Yellowstone Field Educator - Seasonal

Position: Field Educator
Location: Gardiner, Montana
Reports To: Institute Program Director
Status: Seasonal / Full-Time / Non-exempt
Compensation range: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour (DOE)

Dates: In-person paid training is required and will begin April 24, 2023. Training will run through May 26, 2023. Programs begin late May and go through early October.

Summary Description:
Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. YF connects people to Yellowstone through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs and translates those experiences into lifelong support of the park and philanthropic investment in its future. Our educational programming and products help people enhance their understanding and appreciation of the wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural history of the park. YF’s operations include Park Stores in and around Yellowstone; the Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers in-depth educational programing for people of all ages; and a supporter program which raises funds for priority park projects.

Seasonal Field Educators are part of a dedicated educational staff committed to connecting learners from across the world to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem through delivery of exceptional educational experiences. They are knowledgeable about Yellowstone’s natural, geologic, and cultural history and are experienced outdoor leaders who create a comfortable learning environment while keeping their learners safe on programs. Field Educators are frontline staff responsible for positively representing Yellowstone Forever through program delivery and program support.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Prepare and deliver engaging and organized programs to a diverse range of learners with the goal of connecting them to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and building a constituency for preservation
• Demonstrate effective communication and teaching skills; adapt teaching methods to learners and situations and empower learners to form their own opinions about complex issues
• Articulate the Yellowstone Forever mission and represent it accurately and positively; encourage participation in the organization through education and philanthropy
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, to include (but not limited to) the natural, cultural, and geologic history, wildlife, and management issues
• Understand and follow YF policies and procedures and National Park Service regulations by emphasizing the protection of park resources, Leave No Trace practices, and adherence to YF’s Code of Ethics
• Operate YF vehicles, including 14-passenger minibuses and other vehicles, safely and defensively and follow appropriate vehicle safety checklists, to also include passing and maintaining successful YF driver training
• Perform field-based risk management duties during programs by anticipating and managing potential hazards or group issues that might arise due to wildlife, terrain, weather, or student attitude/ability
• Prepare students for the field through pre-course and daily orientations
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with all YF employees, contract instructors, volunteers, board members, and partners
• Travel into Yellowstone, throughout the Greater Yellowstone area and others, as required
• Other tasks as assigned by the Institute Program Director, or other designated leadership

Basic Qualifications  

• Strong commitment to education and the mission of Yellowstone Forever 
• Professional experience in teaching, environmental education, or interpretation
• Demonstrated outdoor leadership skills
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Team player with excellent communication and organizational skills
• Knowledge of biology, ecology, geology, and natural and cultural history
• A strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work
• Experience developing and delivering programs
• Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications, or willingness to attain and maintain these certifications
• This position involves driving YF vehicles, therefore, applicants must be 21 years of age or older, maintain a valid US driver’s license, and maintain a favorable driving record for insurance purposes
• The ability to pass and maintain a Department of Transportation medical exam and YF driver training
• A satisfactory criminal background check is a condition of employment
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time, hike up to 12 miles on uneven terrain, and work outdoors in all climate conditions common to the region while carrying a pack weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to represent YF in a courteous and professional manner
• A collaborative attitude with demonstrated ability to work effectively, and professionally as a part of a team

Preferred Qualifications   

• Working knowledge of ecology, geology, and natural and cultural history of Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
• Certification in NAI training programs including Certified Interpretive Guide, Certified Interpretive Host, and Leave No Trace
• Experience working in a non-profit environment
• Experience working with both youth and adult learners on multi-day programs
• Wilderness medical training, Wilderness First Responder certification

Compensation: 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt (hourly) position, which will be based in Gardiner, MT. Compensation is based upon experience, pay range is $18.00 - $20.00 per hour, and typically is 40 hours/week. This position is not eligible for health, dental, and vision benefits. Benefits of this position include knowing that your efforts directly benefit Yellowstone National Park and having the opportunity to work in one of the world’s premiere areas.

Housing: 

Shared employee housing is available to rent in Gardiner, MT on a limited basis. Our employee housing is limited as it is a 3-bedroom shared unit, with other employees and volunteers. Our policy does not allow for pets or couples in shared housing. Living in employee housing is not a requirement of this position.

Yellowstone Forever is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.