*Field Instructors– Environmental Education*
*(Yellowstone, Costa Rica, Galapagos)*
*Job Announcement*
*Positions are open until filled; applications will be reviewed when
received.*
*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 hands-on science and conservation as
they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats.
Through EPI’s programs in five countries throughout the U.S. and Latin
America, teens are inspired and empowered to engage in conservation efforts
at home and worldwide to become the next generation of conservation leaders.
More information can be found at www.ecologyproject.org
*Job Summary:* Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to
teach and lead 4 to 12 day field environmental education and ecology
courses in different countries. Instructors are responsible to plan, lead,
and instruct quality experiential education programs to a diversity of
multinational high school students. Instructors are responsible for the
overall course leadership, education, and the physical and emotional safety
of EPI participants.
Instructors lead field activities and facilitate the learning experience
based on EPI curricula that promotes knowledge of science, introduce
students to real-world scientific study, raises cultural and ecological
awareness, promotes international conservation efforts, and develops the
skills necessary to become an active leader in conservation efforts
worldwide. In nature the students have opportunities to learn about ongoing
research projects and explore multiple sites to learn about ecology and
biodiversity.
*General Responsibilities: *
· Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in
the field
· Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment
· Conduct all courses with rigorous attention to risk management
· Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental
education programs to a diversity of high school students blending EPI’s
and the group’s expectations
· Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course
· Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers,
chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff
· Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and
meet their developmental needs
· Show and maintain a positive attitude
· Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI policies and protocols
· Oversee and/or lead research activities in accordance with local
research protocols
· Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk
management protocols
· Keep course gear organized, clean, and in good working order
· Participate in all EPI staff development sessions throughout the
season, including staff training, staff meetings,
staff retreats, and evaluation/feedback process
· Mentor EPI interns to develop their skills and achieve outlined
expectations
· Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course
· Help photo-documenting the experience of EPI participants
· Write two local student experience for promotional materials at
the end of the season
· Other duties as assigned
*Additional responsibilities for Yellowstone Program:*
· Drive EPI vehicles including hauling a trailer to transport
participating students and gear
· Mentor EPI Yellowstone field interns and assist them in food
purchasing and meal preparation management
*Programs:* Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study,
raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international
conservation efforts. EPI offers field-based science/conservation
educational programs for high school and university students. Our programs
are experiential, involving inquiry-based field science through curricula
and hands on participation in real conservation/research projects. We
promote a deeper understanding of natural systems and the importance of
research and conservation for the long term sustainability of life on
planet Earth.
*Schedule and Location:* The program season is different at each location.
Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session before
the season start, staff retreats, and a season closing event.
*Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program:* Season runs from mid-February
through end of July
*Galapagos Islands Ecology Program:* Season runs from mid-February through
end of July
*Yellowstone Winter and Wildlife Ecology Programs*: Season runs from
mid-January through August
*General Qualifications for all EPI Instructors: *
*Required:*
- Desire to make a difference in the world by developing conservation
leaders through our program
- Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young
adults
- Enthusiasm for leading student groups in remote areas
- Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related
field
- Field research experience
- Experience teaching environmental / conservation education
- Familiarity with conservation and ecology of program area
- Must be willing to work hard and actively participate as part of small
team of instructors
- Wilderness First Responder or Advanced First Aid & CPR certifications
(individuals not certified at time of application must be willing to
complete this certification before staff training)
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Physically and mentally capable to lead courses up to 12 days in
length, including but not limited to: long hours exposed to all weather
conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, sun, insects, etc.), ability to lift 50
lbs, hike up to 5 miles a day with a day pack and equipment, conduct
repetitive hand and arm motions, and able to maneuver in tight spaces,
including bending and kneeling
- Able to successfully pass a criminal background check
*Preferred:*
- Master’s degree in related field
- Experience living and working in a remote environment for extended
periods of time
- Experience teaching science inquiry based learning programs
- More than one year teaching environmental education and leading
outdoor experiences for groups of young adults
*Compensation: *Lodging provided during field season, room and board while
on course, work related in-country travel, and $65-$121/day depending on
experience, leadership role, and first aid certification. New instructors
will have the opportunity to submit documentation of prior work experience
in similar field for consideration.
*Specific Program Descriptions and Additional Qualifications:*
*Costa** Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program:* We work with local Costa Ricans
and foreign students primarily between 15-19 years old. The Costa Rica
program has an emphasis on sea turtle and tropical rainforest ecology.
During the turtle portion of the program our students visit a turtle
station on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica where leatherback (*Dermochelys
coriacea*), green (*Chelonia mydas*) and hawksbill (*Eretmochelys
imbricata) *marine turtles nest*.* At these sites students develop research
projects and participate in night patrols, nest excavations, habitat
restoration activities, and hikes in the forest.
For visiting foreign students the program’s itinerary also includes a
cultural exchange in the local community. Students will visit a local high
school and spend time with Costa Rican students, or visit a rural community
to play a soccer game. There is also an adventure trip, such as a
white-water rafting or a zip-line canopy trip.
In addition to the typical program courses, instructors will visit local
schools to run short activities with students, promote outreach activities
for local participants, and may lead short educational trips for adults or
businesses.
*Costa Rica program instructor specific qualifications:*
*Required:*
· Meet or exceed all general EPI instructor qualifications
· Spanish and English language fluency
*Preferred:*
· Knowledge and familiarity with Costa Rica, especially the
Caribbean slope
· International travel experience, especially in Latin America
· Research experience in Sea Turtle and /or rainforest ecology
· Whitewater rafting or Forest canopy experience
Specific questions for the Costa Rica Program can be directed to Eylen
Zuniga A. ey...@ecologyproject.org
*Galapagos** Islands Ecology Program:* We work with local Galapagueños and
foreign students primarily between 15-19 years old. Galápagos programs have
an emphasis on The Giant Tortoise (*Chelonoides nigrita)* and the Galápagos
archipelago ecosystem. During the Giant Tortoise research, students visit
the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to look for tortoises in the wild and
collect important data that the Galápagos National Park (GNP) needs in
order to estimate population numbers and trends. Analyzing dung´s samples
and looking for eaten seeds are other activities that will help students
understand the ecological role of this species. Participants will be part
of control and reforestation activities on fragile areas of the island.
Another portion of the program for visiting students takes place on Isabela
Island where they will explore natural and cultural features, and
understand its ecology, and learn more about other species of Giant
Tortoises. Most of the research activities are developed with the support
of the GNP rangers and Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) scientists.
For visiting foreign students the program’s itinerary includes a cultural
exchange in Puerto Ayora town lead by “Mola Mola” Local Ecology Club
members.
In addition to the typical program courses, instructors will visit local
schools to run short activities with students, promote outreach activities
for local participants, and may lead short educational trips for adults or
businesses.
*Galapagos program instructor specific qualifications:*
*Required:*
· Meet or exceed all general EPI instructor qualifications
· Spanish and English language fluency
*Preferred:*
· Knowledge and familiarity with Galapagos Island ecology and
conservation
· International travel experience, especially in Latin America
· Research experience with reptiles
· Ability to perform and supervise swimming and snorkeling
activities
· Bachelor’s degree in ecotourism
Specific questions for the Galapagos program can be directed to Juan
Sebastian Torres. j...@ecologyproject.org
*Yellowstone** Winter and Wildlife Ecology Program*: During Yellowstone
winter and summer courses, middle and high school students work with
research partners (e.g. National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, and U.S. Forest Service) to collect data for wildlife research
projects. Participants in our summer program also engage in a hands-on
conservation service project with partners like the National Park Service
or National Parks Conservation Association. Additionally, there is time
dedicated to exploring Yellowstone National Park, playing in the snow
(winter), and whitewater rafting (summer). Field instructors guide student
exploration via relevant ecology and science lessons while engaging them in
the practice of Leave No Trace and taking advantage of teachable moments.
Instructors will work approximately 80 field days over the course of both
seasons.
*Yellowstone program instructor specific qualifications:*
*Required:*
· Meet or exceed all general EPI instructor qualifications
· Experience and skill camping, ability to teach LNT camping skills
· Experience leading outdoor winter activities, such as snowshoeing
· Legally able to work in US
· Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications
· Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record
· Fluent English language skills
*Preferred:*
· Knowledge and familiarity with ecology and conservation in the
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
· Master’s degree in environmental education
· Wildlife biology research experience, especially with species of
the Rocky Mountains
· Experience and willingness to mentor interns in experiential
education and group management techniques
· Leave No Trace Trainer or Master Educator Certification
· Educational curriculum development experience
Specific questions for the Yellowstone program can be directed to Lisa
Macki, l...@ecologyproject.org or (406) 721-8784
*To apply for any of these programs: *Visit
*http://www.ecologyproject.org/about/jobs/*
<http://www.ecologyproject.org/about/jobs/>*) *and follow the directions to
complete the online application process. All applicants must apply on-line.
