Current Opportunities

Internships

Join the Save the Boundary Waters team as an intern this summer! 

Position: Outreach Intern

Location: Ely, Minnesota– housing is available through the local college at no cost to the intern from May-August.

Dates: May-August, with the possibility to extend through October. Dates are flexible based on availability.

Supervised By: Gillian Fitzgerald, Northern Regional Organizer

Pay: $17/hr, 30-40 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, organizing volunteers, 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 and outfitter presentations, pontoon tours, tabling events, and more.
• 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 and update data entries of grassroots actions, such as list sign-ons and donors.

• 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 environment.
• 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 from May-August. If extended through October, the employee is expected to secure their own housing.
• 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.

To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and three references (name, email, phone, and relationship to them i.e professor, supervisor, etc.) to Gillian Fitzgerald via email at gillian@savetheboundarywaters.org to apply. 

Applications will be accepted until February 15th, 2026. 

We invite anyone interested to let us know you'd like to be considered for our board! Please fill out this brief form to indicate your interest in being considered for the NMW board. This form is open at any time, and we further consider new board applicants as board roles become available on a limited basis. You may also reach out to Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director, at Ingrid@savetheboundarywaters.org