Education Specialist (2-Year Term)

Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota (Hybrid)
Schedule: 24–30 hours per week
Term Position: April/May 2026 – May 2028
Application Deadline: April 5, 2026

About Voyageurs Conservancy

Voyageurs Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota. Our mission is to connect people to the park, enhance the visitor experience, and protect this special place for present and future generations.

Voyageurs National Park spans 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, and rich cultural history. Known for its water-based recreation, world-class fishing, and dark night skies, the park welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually.

We work in partnership with the National Park Service to support conservation and recreation projects, connect youth and families to the outdoors, and ensure that Voyageurs remains accessible and meaningful for all communities.

About the Role

Voyageurs Conservancy is seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative Education Specialist to support our Voyageurs Classroom Initiative and contribute to our growing partnerships with educators and Tribal communities across Minnesota.

This role focuses on delivering engaging, nature-based education programs, co-developing curriculum, and uplifting Indigenous perspectives in environmental education. The Education Specialist will work closely with Minnesota educators, National Park Service staff, and Tribal partners.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about youth education, outdoor learning, and community-centered programming.

Why Join Us

  • Make a meaningful impact connecting youth to a national park

  • Collaborate with educators, Tribal Nations, and community partners statewide

  • Help shape inclusive, place-based education programs

  • Enjoy a flexible, hybrid work environment

  • Spend time outdoors leading hands-on learning experiences

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver in-person Mobile Classroom programs across Minnesota, with a focus on Twin Cities metro schools

  • Co-develop, adapt, and evaluate K–12 curriculum for nature-based education programs

  • Build and maintain partnerships with schools, educators, Tribal Nations, and community organizations

  • Collaborate with the Tribal Program to integrate Indigenous perspectives into programming

  • Represent Voyageurs Conservancy at community events, including Powwows, conferences, and outreach events

  • Support recruitment and engagement of Indigenous youth in programs

  • Assess program effectiveness and contribute to continuous improvement

Supervision:

This position is jointly supervised by the Education Coordinator and Associate Director.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Hourly Rate: $18–20/hour, depending on experience

  • Schedule: Approximately 30–32 hours per week

Benefits include:

  • 50% employer-paid health insurance premium

  • SIMPLE IRA with up to 3% employer match

  • 115 hours of Paid Time Off annually (prorated in first year)

  • 13 paid holidays

  • $300 annual Voyageurs National Park connection stipend and 3 paid “Park Connection Days” for personal exploration or volunteering

  • Flexible hybrid work schedule

Work Environment & Travel:

  • Hybrid work model based in the Twin Cities, with some in-office and remote work

  • Regular travel within the Twin Cities metro and periodic travel to Voyageurs National Park

  • Use of a personal vehicle is required (mileage reimbursement provided)

  • Programs may involve outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, and snowshoeing

  • Occasional evenings and weekends required

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional, volunteer, or lived experience

  • At least 2 years of experience in youth or environmental education

  • Experience delivering or supporting nature-based or outdoor education programs

  • Experience working with or alongside Indigenous communities or a demonstrated commitment to learning and engaging respectfully

  • Strong understanding of culturally responsive and inclusive education practices

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with youth, educators, partners, and community members

  • Self-motivated with strong organizational and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to work effectively with diverse communities across backgrounds and experiences

  • Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle

  • Ability to pass a background check upon hire

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in conservation, national parks, or outdoor education settings

  • First Aid/CPR certification

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Flexibility, creativity, and a sense of humor

Physical Requirements:

This role includes a mix of office, remote, and outdoor work. The position requires:

  • Working outdoors in varied weather conditions (heat, cold, precipitation, wind)

  • Standing or sitting for extended periods

  • Leading programs and speaking clearly to groups

  • Lifting and carrying materials up to 50 lbs

Apply:

Submit a cover letter and 1-2 page resume as one PDF or Word file to Moss Kupper at mkupper@voyageurs.org.
Application Deadline: April 5th, 2026

Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity:

Voyageurs Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual with respect to the terms and conditions of employment based on that individual’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, housing status, or any other non-merit factor protected under state, local or federal laws.