Yellowstone Field Instructor Winter 2025

Yellowstone Winter Ecology Program

Winter 2025 Field Instructor

6 openings available.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Applications will close November 1, 2024.

About Ecology Project International 

EPI is an international non-profit dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and middle/high school students. We 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. More information can be found at www.ecologyproject.org.

Program Description

Field instructors in the Ecology Project International (EPI) Yellowstone Program work in teams of 2-3 to teach five- to nine-day field ecology courses for middle 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.

During our Winter Ecology courses, students work with research partners (e.g., National Park Service) to collect data for wildlife research projects. Additionally, there is time dedicated to observing wildlife, exploring principles of snow science, and experiencing Yellowstone’s unique geology. Field instructors guide student exploration via relevant ecological and scientific process lessons while practicing responsible relationships to place. Groups stay in lodges in the Gardiner area under instructor supervision, with shared rooms and chore responsibilities.

An ideal candidate will demonstrate experience and skills in environmental education, field research, outdoor leadership, and/or the ecology, geography and cultures of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Instructors work as a team with support from program staff to plan, lead, and teach EPI’s curriculum. Instructors coordinate logistics and opportunities with partners, vendors, group chaperones, and participants to craft an inspirational and educational experience. They are responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe physical and emotional learning environment. They are also responsible for participant well being for the entire duration of the course.

Because of the diversity of Yellowstone participants and EPI staff, field instructors should have the skills to address implicit bias and be culturally responsive in interactions with students and co-workers. Instructors are also encouraged to identify ways in which we can enhance inclusivity in planning and implementing our program.

Field Instructor Responsibilities

• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field with 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 other chores in a rotation with co-instructors, in a lodge 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 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 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.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• At least one previous working position in each of the following categories of experience. This could be fulfilled by one or many previous job positions.
  • Delivering science and ecology-based curriculum.
  • Overnight outdoor leadership experience working with young adults.
  • Field research experience.
  • Experience and prior success working well on a small team in a dynamic and changing work environment.
  • Experience driving participants in programmatic vehicles in variable road conditions, particularly in winter weather conditions for the months of January through May.
  • A 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.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
• 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 daypack 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:

• 2-3 years of prior experience instructing middle and/or high school students in a formal or informal setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with the natural history and conservation issues of the Rocky Mountains, especially within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
• 1 or more years of wildlife biology research experience, especially with species of the Rocky Mountains.
• 2-3 years of experience working with teenage populations experiencing mental and emotional health challenges
• Curriculum development experience.
• Experience towing trailers with work vehicles.

Schedule and Location

Yellowstone winter field programs run from early January through mid April. Instructors will work an estimated 49 field days over the course of the winter. This does not include a mandatory pre-employment training session, paid via stipend of $500, to be held in Missoula and Yellowstone at the start of the field season. This estimation is subject to change and schedules will vary throughout the program season. Upon completion of the season, winter instructors can be considered for rehire to our summer programs, including Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology, Bitterroot Wildlife Internship, and Paradise Valley Internship.

Program Dates

Training Dates: January 5 - 13

Winter Ecology courses: January through April 2025

Season Close Dates: April 28 - 30

Compensation

$130+ per day starting wage, determined by evaluation of prior experience. Thereafter, daily pay increases according to a tiered pay scale based on field days worked. 

Pay Scale: 

Level 1 = 0-35 field days, $130 per day

Level 2 = 36-75 field days, $135 per day

Level 3 = 76-110 field days, $140 per day

Level 4 = 111-165 field days, $145 per day

Level 5 = 166-210 field days, $150 per day

Other Benefits

• EPI provides the option for free staff housing with shared rooms in a staff house in Missoula to seasonal instructors.
• Room and board while on-course.
• Access to discounts with popular outdoor gear retailers.
• $250 End-of-Season Bonus upon completion of all scheduled courses and season close tasks
• $250 of reimbursement per season for professional development

Questions can be directed to: Yellowstone Program Supervisor, Sophie Rogers, sophie@ecologyproject.org, 406-218-2605