Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program

Winter 2026 Field Instructor

Multiple openings available. 

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Applications will close October 31, 2025.

About Ecology Project International (EPI): 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 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.

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 and adult learners 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. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field with two co-instructors.
• Plan and deliver quality experiential and 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, partners, co-instructors, and EPI staff.
• Give and receive quality feedback with co-workers and supervisor, and integrate feedback into work.
• Safely drive EPI vehicles in winter conditions (between Missoula and Gardiner at the start and end of courses, then 2-4 hours per day on course) while towing a trailer to transport participating students and gear.
• Supervise group cooking and camping 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 pre-season training sessions and post-season closing sessions and relevant 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:

• 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.
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 1-2 years of experience delivering science and ecology-based curriculum.
• 1-2 years of outdoor leadership experience working with young adults in remote areas.
• 1-2 years of field research experience.
• 2-4 years of experience and prior success working well on a small team in a dynamic and changing work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to camp safely in bear country. 
• Demonstrated ability to teach camping skills to teens who may have little to no camping experience. 
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications. Applicants without a current WFR certification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
• 0-1 years of Experience driving participants in programmatic vehicles in variable road conditions.
• 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 day pack 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-to-high school students in a formal or informal setting.
• 2-3 years of wildlife biology research experience, especially with species of the Rocky Mountains.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and montane ecosystems in the Rocky Mountains more broadly.
• 1-2 years of experience working in field settings with teenage populations experiencing mental and emotional health challenges 
• Demonstrated experience with winter activities such as snowshoeing and winter camping.
• Demonstrated experience developing curriculum for secondary school audiences.
• 1-2 years of experience towing trailers in work vehicles. 

Reports to:

Yellowstone Program Supervisor, Christian Bazzano

Schedule and Location:

Yellowstone winter field programs run from mid January through late April. Instructors will work an estimated 40 – 50 field days over the course of the winter.

• This does not include a mandatory (paid) 9 day instructor training, to be held in Missoula and Yellowstone at the start of each 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 and given priority for rehire to our summer programs, including Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology, Bitterroot Wildlife Internship, and Paradise Valley Initiative.

Program Dates

• Training Dates (required): January 4 - 13
• Winter Ecology courses: January through April 2025
• Season Close Dates (required): April 28-30

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. (Average $168 - $181 per field day)
• Staff housing may be available for approximately $375/month
• At the discretion of EPI, grant of up to $250 for professional development. 

Questions can be directed to: Yellowstone Program Supervisor, Christian Bazzano, christian@ecologyproject.org