Hone your talents. Improve your skills. Learn from professionals.

Outdoor Education Fellowship

The Eagle Bluff Fellowship is a transformative, year-long residential training program designed for individuals passionate about outdoor education, leadership, and interpretive skills. This immersive experience combines hands-on, inquiry-based teaching with professional development through specialized seminars, mentorship, and peer collaboration. Fellows gain over 400 hours of practical experience instructing diverse audiences while refining their facilitation techniques and learning from ongoing evaluations and feedback. Fellows have the option to earn a Graduate Certificate from Hamline University that will prepare you for success in the field of outdoor education.

Fellow Roles & Responsibilities

Outdoor Educator (45%): This role centers on facilitating hands-on adventure, science, and cultural history programming for students in grades 4–8. Teaching emphasizes inquiry-based learning, collaboration, and creating meaningful outdoor experiences, including both small-group classes and large-group naturalist programs.

Liaison (20%): The liaison role focuses on supporting visiting groups throughout their stay, helping ensure a smooth, organized, and welcoming experience. This includes coordinating logistics, maintaining clear communication, and contributing to the overall flow of daily programming.

Professional Development (20%): Fellows focus on professional and academic growth through graduate-level coursework, mentorship, and reflective practice. Participants build teaching skills through observation, feedback, and collaboration while contributing to a supportive learning community.

Seasonal Education Staff Duties (15%): This area includes supporting the broader operations of Eagle Bluff through a variety of seasonal and campus-based projects. Responsibilities may include animal care, land stewardship, and general upkeep, contributing to the functionality of the site as a whole.

Summer Camp Counselor (60%): Come June, the role shifts from teaching and liaising to the facilitation of overnight and day summer camp experiences. Fellows develop and implement camp programming, lead activities, supervise campers, and contribute to a positive camp environment.

  1. Email a PDF of your resumé to Brent Burton, Fellowship Manager: brentb@eaglebluffmn.org. Please indicate which position you are applying for in the email subject line. 
  2. Contact two professional references and direct them to our Online Reference Form. It is your responsibility to make sure the references are completed in a timely manner.
  3. Answer and submit the online application questions.

Additional Information

Recent college graduates who want to develop their skills in teaching techniques, including culturally sustaining pedagogy, public speaking, group management, and overall professional growth. You do not need to pursue a career in environmental education to gain valuable skills through this fellowship.

Initial Training
The program begins with three weeks of intensive training covering class instruction, foundational pedagogy, learning about Southeast Minnesota, and understanding Eagle Bluff’s general operations. Fellows receive an established lesson plan for each class they teach.

Additional Class Trainings
Additional class trainings are scheduled throughout the year, plus Fellows have additional formal training weeks in early January for winter classes and June for Summer Camps.

Seminars
Weekly seminars on Teaching Techniques, Interpretation, Program Design, and Natural History are led by Eagle Bluff staff and outside experts, and connect to graduate coursework through Hamline University. Additional seminars are also provided that help Fellows develop professional skills that are transferable to any workplace.

Certifications
Certificate of Environmental Education
While not a traditional graduate program, the fellowship offers graduate-level seminars and the opportunity to earn graduate credits through Hamline University (for participants with a college degree). These credits can be applied toward a Master’s program at Hamline or other institutions nationwide, though earning graduate credits is entirely optional and not a requirement for participation in the Fellowship. The cost of the full certificate (10 credits) is approximately $2,850.
Seminars and credits include:
Fundamentals of Environmental Education (3 credits)
Natural History of Southeast Minnesota (3 credits)
Principles of Interpretation (2 credits)
Introduction to Program Design (2 credits)

Certified Interpretive Guide
Fellows may also choose to become a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). This training also counts toward the Environmental Education Certificate under Principles of Interpretation. The cost is approximately $200.

Evaluations
Fellows are formally evaluated several times throughout the year through class observations by permanent education staff. Feedback is constructive and specific, and includes a follow-up meeting with the evaluator. Fellows also participate in self-evaluations, peer observations, and observation of permanent education staff. Additional feedback is gathered from visiting teachers and chaperones.

Monthly Meetings
Monthly meetings with the Fellowship Manager are designed to support fellows’ professional development by setting goals, providing feedback, and proactively addressing needs.

Mentorship
Fellows receive direct mentorship from both an assigned peer mentor and experienced permanent education staff. Mentors serve as sounding boards, offering guidance, sharing ideas, and supporting problem-solving, while creating space for Fellows to reflect, build confidence, and grow in their role.

  • Fellows will be paid in bi-weekly installments which total $1,000 per month.
  • Participants are provided housing in a private staff wing of the dormitory, sharing a bathroom/suite with one other person and having a private bedroom. All participants share a common living room, dining room, kitchen, storage space, internet access, and laundry. (Estimated value: $493.50/month)
  • As additional compensation, meals are provided when visiting groups are in residence, as are food staples for use in the staff kitchen. (Estimated value: $359.80/month)
  • Along with room and board, fellows are offered significant paid PTO, several holidays, personal voicemail, staff gear, and use of Eagle Bluff’s recreational equipment.
  • Professional purchase discounts.

Benefits package found here or on the employment page of the website.

Upon completing the program, fellows may apply for a second year at Eagle Bluff. A second year offers the opportunity to deepen teaching practice and take on projects aligned with personal passions within the organization.

Where are they now?
Many Fellows continue careers in education, whether as outdoor educators, naturalists at state parks, teachers, or graduate students. Others go on to conservation work, remain in the environmental field, or pursue unrelated careers. Past fellows have gone on to positions such as:

  • Environmental Educator, NatureBridge Yosemite
  • Outdoor Education Coordinator, Prescott Pines Camp
  • Environmental Education Specialist, City of Rochester
  • Farm Director, Camp Burgess & Hayward
  • Executive Director, Eagle Bluff ELC
  • Teacher, City of Lakes Waldorf School
  • Expedition Guide, UnCruise Adventures
  • Biology/Forensic Science Teacher, Island Coast High School
  • Co-Director, Endless Trails
  • Director, 10Fold Communications
  • Assistant Principal, Monterey Adult School
  • Education Director, Eagle Bluff ELC

Minimum Qualifications

  • Able to commit to August 17, 2026 – August 6, 2027.
  • Be 21 years of age by August 17th, 2026.
  • Ability to pass a background check.
  • Ability to live on-site in a dormitory communal setting with up to 11 other Fellowship members.
  • Interested and excited about facilitating positive, outdoor experiences for students of all ages and backgrounds.
  • Shows awareness and respect for cultural diversity; able to work and communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences.
  • Demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with others, adapt to feedback, maintain a positive attitude in dynamic situations, and embrace professional growth and self-reflection.
  • Comfortable in moving water and able to hike long distances. Willing to operate and participate in adventure activities such as high ropes courses, canoeing, rock wall, etc.
  • Current First Aid and CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain before start date) from a nationally recognized provider (AHA, ARC, ASHI, NSC). Must include an instructor-led skill session.
  • Computer, radio, and audio-visual equipment literacy.
  • Consistent attendance and dependability for scheduled responsibilities, including occasional weekend or evening commitments.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • B.A. or B.S. degree or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.
  • Related experience as a naturalist, interpreter, camp counselor, trip leader, or other leadership 
  • Previous experience teaching, facilitating, or working with youth in educational or recreational settings.
  • Experience operating high ropes courses, rock climbing walls, canoeing, and other outdoor recreation activities.
  • Experience in public speaking, public relations, and customer service.

Have questions or want to learn more? Reach out to Brent Burton, Fellowship Manager

brentb@eaglebluffmn.org | 507-467-2705