Missoula, Montana

Position Title: 2024 Yellowstone Field Instructor

Organization: Ecology Project International

Location: Missoula, Montana

Organization Overview: EPI is an international non-profit dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and middle/high school students. They engage adolescents from local communities and visiting youth from other regions in applied hands-on science and conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats. EPI’s programs in the U.S. and Latin America inspire the next generation of environmental leaders to engage in conservation efforts at home and around the world.

Position Overview:  Field instructors in the Ecology Project International (EPI) Yellowstone Program work in teams of three to teach five- to nine-day field ecology courses for middle and high school students in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Their programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, engage them in conservation service projects, and raise their cultural and ecological awareness.

During Yellowstone winter and summer courses, students work with research partners (e.g., National Park Service) to collect data for wildlife research projects. Participants in their summer program also engage in a hands-on conservation service project with partners like B Bar Ranch or National Parks Conservation Association. Additionally, there is time dedicated to observing wildlife and experiencing Yellowstone’s unique geology, playing in the snow (winter), and whitewater rafting (summer). Field instructors guide student exploration via relevant ecology and scientific process lessons while practicing responsible relationships to place.

Duties: 

• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field with two co-instructors.
• Plan and deliver quality experiential environmental education lessons to diverse program participants.
• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and positive learning environment among participants and co-workers.
• Oversee and/or lead research activities in accordance with research protocols.
• Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk management protocols.
• Effectively collaborate and communicate with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Give and receive quality feedback with co-workers and supervisor, and integrate feedback into work.
• Drive EPI vehicles and tow a trailer to transport participating students and gear.
• Supervise group cooking and camping chores in a rotation with co-instructors.
• Effectively manage logistics before, during, and after each course.
• Conduct all courses with rigorous attention to risk management.
• Respond to medical emergencies and provide appropriate first aid following EPI’s medical protocols and according to your level of training.
• 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.
• Promptly and accurately complete paperwork associated with each course.
• Keep course gear organized, clean, and in good working order.
• Maintain effective self-care during extended trips and throughout the length of the season.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Experience delivering science and ecology-based curriculum.
• Outdoor leadership experience working with young adults in remote areas.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and demonstrated ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences—including Indigenous youth, low-income youth, and rural and reservation populations
• Field research experience.
• Experience and prior success working well on a small team in a dynamic and changing work environment.
• Experience camping in bear country; ability to teach camping skills to teens who may have little to no camping experience.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications. Applicants without a current WFR certification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
• Experience driving participants in programmatic vehicles in variable road conditions.
• 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.
• Legally able to work in the US.
• English fluency.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2-3 years of prior experience instructing middle to high school students in a formal or informal setting.
• Wildlife biology research experience, especially with species of the Rocky Mountains.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the Rocky Mountains, especially the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
• Experience working in field settings with teenage populations experiencing mental and emotional health challenges (i.e., wilderness therapy)
• Experience with winter activities such as snowshoeing.
• Curriculum development experience.
• Experience towing trailers in work vehicles.

Start/End Dates: January- August 2024

Salary/Pay: $120+ per day starting wage

Application Deadline: October 1

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.