Graduate Naturalist Training Program at Wolf Ridge ELC
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center (Private) | https://wolf-ridge.org/
Details
Application Deadline:
06/29/2026
Published:
11/10/2025
Starting Date:
after 8/23/2026
Ending Date:
after 6/5/2027
Hours per Week:
20 - 40
Salary:
none
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
none
Location:
6282 Cranberry Road (Finland, Minnesota)
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Description
Program Overview
Wolf Ridge offers work experience combined with regular evaluation and graduate level coursework in collaboration with Antioch University New England - designed to help you grow as an experiential educator and naturalist. Wolf Ridge alumni continue to teach and lead the field of environmental education all over the world in formal classrooms, at state and national parks, in nature centers, zoos, museums, organic farms, and as artists and adventurers.
This is a 10-month program from late August to Mid June that culminates in a graduate-level Certificate in Environmental Education and Sustainability, with 12 transferable graduate credits. The total cost for the program is $250 per credit and includes a private room in our sustainable staff housing and meals in our dining hall. Work study opportunities are available to offset the out of pocket price.
Graduate naturalists teach an average of 6 half-day classes a week, attend graduate seminars, live and learn in our sustainable staff housing, and explore our 2,000 acre campus while learning how to be better educators, live in community, and co-teach with the natural world.
Teach at Wolf Ridge
Teaching youth through hands-on, experiential education in the outdoors is a big part of what you will do at Wolf Ridge. Teaching serves as a practicum experience for you to practice your skills and get feedback from experienced naturalists. The teaching assistantship also allows you to earn graduate credit to put towards a master’s degree at a significant discount.
You will teach from a diverse array of content and participate in training for key competencies. Teaching includes exploring our 2,000 acre campus with students during 3-hour long classes, giving evening program presentations to 200+ students, doing virtual field trips, and acting as a liaison to visiting schools to make sure they feel welcome on campus. You will work daily with participants of all ages, social backgrounds, physical and mental abilities, and personal interests. You will learn how to foster nature connection through outdoor, hands-on, experiential learning in all weather conditions.
Minimum Qualifications & Skills
- B.A. or B.S. degree (required to receive graduate credit)
- Ability to live on-site in shared staff housing (private room)
- Current CPR and First Aid certification
- Enthusiasm for working with Children
- Growth mindset and adaptability
- Community oriented
Physical Conditions
- Must be able to travel under their power, for hours at a time, through the terrain of the entire Wolf Ridge property, including on and off trail.
- Most teaching time is spent outdoors in all conditions possible in northeastern MN, at all times of the year (below freezing temperatures, snow/ice, rain, heat, humidity, bugs).
- Frequent traversing of 3+ miles on uneven terrain and up/down hills.
- Frequent communication over email, phone, and in-person.
- Facilitation of indoor rock climbing walls and outdoor high ropes course in all conditions utilizing harnesses and belay systems.
- Movement and use of limbs including but not limited to typing, hauling, bending, pushing, and pulling
- Frequent interaction with non-living and living creatures.
Benefits
- Scholarships through Wolf Ridge and Antioch University New England to reduce the cost of tuition
- Private room in sustainable staff housing with kitchen, laundry, and shared living spaces.
- Meals in the dining hall when schools are on campus and pantry items provided for the staff house.
- Access to education resources including an on campus library and research room.
- Access to recreational equipment like canoes, camping gear, snowshoes, and cross country skis.
- Professional purchase discounts.
Contact
Emily Pavlisich
naturalistprogram@wolf-ridge.org (preferred contact method)