*Mexico Field Instructor * *ECOLOGY PROJECT INTERNATIONAL*
*Application period closes July 15th, 2014* *DESCRIPTION:* Ecology Project International (EPI), a nonprofit organization, is hiring instructors to teach outdoor environmental/conservation education in Baja California Sur, Mexico. 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. Mexico program teach students based on science inquiry different concepts of: invertebrates biology, cetacean biology, sea turtles biology, sustainability development, conservation and leadership. EPI offers a field-based science/conservation educational program for high school and junior university students. Our programs are experiential, 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 in Earth. We work both with local Mexicans and foreign students, ages between 15-19 years old. Our Mexico program has an emphasis on Island Ecology, Whales and urban based outreach activities. The Island Ecology Program consists in camping in a remote island of the Sea of Cortes, while collecting invertebrate data. In the Whale Ecology Program students participate actively in the whale research while navigating in a boat the area between Loreto and Cabo Pulmo. Field programs are 4 to 9 days in length. The outreach programs consist in workshops and other educational events, which include working with students, kids and adults in our Campus, local schools or communitarian events. Instructors lead field activities and facilitate the learning experience based on EPI 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. Instructors may also lead short educational trips for adults or companies and promote outreach activities for local students. For more detailed information on our courses and organization, please visit our website: www.ecologyproject.org <https://epimail.ecologyproject.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ecologyproject.org/> and www.epimexico.blogspot.com *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 science/conservation education programs to a diverse group 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 with accordance to local research protocols. · Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff. · Effectively manage logistical challenges during emergencies on course. · Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course. · Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations. · Help with course logistics while on courses · Write one local student experience for Mexico newsletter at the end of the season · Show and maintain a positive attitude. *QUALIFICATIONS:* *Required:* ÿ Desire to make a difference in the world; ÿ More than one year teaching environmental/conservation education and leading outdoor experiences for young adults; ÿ Experience leading groups and trips in remote areas; ÿ Bilingual, might be Spanish and English fluent (needs to teach in both languages); ÿ In physical and mental condition to lead courses up to 12 days/24 hours a day with a co-instructor; ÿ Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field; ÿ Field research experience; ÿ Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications; individuals not certified at time of application must be willing to complete this certification before staff training. ÿ Minimum 21 years of age. *Preferred:* - Master’s degree in related field; - Experience on inquiry-based learning programs; - Experience living or studying in Mexico or Latin American settings; - Experience in swimming, snorkel, and boats. *DATES:* The complete program season is from October 2014 through May 2015, with a break in December and January. Partial program season is from mid-January to May 2015. Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session to be held in late September – early October in La Paz, B.C.S., two days of staff retreat, two times during the season, for program evaluation and closing event at the end of the season. *To apply visit *https://ecologyproject.submittable.com/submit *and follow the directions to complete the on-line application process. All applicants must apply on-line.*
