*Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program*
*Field Instructor*
*Montana, USA*
*Application period closes January 25th 2015*
*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 five to
nine-day field ecology courses for middle school 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 U.S. and international 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. Field instructors
guide 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
www.ecologyproject.org.
*Responsibilities: *
· Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in
the field.
· Promote and ensure a high quality learning/living environment.
· Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental
education lessons to diverse middle and 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
research protocols.
· Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk
management 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.
· Conduct all courses with rigorous attention to risk management.
· Promptly and accurately complete paperwork associated with each
course.
· Drive EPI vehicles including, hauling a trailer, to transport
participating students and gear for up to three hours at a time often
over rough gravel roads.
· Keep course gear organized, clean, and in good working order.
· Mentor EPI Yellowstone interns and assist them in course food
purchasing and camp kitchen management.
· 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, environmental education, or related
field;
Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record;
Experience and skill camping and ability to teach the same;
Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications;
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;
Must be willing to work hard and actively participate as part of a team;
Desire to make a difference in the world;
US citizen;
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;
Leave No Trace trainer or master educator certification;
Curriculum development experience;
Master's degree in related field.
*Compensation: *
· Lodging in Missoula, MT for non-local instructors.
· Room and board while on-course.
· $75 per day starting wage (increased to $80 after 35 field days,
instructors will work approximately 40-50 days per season).
· Instructors chosen as course leaders will make an additional $10
a day.
· Ten days of professional development and training at the start of
the season.
*Dates:*
The program season runs from late May to the end of August 2015.
Instructors must participate in a required unpaid training session held in
late May and a paid season close at the end of August.
*To apply visit: **Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program Instructor*
<https://ecologyproject.submittable.com/submit/18474>
*Questions about this position and/or the application process can be made
to:*
*Yellowstone Instructor Hiring*
Attn. Lisa Macki
l...@ecologyproject.org <instructorhir...@ecologyproject.org>
(406) 721-8784
