Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Field Instructor

Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring two field instructors to mentor and deliver academic content for 12 Bitterroot Wildlife Internship program interns this summer. Interns and instructors will spend Sunday afternoon-Thursday of each week at the ranch completing conservation service projects (approximately 10hrs/week), conducting ecological research (approximately 16hrs/week), and learning about the Bitterroot Valley’s ecosystem (approximately 6 hrs/week). Instructors and interns will camp in a designated campsite on the ranch Sunday-Thursday. Conservation projects on the ranch might include fence repair or removal, invasive species mitigation, seed collection, native plantings, or similar work. Potential research involvement includes avian, soil, plant, ungulate, and insect projects. Instructors will also provide interns with the opportunity to build Leave No Trace awareness, develop wildlife observation skills, and hone their nature journaling abilities. The instructors are responsible for student supervision and rigorous risk management while delivering the field experience.                                                      

Because of the diversity of BWI participants (and of MPG and EPI staff), it is also important that field instructors have the skills to address implicit bias and be culturally responsive in interactions with participants and co-workers. Instructors are also empowered to identify ways in which we can enhance inclusivity in planning and implementing our program.

COVID-19 Statement:  EPI has prepared COVID-19 policies and practices that follow health department and CDC guidelines to reduce the risks of exposure and transmission of the virus during course activities.  We can't eliminate this risk and it is possible that instructors will be exposed to the virus from participants, partners, vendors, or the general public while performing course duties.  Health insurance is not provided by EPI as part of the compensation for this position.  Instructors are asked to role model, lead, and enforce our field COVID-19 policies during a course and make appropriate decisions before, during, and after a course to reduce their exposure to the virus.  Failure to comply with expectations may result in lost employment opportunities.

Responsibilities:

• Provide and lead a positive experience for BWI interns in the field.
• 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 interns.
• 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 interns, partners, co-instructor, and EPI staff.
• Mentor interns’ 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 intern 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 internship gear and vehicles organized, clean, and in good working order.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• 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;
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, natural resource management, or related field; OR equivalent experience;
• 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;
• Field research experience in wildlife, botany, 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;
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications;
• Minimum 21 years of age;
• Legally able to work in the US;
• English fluency                                                                                

Preferred:

• 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

Schedule and Location:

• Instructors are required to attend 5 days of instructor training from May 29 – June 2, 2023
• Instructors will work approximately 53 days during the season:
  • Instructors will lead two intern sessions (June 11th - July 6th and July 16th - August 10th) 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.
  • Instructors will help deliver an end of season symposium in downtown Missoula on August 16th

To apply:  Applications will only be accepted electronically. Apply online here by March 13th.