Galapagos Field Instructor

Description: 
Ecology Project International (EPI), a nonprofit organization, is hiring instructors to teach 5 to 12 day field-based science/conservation/environmental educational programs for high school students in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

EPI offers experiential educational programs to students in a variety of outdoor settings. Our mission is to improve and inspire science education and conservation through field based students-scientist partnerships. Our Galapagos program teaches students different concepts including Galapagos ecology, tortoise biology, island geology, conservation and leadership.

Our programs are experiential and involve inquiry-based field science through curricula and hands on participation in a real conservation/research program. We promote a deeper understanding of natural systems and the importance of research and conservation for the long term sustainability of life on Earth. We work both with local Galapagueño and foreign students between 15-19 years old.

During our courses, instructors lead field activities and facilitate the learning experience based on curricula that promotes the use of real, student-collected data to further the understanding of the scientific process and its applications on science, conservation and every-day life.

Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. During the Galapagos Islands Ecology Program, local and international students (from the US and other countries), spend time in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island monitoring biodiversity, collecting data for a Galapagos Tortoise rearing project and eradicating invasive species with the Galapagos National Park. Additionally, international students explore the islands while living aboard a boat in addition to participating in a cultural exchange with a local high school. Instructors may also lead day trips and outreach activities for local Galapagos students in addition to short educational excursions for adults.

Responsibilities: 
• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.
• Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education programs to a diversity of high school students in both English and Spanish. 
• Plan, lead, and instruct courses based on the group’s expectations. 
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI policies and protocols.
• Participate in all EPI staff development sessions throughout the season, including staff training, staff meetings, staff retreats, and complete feedback and evaluation forms. 
• Oversee and/or lead research activities in accordance with local research protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
• Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.
• Help with course logistics while on courses
• Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations. 
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.

Qualifications: 
Required: 
• Desire to make a difference in the world;
• More than one year teaching environmental/conservation education programs and leading outdoor experiences for young adults; 
• Experience leading student groups in remote areas
• Bilingual: Spanish and English fluency; 
• Bachelor’s degree in education, biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field; 
• Field research experience;
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Advanced First Aid & CPR certifications; and a
• Minimum 23 years of age.
• Available to work from March through the end of July 2013

Preferred: 
• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working in remote Galapagos, Ecuador or Latin American settings; 
• Experience with inquiry-based learning programs
• Knowledge and familiarity with the Galapagos Islands;

Compensation: Lodging in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos – Ecuador during field season, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $60-90/day (including season completion bonus).

Dates: The program season is from late February through the end of July 2013. Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session to be held in late February – early March in the Galapagos Islands in addition to staff retreats and a closing event at the end of the season.

Inquiries:
instructorhiring@ecologyproject.org
(406) 721-8784 phone

In an effort to conserve resources we have moved to an online application system. Please follow the link below in order to apply (All applicants must apply on-line). 

Apply Now to Ecology Project International