Yellowstone Wildlife Field Ecology Instructor
Montana, USA
Application period closes February 1, 2013
About Ecology Project International:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is a non-profit education and conservation organization that offers experiential educational programs to students in a variety of outdoor settings. Students work alongside professional scientists on applied research projects and participate in multi-activity outdoor adventures (camping, whitewater rafting, etc.) in National Parks, forests and nature reserves throughout the western hemisphere.
Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to teach 5 to 9 day field ecology courses for high school students in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. Each summer, EPI offers residential ecology courses to U.S. and international high school student groups from June through August in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
During Yellowstone courses, students work with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to collect data for wildlife research projects. Students also engage in a hands-on conservation service project with The Nature Conservancy. Field instructors provide relevant ecology and science lessons along the way and lead the 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 safe learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education lessons to a diversity of 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 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.
• Mentor EPI Yellowstone interns.
• 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, the natural sciences, or related field;
Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record;
Experience and skill camping and ability to teach the same;
Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications;
Minimum 21 years of age;
Desire to make a difference in the world;
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;
Master’s degree in related field.
Compensation:
• Lodging in Missoula, MT.
• Room and board while on-course.
• Work related travel expenses.
• $60 – 80/day (approximately 40 days per season).
Dates:
The program season is from early June to the end of August 2012. Instructors must participate in a required unpaid training session held in early June in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
To apply complete the online application at Yellowstone Instructor Application.
Questions about this position and/or application can be made to:
Yellowstone Instructor Hiring
Attn. Lisa Macki
instructorhiring@ecologyproject.org
(406) 721-8784
