Position Title: Youth Outdoor Education Specialist (YOES)

Reports to: Youth Program Director 

Pay Rate: $2300 per month 

Term: March 9th, 2026 - November 13th, 2026

Major Function: Under the direction of the Youth Program Director, the Youth Outdoor Education Specialist is responsible for the delivery of educational programming at our Big Creek Youth Outdoor Education Campus. You will be responsible for instructing courses to a variety of school groups and summer camps,  ranging from ages 7-16. Youth Outdoor Education Specialists will lead educational hikes within Glacier National Park as well as the surrounding Flathead National Forest. The Glacier Institute specializes in place-based, hands-on learning of the natural sciences and cultural history, and we strive to empower students of all ages. Our ideal candidate has an innate curiosity, zest for learning, and a passion for youth education. 

Applicants should know this is a demanding job with variable hours. Youth Outdoor Education Specialists need to be motivated by the mission to strengthen connections to the natural world through outdoor education, and understand that investing in our youth is of utmost importance to our mission. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Lead youth outdoor educational programs for ages 7-16 to include but not limited to:
    • Educational hikes
    • Evening programs
    • Facilitated school trips
    • Specialized summer camps
    • Other outdoor educational activities 
  • Provide quality education to all groups.
  • Manage participant safety in unregulated outdoor environments by applying sound judgment, problem solving, and risk management skills.
  • Administer and document first aid and appropriate emergency responses.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem and current applicable sciences upon completion of extensive content training.
  • Safely operate 15 passenger vans/buses to transport students down rough dirt roads, up the highly technical mountain roads, and along highway corridors, for several hours daily.
  • Ensure equipment is maintained daily and kept clean (binoculars, vehicles, etc.)
  • Display confidence and comfort working in adverse environmental conditions (snow, rain, 0°F - 100°F temperatures, mosquitoes/ticks, hazardous wildlife, etc.).
  • Represent the Glacier Institute in its mission and goals.
  • Occasionally complete physically strenuous tasks during work days. 
  • 5-day work week (Mon-Fri).
  • All other duties as assigned. 

Candidate Qualifications:

Education

A Bachelor's degree OR equivalent experience with a thorough knowledge of comprehensive natural/environmental processes.

Experience

• Delivery of educational programming (in or out of the classroom).
• Prior youth education experience.

Skills and abilities

• Exceptional communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record and the ability to drive up to 100 miles daily.
• Ability to hike 12 miles with up to 3,000 feet of elevation gain over steep, rocky, and potentially snowy terrain, and carry a pack weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with limited instruction or supervision during peak season.
• Ability to work in remote, off-grid locations with limited to no cell-phone or immediate emergency services.

Certifications

• Basic First Aid / CPR (WFA/WFR preferred) 

Compensation:

• Housing for employees is provided at no cost. 
• Meals are available for any staff member during group programming. 
• Annual employee entrance pass into Glacier National Park.
• Professional development opportunities.
• One paid sick day available per month.
• Participation in expert-led Glacier Institute catalog courses.
• Friends and family discounts for all Glacier Institute courses (subject to availability).
• $2300 monthly with a flexible, sustainable schedule.