Job Title:          Youth Program Naturalist

Reports to:       Field Trips Manager

Classification: Non-exempt; full-time (32-36 hrs./week), seasonal (June 1st – August 14th, 2026)

Locations:        Camp Fire Minnesota + partner sites

Who we are

With nature as our catalyst, Camp Fire Minnesota energizes youth to discover their spark so their futures glow brighter. Youth spend 90% of their time indoors – and that was before COVID-19. Camp Fire Minnesota addresses this challenge by delivering culturally relevant, nature-based programs onsite at our camp property in Excelsior and throughout the community to thousands of youth from all backgrounds each year. We help youth “light their spark within” through summer and school break camps, environmental education & STEM classes for schools (in-person and virtual), and community-based out-of-school time nature programs.

We are proud to offer inclusive and welcoming programs to youth in the community, including free and reduced rate programs and a scholarship program. As a result of their Camp Fire experience, 93% of youth report valuing nature and stewarding the environment. 

Where we are headed 
Camp Fire Minnesota envisions a future where every youth has access to nature-based experiences and learning. Recognizing the inequity in our field (both in the past and today), our 2024 - 2026 Strategic Plan outlines the steps and partnerships necessary to continue our work. The following two years, we are committed to actively listening and engaging with young people and our community to eliminate barriers to new experiences in nature while sharing our history, values, and vision for the future.

Statement of Inclusion

Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships. All are welcome at Camp Fire.

Position Overview

Youth Program Naturalists help catalyze growth through nature. Through our programs, youth are engaged in hands-on, experiential learning in environmental education, STEM and team building. We offer virtual and in-person PreK-12 field trips at Camp Fire Minnesota, environmental education mobile programs, school-break camps (MEA, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, etc.), and after school programs. This Youth Program Naturalist serves on a team that teaches Camp Fire Minnesota’s Environmental Education field trips & mobile programs throughout the summer.  They facilitate hands-on, experiential learning in environmental education, outdoor living skills, and STEM, and support students in cultivating relationships while exploring the outdoors.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion
• A minimum of one year of previous experience in youth work, environmental education or related fields required
• Experience and comfort creating an inclusive program with youth and adults of diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge in environmental education and a passion for sharing that with youth
• Possess a drive for continuous improvement
• Collaborative and willing to help where needed to ensure program and organization success
• Professional, energetic, and engaging with youth, teachers, parents, co-workers, etc.
• Solution-oriented: takes confident and quick action to understand the situation fully, seek answers and resolve the situation promptly with limited direction
• Strong ability to communicate with others in person and remotely  
• Ability to be on your feet for a long period of time and lift up to 30 lbs. Ability to walk, sit, stand, bend, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move continually during working hours
• Able to work both indoors and outdoors year-round in all type of weather
• First Aid and CPR, ARC Lifeguard certifications or experience is a plus, but not required

Primary Responsibilities

Program Execution:

• Facilitate nature-based programs Monday – Friday at Camp Fire Minnesota and community partner site throughout the Twin Cities
• Build relationships with groups of students rooted in support, trust, and trauma-informed care
• Support the preparation of all necessary program materials weekly
• Trainings for Camp-based programs include the option to participate in program area certifications such as ABEE Level 1 (high ropes & rock wall training), American Red Cross Lifeguarding, and more

Program Development & Quality

• Engage in weekly team meetings and program debriefs
• Engage in training on environmental education, youth development, risk management, trauma informed care, program facilitation, restorative practices, etc.
• Administer surveys to participants and incorporate youth voice and feedback into future programs
• Opportunities to develop environmental education curriculum

Qualifications & Availability

• Available to work during regular business hours Monday – Friday with occasional programming taking place in the early evenings
• Reliable means of transportation to travel to Camp Fire Minnesota and community partner sites

Pay and Benefits

Starting pay is $18 per hour.

Application Instructions

Please submit resume, cover letter and three professional references

Camp Fire Minnesota is strongly committed to addressing environmental justice.  

We encourage candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, LGBTQIA2S individuals, and unemployed persons to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Camp Fire we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and someone who is committed to our mission and values. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.