Swan Valley Connections’ Resident Education Assistant (REA) will act as a teacher’s aid in both the classroom and the field for the Wildlife in the West, Master Naturalist, and Summer Wildlife Tracks and Sign college field programs. You will assist with prep for each day, help students grasp academic concepts, and aid with homework assignments when necessary. REAs will assist instructors with risk management and group dynamics while in the field. The REA will also act as a resident assistant living full time with the students, working to build a positive learning community, enforcing SVC policies, and taking care of student needs throughout the programs and supervising student chores. REAs are expected to participate in the majority of field experiences along with the students. The purpose of this internship is to provide the next generation of conservation leaders with the tools and experience to connect people to landscapes.

Responsibilities:

• Work with instructors to manage gear, logistics and to prepare for each day
• Live in communal setting with students at the Beck Homestead
• Aid students in digestion of academic materials through formal and informal discussion and aid with assignments
• Help manage risk in the field
• Help create a safe, positive learning environment for students while at the homestead
• Act as a facility caretaker assuming facility maintenance chores
• Oversee quality completion of student chores, including facility cleanliness before departure each day
• Manage food budget and work with student cooks to shop for and supply food for the program 
• Work with staff to prepare for and debrief the program
• Work with Creative & Communication team to manage photos and maintain blog relating to student experiences

Qualifications:

• Ability to act in a leadership role with undergraduate students
• Ability to creatively and safely accomplish tasks independently and as part of a team
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a fast paced and changing work environment
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and good interpersonal relations with staff, students, speakers, and community members
• Physical ability to hike 10 miles a day with a full backpack and lift 50 lbs
• Hiking and camping experience
• Ability to drive students safely in large SUVs
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid and CPR training strongly preferred
• SVC alumni strongly preferred 

Skills Gained:

• Increased understanding of natural history
• Training in field risk management
• Experience managing field program logistics
• Experience in managing group dynamics
• Increased understanding of non-profit function

This REA position will run from May 4th through July 31st. The REA will live with students during Wildlife in the West, Master Naturalist, and the Summer Weeklong Wildlife Tracks & Sign course. These programs will be the primary focus of the REA when programs are in session. The REA will also have the opportunity to support SVC’s K-8 day programming in early May and the Mission Mountain Youth Crew in late July.

The REA will receive $1500/month and free room and board during this time. The nature of the position requires flexibility, and the REA may be responsible for assisting with other tasks and duties related to organizational needs during their employment.  

Learn more about Wildlife in the West at swanvalleyconnections.org/wildlife-in-the-west

Learn more about Wildlife Tracks & Sign at https://www.swanvalleyconnections.org/wildlife-tracks-sign-course

Learn more about Master Naturalist at

https://www.swanvalleyconnections.org/montana-master-naturalist