IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Instructor
Missoula, Montana, USA
open until March 6th or the position is filled
Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring two instructors to mentor and deliver academic content for 12 interns for this summer. The Bitterroot Wildlife Internship (BWI) program is a partnership between Ecology Project International (EPI) and MPG Ranch to offer a unique experience for high school and early college students that combines ecological education, conservation service, and hands-on field research at the MPG Ranch in Florence, Montana from June-August. Each month-long intern session will be comprised of six interns. Interns will be paired with MPG researchers to engage in ongoing research projects and complete their own related research question. Interns and instructors will spend Sunday afternoon-Thursday of each week at the ranch completing conservation service projects (approximately 10hrs/week), conducting ecological research (approximately 16hrs/week), and learning about the Bitterroot Valley’s ecosystem (approximately 6 hrs/week) by day, and by night will camp out under the stars. Conservation projects on the ranch might include weed and fence removal, planting, and seed gathering. Potential research involvement includes avian, soil, plant, ungulate, insect, and carnivore projects. Other activities instructors will provide to interns during this internship include building Leave No Trace awareness, guiding wildlife observation, and journaling prompts.
About Ecology Project International:
EPI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between researchers and high school students. We engage adolescent youth from local communities and visiting youth from other regions in applied conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats. Through EPI’s programs in the U.S. and Latin America, teens are inspired and empowered to engage in conservation efforts at home and worldwide. Since 2005, EPI has offered the Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program, a week long field-based ecology program for Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming students in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In the Missoula area we are increasing our student impacts by offering outreach events, in addition to the Bitterroot Wildlife Internship program.
About MPG Ranch:
With 9,800 acres of conservation property in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, MPG Ranch stewards large, undeveloped landscapes for wildlife habitat and the enjoyment of future generations. MPG conducts research and collaborates with other local organizations and researchers that design and implement outreach and public education events. MPG researchers specialize in restoration and ecology and seek new ways to restore lands affected by invasive weeds, herbicide use, and other management practices that create disturbances. MPG works closely with local conservation groups and researchers to offer educational opportunities to students of all ages. From educational tours of the ranch to teaching college courses in genetics to hiring interns, MPG seeks to inspire and train the next generation of scientists to protect landscapes.
Responsibilities:
• Provide and lead a positive experience for interns in the field.
• Promote and ensure a high quality learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education lessons to a diversity of interns.
• Plan, lead, and instruct courses based on the intern’s expectations and abilities.
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI/MPG policies and protocols.
• Participate in all staff development sessions throughout the season, including staff training, staff meetings, staff retreats, and feedback/evaluation forms.
• Oversee and/or lead research activities in accordance with research protocols.
• Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk management protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with participants, partners, co-instructor, and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
• Conduct all intern activities with rigorous attention to risk management.
• Promptly complete and file required program paperwork.
• Safely drive EPI/MPG vehicles to transport students and gear.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.
Qualifications:
Required:
Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young adults;
Enthusiasm for leading student in semi-remote areas;
Field research experience within the Bitterroot valley or surrounding areas;
Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, natural resource management, or related field;
Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record;
Experience and skill camping and ability to teach the same;
Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications;
Must be physically fit and capable of participating in intense physical labor including, but not limited to: ability to lift 50 pounds, spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, cold, snow, etc.) and hike up to 5 miles a day with a day pack and equipment, ability to conduct repetitive hand and arm motions, and able to maneuver in tight spaces, including bending and kneeling;
Minimum 21 years of age;
Must be willing to work hard and actively participate as part of a team;
Desire to make a difference in the world.
Preferred:
Knowledge and familiarity with the MPG Ranch;
Curriculum development experience;
Leave No Trace trainer or master educator certification;
Master’s degree in related field;
Priority will be given to local, Missoula-area candidates.
Compensation:
• Room and board while in the field with interns Sunday – Thursdays.
• $100/day for field days. Office work will be paid at $12.50/hour).
Dates:
Intern sessions are June 21st-July 16th and July 26th-August 20th. Instructors will work half a day each Friday. Additionally, there will be work days between sessions and after the second session to wrap-up the season. Instructors are required to attend instructor training, which includes three office days the last week of May and two field days the third week of June. Instructors will work approximately 45 days during the season.
To apply visit: Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Instructor Application
