Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program
Field Intern
Montana, USA
Application period closes January 25th, 2015
About Ecology Project International:
EPI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts 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.
Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring field interns to assist with five to nine-day field ecology courses for middle 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 diverse U.S. 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. EPI guides 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.
Field interns guide students in the preparation of all meals in the field, maintain EPI field equipment, transport students, lead students in leadership activities/games, and support field instructors in conducting all courses. As the season progresses, interns will be called upon to provide relevant ecology and science lessons to students.
Responsibilities:
- Supervise group cooking and camping chores.
- Actively participate in all EPI field courses and assume a leadership role on course.
- Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.
- Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI policies and protocols.
- Serve as a mentor for students.
- Support field instructors before, during, and after the field courses.
- Support field research data collection.
- Keep course gear organized, clean, and in good working order.
- Drive EPI vehicles, including hauling a trailer, to transport participating students and gear, often over rough, unpaved roads.
- Maintain clear & consistent communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
- Assist in the preparation and closure of each course, including completing paperwork, managing gear, and purchasing course food.
- Assist in managing logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
- Show and maintain a positive attitude.
Qualifications:
Required:
Some teaching or mentoring experience, preferably with high school age students;
Enthusiasm for working with student groups in remote areas;
Experience camping and living in outdoors, especially preparing group meals on camp stoves;
Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record;
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;
Minimum 21 years of age.
Preferred:
Knowledge of the Rocky Mountains/Intermountain West, especially the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem;
Field research experience;
Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications;
Undergraduate coursework or bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science/studies, or related field.
Schedule:
This is a 14 week position from early June to the end of August. Field interns must participate in a required, unpaid training session held at the end of May in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Yellowstone Ecology Program field interns work primarily in the field during the program season assisting with EPI field courses.
Compensation:
- Lodging in Missoula, MT for non-local interns.
- Room and board while on-course.
- Stipend of $150 per week worked.
- Ten days of professional development and training at the start of the season.
To apply visit: Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program Intern
Questions about this position and/or application can be made to:
Yellowstone Intern Hiring
Attn. Lisa Macki
lisa@ecologyproject.org
(406) 721-8784
