Resident Education Assistant (REA)

Swan Valley Connections is hiring for our 2025 Resident Education Assistant (REA) position! Swan Valley Connections’ REA will act as a teacher’s aide in both the classroom and the field for the Wildlife in the West 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 a 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 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

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 https://www.swanvalleyconnections.org/wildlife-in-the-west

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

To apply, please email Taylor Tewksbury (taylor@svconnections.org) a single PDF that includes a letter of interest, a current resume and contact information for 2 references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.