Current Opportunities

Internships

Please check back in March of 2026 for Summer internship opportunities. 

Save the Boundary Waters team as an intern! Position: Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters Internship
Location: Minneapolis, Duluth or Ely, Minnesota
Dates: We seek out interns every season and semester

Supervised By: Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness staff (According to the intern’s work plan & focus area)

Background: The Campaign to Save The Boundary Waters was organized by local residents in and around Ely, Minnesota who are dedicated to creating a national movement to protect the clean water, clean air and forest landscape of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its watershed from toxic pollution from proposed sulfide-ore copper mining. The Campaign partners with dozens of local and national conservation organizations and businesses and is led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness.

Activities and Tasks: The Campaign is growing rapidly and we strive to be as strategic as possible in all our efforts. Tasks may evolve throughout the duration of the internship based on Campaign needs, and the skills and interests of the intern(s). Intern(s) will work closely with members of the Campaign:

• We are seeking skilled interns to work in areas of Communications, Organizing, Outreach & Events, Fundraising and Administration. Job focus will depend on experience, interest and the needs of the Campaign.
• Assist in drafting documents and content for supporters through email, social media, website and other platforms.
• Educate and activate the public and our supporters around our efforts to protect the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining.
• Assist in organizing logistics and staffing events, like festivals and house gatherings, trainings, presentations, campus and community events, media events and special projects like the State Fair and “adventure advocacy” expeditions.
• Conduct outreach through email, in-person meetings, phone-calling, and preparing mailings to supporters.
• Engage with a number of constituencies: faith leaders, 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 the Campaign.

  Desired Skills or Qualities:

• Leadership experience, strong academic performance, problem-solving ability, excellent written and verbal skills, work-ethic, eagerness to learn, positive attitude.
• College degree, status as 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.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• High level of comfort with computers and a variety of software and applications.
• Experience with social media.

• Dedication to our goals and efforts, willingness to work hard.

  Position Requirements:

• Flexible hours (quarter time to full time internships may be available). Includes some evenings and weekends.

• Training will be provided.

  Benefits:

  • Work on a rapidly-growing, historic national effort to protect the BWCA
  • Work alongside seasoned organizers, add to your own skills and experience
  • Make connections in the conservation community and with decision makers
  • Work stipend may be available
  • If applicable, we will work with you to arrange college credit for the internship.

  Please send a resume and cover letter, including your location and dates of availability for the internship, to info@savetheboundarywaters.org.

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