/preservation/trail crew experience
Leave No Trace training for BWCAW environment
Familiarity with trail building and restoration techniques
Familiarity with campsite restoration and naturalization techniques
Familiarity using and teaching others how to properly use non-motorized trail/woods tools including: personal protective equipment, loppers, hand saws, hammers, weed cutters, mattocks, bit and braces, rock slings, and axes.

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

This is a temporary seasonal position beginning in May and ending in August. The work schedule will generally be 8 days on and 6 days off to mirror the schedule of the USFS Wilderness Rangers. The work schedule may vary when the Crew Leaders are not working directly with USFS personnel.

Compensation is a monthly stipend of $2,800 and housing in a USFS bunkhouse.

TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references:

Bree Sikorski

Operations Director

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

bree@friends-bwca.org

In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Wilderness Volunteer Crew Leader”

Applications will be accepted until April 14, 2023. At the 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. The 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.

Ely Office Intern

TITLE: Ely Office Intern

CLASSIFICATION: Part Time/Temporary

REPORTS TO: Community Coordinator

LOCATION: Ely, MN

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (Friends) is seeking an intern to work on our Ely office during the summer season. This position will greet and interact with visitors, help maintain a welcoming environment and assist the Community Coordinator with administrative work, projects, and local events.

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
Show films to interested visitors
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
Calling to invite guests to events

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

$16.50 per hour

TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references:

Bree Sikorski

Operations Director

Friends of the Boundary Waters

bree@friends-bwca.org

In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Ely Office Intern.”

Applications will be accepted until April 3, 2023.

At the 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. The 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.

Education and Outreach Intern

CLASSIFICATION: Part Time/Temporary

REPORTS TO: Education Director

LOCATION: Saint Paul

SUMMARY

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness is seeking an education intern 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.

During May-June and September-October, the main duties of the position will be to assist with teaching in school and outdoor settings and collaborating with the Education Director and Education Coordinator 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.

Outreach and public events: In addition to in-school programming, we also host community events to bring the Boundary Waters to local parks and waterways. These events will include work with students, but also families. Later in the summer (July-August), this position will include more public-facing events. 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, BWCA Night at the Minnesota Saints, and Open Streets events. During July and 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 internship will run from early May until the end of October.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with the education team to prepare materials and lessons for half day programs at schools.
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 6^th and 12th grade.
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 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 for school program.
Alter existing programming to meet the needs of a particular school.
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.
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, Open Streets events, BWCA Night at the Minnesota Saints, and other public events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Experience teaching or working with students in grades 6-12.
Availability for half-day programs during school day hours (between 7-1 pm or 11-4 pm) at least two days a week.
Interest in teaching in an outdoor setting, with a focus on experiential learning.
Must pass background check.
Willing to participate in First Aid Training.
Must be willing to follow all COVID-19 protocols and require participants to do the same.

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.
Proficiency in another language.
Access to a vehicle for transporting supplies to and from schools.

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

The internship will be 10-20 hours per week, with the May-June and September-
October months closer to 20 hours than July-August. The pay rate is $16.50 per hour
and mileage paid at the IRS rate.

TO APPLY

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references:

Bree Sikorski

Operations Director

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

bree@friends-bwca.org

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

Applications will be accepted until March 17th, 2023.

Opening – Board of Directors

Summary

The Board of Directors determines the mission, strategic direction, and programming for Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (“Friends”). A Director ensures and nurtures adequate human and financial resources and actively monitors and evaluates the Executive Director’s performance and the Friends’ financial results. A Director approves and systematically implements policies to ensure achievement of the mission of the Friends.

Primary Relationship

Reports to the Board Chair
Works closely with the Executive Director and other staff to ensure the achievement of the mission
Works closely with and gets to know other Board and committee members and builds collegial working relationships that contribute to consensus
Serves as a spokesperson outside the organization and delivers consistent, compelling messages on mission, programs, and finances, and encourages civic participation

Leadership Responsibilities

Knows and commits to the Friends’ mission, vision, and values
Provides leadership continuity by ensuring Board succession, including identifying, recruiting, and orienting new members
Is knowledgeable about Friends’ policies, programs, and operations, and oversees their implementation and evaluation
Is accessible and responsive to other Directors and staff
Actively seeks out financial and other resources for the organization

Management Responsibilities

Engages in strategic planning
Approves written policies and procedures governing the work and actions of the Friends’ employees and volunteers
Hires, sets the compensation for, and annually evaluates the performance of the Executive Director
Reviews the overall compensation structure for staff and establishes policies on employee benefits, vacation, and sick leave

Fiscal Responsibilities

Approve the annual operating budget; at least four times per year assesses the organization’s financial performance
Assists in developing fundraising plans and actively participates in fundraising initiatives each year
Makes an annual gift to the Friends as circumstances allow. There is no minimum contribution amount, but the Friends should be in a Director’s top three charities for annual giving.
Ensure that an internal review of the Friends’ compliance with legal, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements is conducted annually

Board Meetings and Committees Responsibilities

Regularly prepares for, attends, and participates in Board meetings
Participates actively in at least one Board committee

Committee Chair Description

The Committee Chair presides or assigns someone to preside at all meeting of the respective committee. The Committee Chair has general supervision, direction, and active management of the committee’s affairs, working in partnership with staff and volunteers. The Committee Chair reports to the Board Chair.