Seasonal Positions
Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program
Field Instructor
Montana, USA
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to teach five to nine-day field ecology courses for middle school and high school students in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, engage them in conservation service projects, and raise their cultural and ecological awareness. Each summer, EPI offers residential ecology courses to U.S. and international middle and high school student groups from June through August in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
During Yellowstone courses, students work with research partners (e.g. National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service) to collect data for wildlife research projects. Students also engage in a hands-on conservation service project with partners like The Nature Conservancy or National Parks Conservation Association. Field instructors guide student exploration via relevant ecology and science lessons along the way and lead students in Leave No Trace techniques as they camp under the stars. Additionally, there is time dedicated to exploring Yellowstone National Park and whitewater rafting. For more information please visit http://www.ecologyproject.org.
Responsibilities:
• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.
• Promote and ensure a high quality learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education lessons to diverse middle and high school students.
• 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 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 teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
• Conduct all courses with rigorous attention to risk management.
• Promptly and accurately complete paperwork associated with each course.
• Drive EPI vehicles including, hauling a trailer, to transport participating students and gear for up to three hours at a time often over rough gravel roads.
• Keep course gear organized, clean, and in good working order.
• Mentor EPI Yellowstone interns and assist them in course food purchasing and camp kitchen management.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.
Qualifications:
Required:
Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young adults;
Enthusiasm for leading student groups in remote areas;
Field research experience;
Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field;
Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record;
Experience and skill camping and ability to teach the same;
Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications;
Minimum 21 years of age;
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;
Must be willing to work hard and actively participate as part of a team;
Desire to make a difference in the world;
US citizen;
English fluency.
Preferred:
Wildlife biology research experience, especially with species of the Rocky Mountains;
Knowledge and familiarity with the Rocky Mountains, especially the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem;
Leave No Trace trainer or master educator certification;
Curriculum development experience;
Master’s degree in related field.
Compensation:
• Lodging in Missoula, MT for non-local instructors.
• Room and board while on-course.
• $75 per day starting wage (increased to $80 after 35 field days, instructors will work approximately 40-50 days per season).
• Instructors chosen as course leaders will make an additional $10 a day.
• Ten days of professional development and training at the start of the season.
Dates:
The program season runs from late May to the end of August 2015. Instructors must participate in a required unpaid training session held in late May and a paid season close at the end of August.
To apply visit: Yellowstone Instructor Application
Questions about this position and/or the application process can be made to:
Yellowstone Instructor Hiring
Attn. Lisa Macki
lisa@ecologyproject.org
(406) 721-8784
