Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that everyone belongs. We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in the outdoors. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of paddling together, nurturing inclusion, seeking the exceptional, and finding a way.  

Position Summary & Dimensions

Summary

The Wilderness Inquiry Fellowship is a career pathways program designed to introduce participants to the world of outdoor recreation and nonprofit work. The Fellowship provides hands-on comprehensive training in outdoor skills. Fellows will participate in outdoor trip leadership, community programming, and career-building activities. 

The Wilderness Inquiry Fellowship Program is focused on hiring individuals with identities underrepresented in outdoor professions such as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and individuals with disabilities. Fellowship applicants do not need to have relevant experience or be enrolled in a secondary education program to apply.

Dimensions

Working Title: Outdoor Leader Fellow
Position Classification: Intern
Employment Conditions: Full-time Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Department/Section: Programs and Adventures
Classification Starting Range: $19/hr ($182/day for multi-day trips)
Reports To: Sr Manager of Extended & Career Pathways
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Environment: In-person reporting to the Wilderness Inquiry office in Bloomington; additional days spent on trail in remote locations and settings possible

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: On-Trail (80% FTE)

1. Develop outdoor and wilderness skills through training and hands-on experience.
2. Fellows will spend a large portion of the summer working as a team alongside Outdoor Leaders on single and multi-day canoeing, camping, and hiking trips.
3. Fellows will provide wilderness travel experiences for participants from a wide diversity of backgrounds, abilities, and identities. 
4. Represent Wilderness Inquiry’s mission to create inclusive outdoor spaces.

Responsibility 2: In-Office Professional Development (20% FTE)

1. Engage in career-building opportunities, including workshops, mentorship, and networking with industry professionals. 
2. Gain experience in how to navigate in a professional setting
3. Collaborate with Wilderness Inquiry staff in an office setting to learn the operations and logistics of a non-profit organization.
4. Participate within a cohort of fellows to foster teamwork, personal growth, and a connection to nature for participants of all abilities and backgrounds.

Responsibility 3: Embrace Values, Community Agreements and Other Roles/Responsibilities as Assigned.

Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that centers Wilderness Inquiry values and supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees, adhering to our Workplace Community Agreements.

Please note: These are not intended to encompass all roles and responsibilities of this position; other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.

Competencies Gained:

• Leadership and facilitation of outdoor experiential activities
• Engage in career-building opportunities, including workshops, mentorship, and networking with industry professionals
• Strategies for addressing barriers to inclusivity in outdoor programming
• Improve customer service abilities by engaging with participants from diverse backgrounds and ensuring positive experiences.
• Practical experience in the outdoor industry and career pathways learning within Wilderness Inquiry

Program Schedule & Details:

Program Timeline: May 16th- August 8th, 2025

• May 16th: Onboarding/Fellow-specific training in Bloomington, MN
• May 20th- 23rd: Participate in all-staff Wilderness Inquiry overview training in Saint Paul, MN
• May 27th – 30th: Participate in Wilderness Inquiry field training at our Little Sand Bay Basecamp in the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin (transportation provided)
• June 3rd – August 16th: Varied work and activities in balance of time-on and time-off 
• August 16th and onward: Fellows may have an opportunity to graduate into a career pathways position and continue working seasonally for Wilderness Inquiry  

 

Qualities we are looking for in this position:

• Curiosity about exploring the outdoors recreationally and/or an interest in, education, or other outdoor related fields of work or study
• Adventurous and enjoy trying new things
• Desire to work with individuals with backgrounds, ages, identities and abilities different from your own including people with disabilities
• Applicants who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and individuals with disabilities
• Young adults looking to explore career opportunities
• Accurately and professionally represent the Wilderness Inquiry brand to program partners, participants, media, and the public

Minimum Requirements

• Ability to work as a team and conduct themselves in a way that contributes to a positive working environment with peers
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be legally allowed to work in the United States
• Must pass a basic background check (this is because you will work with minors/ vulnerable populations- you will only need to participate in this if an offer is made)
• Ensure program compliance with Wilderness Inquiry policies and risk management procedures

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear, and use hands to handle or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally be able to lift and carry heavy loads up to 50lbs over rough terrain for distances of up to 1,000 feet. On occasion the employee must be able to make loud verbal commands, sit and stand for significant periods of time while also directing vessels such as a canoe, use vision to directionally navigate safely, and endure a variety of temperatures and elements. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to see while using a standard computer screen, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The above statements reflect the primary duties and functions of the position and are not intended to describe all of the work requirements that may be inherent in the role.

Non-discrimination Policy:

Wilderness Inquiry prohibits discrimination against any participant, applicant, volunteer, intern, or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, marital or military status, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other protected class under law. Applicants who may not meet all of the desired skills are encouraged to apply. Training may be available for some job functions.

Application Process:

• Applicants must submit the following application materials:
  • Complete an application form online
  • Include a resume 
  • Include a cover letter that touches on the following:
    • In three paragraphs or less, tell us about yourself, your interests, and why you want to join the Wilderness Inquiry Fellowship Program.
    • In three paragraphs or less. What are your career aspirations after the Fellowship Program? How do you see the Internship program supporting you in your goals?