Environmental Education Intern

Minnesota Valley Trust, Inc. (Trust) and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District (refuge) have partnered together to provide paid, developmental opportunities for individuals who are interested in the field of conservation.

We are hiring three full-time, one- year Environmental education Interns to join our team. Join us to play an integral role at this thriving urban refuge where nature connects people, communities and wildlife!

As an Educator you will:

• Teach environmental education programs to K-8th graders and host refuge field trips
• Facilitate recreational activities for youth, including bird watching, fishing, paddling and snowshoeing
• Develop communications content, including newsletter articles and social media posts
• Support visitor center operations
• Connect with communities though nature-based programming
• Explore career paths and network with local employers in the field of natural resources management, education and community outreach

Term Dates: June 1, 2026 – Early June 2027

Location(s): Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

• Primary Report Station: Bloomington Education and Visitor Center, 3815 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN 55425
• Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center, 15865 Rapids Lake Road, Carver, MN 55315

Wage: $19.45 per hour

Hours: Work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically Sunday through Thursday and occasional evenings.

Benefits: Paid time off, Federal holidays, life & disability insurance, paid family medical leave, employer contribution to health and dental insurance, employer match to retirement plan. Gear and training stipend. Uniform shirts provided.

Required Qualifications:

• Valid driver’s license
• Pass Federal background check
• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong interest in one or more of the following: environmental education, youth development, community outreach, public communications or history
• Excellent customer service skills, written and verbal communication
• experience working with people, particularly with children
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, detail-oriented and organized, ability to follow oral and written direction
• Spanish, Somali or ASL language skills
• Post-secondary education
• Availability to attend the Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom Workshop in Fergus Falls, MN from June 22-25, 2026

On the Job Training: Interns will receive on the job training and develop a plan to build career skills. Opportunities will be provided to network with Trust and refuge staff, interns and volunteers and community partners.

Special Hiring Authority: Interns may be eligible to receive a Department of the Interior Public Lands Corps non-competitive hiring authority certificate upon completion of their term of service. More information provided upon request.