Field Camp Teacher Naturalist

Job Summary:

Field Camp Teacher Naturalists assists the Program and Assistant Managers with day-to-day operations of the Glacier Institute Field Camp. Teacher Naturalist responsibilities vary from teaching an occasional environmental science classes to leading groups of varying ages and abilities on educational hikes to leading private groups on educational expeditions to all corners of Glacier National Park . Teacher Naturalists are given training in basic naturalist skills as well as teaching techniques. Teacher Naturalist also have the opportunity to learn from expert Naturalists during our catalogue courses. The Field Camp Team rotates through a variety of other tasks including, but not limited to, cooking, cleaning and general site upkeep projects.  

Click here to see other positions and full position descriptions. 

Start Date: May 4, 2020       End Date: October 9, 2020

*there is some flexibility in these dates, specific details will be discussed during the interview process  

Compensation: 

• Full room and board
• $1000/month stipend, with the opportunity to earn performance based tips during custom and personalized programs.  
• 2020 employee entrance pass into Glacier and Waterton National Parks.
• Friends and family discounts for all Glacier Institute courses (subject to availability).
• Participation in expert-led Glacier Institute catalog course as space permits.
• Professional development as a teacher, naturalist, chef, handyperson and more!  

Responsibilities: 

• Report to program manager in coordinating logistics for daily operations, including guest safety, food procurement, meal preparation, transportation, camp cleaning and preparation for residential groups.
• Coordinate course logistics and assist expert instructors in conducting catalogue courses for guests.
• Lead naturalist hikes and teach outdoor education programs for custom groups, Personalized Educational Tours and other groups of both adults and children.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Crown of the Continent Ecology and current applicable science. 
• Manage students’ safety in unregulated outdoor environments by applying sound judgment, problem solving, and risk management skills. Glacier National Park boasts the highest density of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states, and staff should expect at least one bear encounter to occur. Bear spray and bear safety training will be provided.
• Administer and document first aid and appropriate emergency responses
• Safely operate 15 passenger vans/buses to transport students down rough dirt roads, up the highly technical Going-to-the-Sun road, and along highway corridors.
• Rotate cooking, cleaning and food preparation with other staff members as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Provide quality customer service to all Field Camp guests.
• Participate in site improvement projects as assigned by Program Manager (e.g. painting, staining, light-carpentry, rodent control, wood chopping, landscaping, etc.).
• Assist office staff and Program Manager with marketing efforts, community outreach, curriculum development, social media and other duties as assigned.
• Assist with Big Creek Outdoor Education Center programming when necessary.
• Represent The Glacier Institute and its mission and goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree OR equivalent experience with a thorough knowledge of comprehensive natural/environmental processes. 
• One season experience teaching outdoor education or similar programs. Demonstrate skills in developing and implementing outdoor education learning concepts.
• At least one year of experience working with people of all ages in a variety of circumstances. 
• Self-motivated, able to work efficiently with little supervision and committed to high quality work. 
• Valid driver’s license with an excellent driving record to be insurable under The Glacier Institute automobile insurance policy.
• Current Wilderness First Aid/CPR certification through the contracted dates of employment.
• Ability to live on-site and in a small community with other employees.
• Ability to work long and flexible hours including evenings and holidays.
• Ability to lead participants on hikes up to 12 miles with up to 3,000 feet of elevation gain over steep, rocky, terrain. 
• Experience operating large vehicles in off-road conditions (4x4 experience not required).
• Those with a working knowledge of the northern Rocky Mountain ecosystem will receive first consideration if other criteria have been satisfactorily met.