Yellowstone Field Instructor Summer 2025

Ecology Project International is hiring Field Instructors for the Yellowstone Program Summer 2025 in Missoula, MT. Instructors will teach field ecology courses to middle and high school students, focusing on conservation and ecological awareness. Responsibilities include leading experiential lessons, managing logistics, and ensuring safety during activities. Ideal candidates should have expertise in environmental education and outdoor leadership. The position requires on-site presence, thus it is not remote.
Salary: Hourly Wage: $10.55, Overtime Wage: $15.83 (estimated $160-$193 per field day, $85 per office day)

Hiring for multiple positions. Applications will be reviewed and interviews granted on a rolling basis.

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 youth and teachers from around the world in applied hands-on science and conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats. Through EPIs programs in five countries throughout the U.S. and Latin America, participants 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:
Field instructors in the Ecology Project International (EPI) Yellowstone Program teach five- to nine-day field ecology courses for middle and high school students in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, focusing on scientific study, conservation service projects, and ecological awareness. Students collaborate with research partners like the National Park Service on wildlife research, participate in conservation projects with local partners, and experience wildlife, geology, and whitewater rafting. Ideal candidates will have expertise in environmental education, outdoor leadership, and the region's ecology, while fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity in a safe and supportive learning environment.

Key responsibilities and duties:
• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field with one to 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, vendors, research partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI office staff.
• Give and receive quality feedback with co-workers and supervisor and integrate feedback into work.
• Drive EPI vehicles (between Missoula and Gardiner at the start and end of courses, then 2-4 hours per day on course) and tow a trailer to transport participating students and gear.
• Supervise group cooking and camping chores in a rotation with co-instructors, in a front country camp setting.
• 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 EPIs 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 sessions.
• 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.

Required qualifications and skills:

Education
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or higher, and CPR certifications.

Experience
• Experience delivering science and ecology-based curriculum.
• Overnight outdoor leadership experience working with young adults in remote areas.
• 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.
• 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 daypack and equipment, ability to conduct repetitive hand and arm motions, and able to maneuver in tight spaces including bending and kneeling.
• Valid drivers license with an insurable driving record.
• Experience driving participants in programmatic vehicles in variable road conditions.

Skills
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and demonstrated ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiencesincluding Indigenous youth, low-income youth, and rural and reservation populations.

Languages
• English fluency.

Other
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment
• Commitment to EPIs Mission and values
• Legally be able to work in the U.S.
• Minimum 21 years of age.

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

Competencies:
• Adaptability: Ability to remain flexible and adjust plans and approaches as needed in response to changing conditions, unexpected challenges, and diverse participant needs.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Skilled in guiding, inspiring, and supporting youth, fostering both personal and professional growth through effective mentorship and inclusive leadership.
• Organization and Logistical Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, coordinate resources, and ensure smooth operations.
• Positive Attitude and Professionalism: Consistently demonstrates a constructive and solution-focused mindset, maintaining professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect in all interactions.

Reports to:

Yellowstone Program Supervisor, Sophie Rogers

Schedule & Location:

Location: Missoula, Montana

Schedule: May through August, with option to instruct a late September course. An estimated 31 to 25 field days over 3 to 4 courses, with 2 office days per course. (The summer course schedule is not fully booked yet and field days may increase)

Physical Requirements: This job involves driving for long periods of time, outdoor work in variable conditions, and lifting objects of up to 50lbs.

Compensation:
• $10.55 per hour, plus overtime at 1.5 times the hourly wage ($15.83 per hour), for approximately 15-hour workdays when in the field and approximately 8-hour workdays in the office.
• Staff housing may be available for $366/month.
• At the discretion of EPI, grant of up to $250 for professional development.
• Returning instructor benefits include $250 signing bonus.

EPI is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of these factors. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.