Position: Outreach Intern
Location: Ely, Minnesota– housing is available through the local college at no cost to the intern
Dates: June-August. No earlier than June 9th; dates flexible based on availability
Supervised By: Gillian Fitzgerald, Ely Community Organizer
Pay: $16/hr, 30 hours per week
** This position is contract employment, and not eligible for benefits. You will be paid at the end of each month, and issued a Form 1099-NEC for tax purposes at the end of your employment **
Background:
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), the largest Wilderness area east of the Rockies and north of the Everglades, is America’s most-visited Wilderness, uniquely accessible and beloved for recreation. It is the sixth most critical region in the lower 48 to protect for climate resiliency. A major threat looms: proposed copper mining in the headwaters, where pollution would flow downstream into and through the heart of the Wilderness, with cascading effects across the ecosystem.
Save the Boundary Waters, founded and led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness based in Ely MN, is a national coalition of 400+ businesses, conservation, and hunting & angling organizations, camps and access programs united to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park from the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining proposed in the headwaters of these treasures.
Activities and Tasks:
This position’s focus is helping with organizing events, presentations, and other outreach opportunities in the Ely area.
- Educate and activate the public and our supporters around our efforts to protect the BWCA from sulfide-ore copper mining.
- Assist in organizing logistics and staffing events like the Ely 4th of July Parade, Garden Party, camp presentations (YMCA, Outward Bound, etc.), political events around the region, and “adventure advocacy” expeditions.
- Engage with a number of constituencies: local officials, students, businesses and the public at large. Brainstorm and develop new creative ideas to reach new supporters.
- Record, update and track results of grassroots actions, like petition-signers and donors into our databases.
- Attend meetings and present/update others on the efforts of our work.
Desired Skills or Qualities:
- Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced and changing
- Leadership experience, problem-solving abilities, excellent written and verbal skills, strong work-ethic, eagerness to learn, positive attitude.
- College degree or status as an enrolled student, or relevant experience in environmental issues, community organizing, or outdoor recreation.
- A general understanding of sulfide-ore copper mining and its impacts.
- A commitment to sustainable and healthy wilderness edge communities and
outdoor tourism economy in Minnesota. - Ability to work independently and interact positively with board members, staff,
volunteers, partners, media, decision-makers and the public. - High level of comfort with computers and a variety of applications, including Canva and Google Suite.
- Experience with social media.
Position Requirements:
Flexible hours; some evenings and weekends included. On-the-clock training will be provided.
Other Benefits and Perks:
- Housing provided at no cost through Minnesota North-Vermillion Campus if needed.
- If applicable, we will work with you to arrange college credit for the internship.
- Live in a Wilderness edge community with plenty of opportunity to experience the BWCA.
- Work on a rapidly-growing, historic national effort to protect the BWCA.
- Work alongside and receive mentorship from industry trailblazers and professionals.
- Make connections in the conservation community and with local decision makers.
- Live in a walkable community with free/low-cost events on a daily basis.
Email resume, cover letter, and three references to Gillian@savetheboundarywaters.org to apply.