Field Instructor Job Announcement

Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Program

Application review will begin February 12th and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Position will be open until filled. 

Program description:

The Bitterroot Wildlife Internship (BWI) program, a partnership between Ecology Project International (EPI) and MPG Ranch, offers high school students a unique opportunity for ecological education, conservation service, and hands-on field research at MPG Ranch in Florence, Montana. Each month-long session includes six students who collaborate with MPG staff or partners on research, service projects, and outreach efforts, while developing their own study. EPI and MPG Ranch have partnered on this program since 2014 to provide an enriching ecological research and conservation experience.

Job Summary:

EPI is hiring two field instructors to mentor 12 students in BWI this summer. From Monday to Thursday, instructors and students will spend time at MPG Ranch, completing conservation projects (10hrs/week), conducting ecological research (16hrs/week), and learning about the Bitterroot Valley ecosystem (6hrs/week), all while camping on-site. Instructors will lead activities such as invasive species mitigation, fence repair, and wildlife research, while helping students build skills in Leave No Trace, wildlife observation, and nature journaling. Instructors are responsible for supervision, safety, and risk management.

Given the diversity of participants, field instructors must be able to address implicit bias and engage in culturally responsive interactions with students and colleagues. Instructors will also play an active role in enhancing inclusivity throughout the program.

Key responsibilities and duties: 

• Promote and ensure an inclusive and high quality learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education lessons to a diverse group of students.
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• Participate in all staff development sessions throughout the season including staff training, staff meetings, staff retreats, and feedback/evaluation forms. 
• Provide feedback to and receive feedback from co-instructors and program staff, and effectively integrate feedback into work.
• 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 students, partners, co-instructor, and EPI staff.
• Mentor students’ planning and completion of independent research projects.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
• Respond to medical emergencies and provide appropriate first aid following EPI’s medical protocols and according to your level of training. 
• Conduct all student activities with rigorous attention to risk management.
• Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI/MPG policies and protocols.
• Promptly and accurately complete and file required program paperwork.
• Drive EPI/MPG vehicles in accordance with policy to transport students and gear.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.
• Keep program gear and vehicles organized, clean, and in good working order.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications and skills:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, natural resource management, or related field; OR equivalent experience.
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.

Experience

• 2-3 years of prior experience delivering science and ecology-based curriculum to middle and high school students in a formal or informal setting.
• Outdoor leadership experience working with young adults in remote settings.
• Field research experience in wildlife, botany, ecology, geology, or hydrology.
• Experience and prior success working well on a small team in a dynamic and changing work environment.
• Experience and skill camping and ability to teach outdoor living skills.
• 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.
• Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record.

Skills

• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, colleagues, partners, and supervisors
• Ability to manage risk, respond in emergency situations, and ensure group and individual safety in the outdoors
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and 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.
• Enthusiasm for leading students in semi-remote areas.

Languages

• English fluency.

Other

• Minimum 21 years of age
• Legally able to work in the US
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment
• Commitment to EPI’s Mission and values                                                                    

Desired qualifications and skills:

• Field research experience within the Bitterroot Valley or surrounding areas
• Knowledge and familiarity with the MPG Ranch
• Curriculum development experience
• Leave No Trace trainer or master educator certification

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 the Yellowstone Local Programs Coordinator

Schedule and Location:

• Season dates: Approximately May 27th- August 14th 
• Instructors will work approximately 60 days during the season, including mandatory training and season close days:
  • Instructors are required to attend 5 days of instructor training to be scheduled between May 27th and June 5th
  • Instructors will lead two program sessions (June 7th - July 2rd and July 12th - August 6th) at MPG Ranch in the Bitterroot Valley. In addition, instructors will work at least four hours in EPI’s Missoula office each Friday during the intern sessions. There will be Missoula office work days between sessions and after the second session.
  • Upon conclusion of the program, instructors are required to participate in season close days that consist of debriefing, gear cleaning and organization, and other tasks that wrap up program
  • It is mandatory that instructors help deliver an end of season symposium in Missoula on August 12th 

Compensation:

• Room and board while in the field with students Monday - Thursdays.
• $11.30 per hour, plus overtime at 1.5 times the hourly wage ($16.95 per hour). 
  • Field work days are approximately 15 hours (approximately $169.5 - $197.75 per field day) and workdays in the office are approximately 4-6 hours. 
• Access to discounts with popular outdoor gear retailers.

Applications will only be accepted electronically. Apply online here: https://ecologyproject.bamboohr.com/careers/121. 

Application review will begin February 12th and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.  

Positions will be open until filled.

Questions can be directed to: 

Carly Innis, Yellowstone Local Programs Coordinator, at carly@ecologyproject.org