Yellowstone National Park Field Educator (seasonal)

Position: Field Educator (Seasonal)
Location: Gardiner, Montana
Reports To: Field Education Manager
Status: Seasonal / Full-Time / Non-Exempt
Compensation: $20.60 – $22.65/hour (DOE)

Season Dates: Winter season is December 1, 2025 – March 2, 2026
Application Requirements: Resume and cover letter required. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

SUMMARY
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, translating 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 (offering in-depth educational programming for all ages), and a supporter program that 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 exceptional education 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 learners safe.

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, including natural, cultural, and geologic history, wildlife, and management issues.
• Understand and follow YF policies and procedures and National Park Service regulations, 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, including passing and maintaining successful YF driver training.
• Perform field-based risk management during programs by anticipating and managing potential hazards related to wildlife, terrain, weather, or group dynamics.
• Prepare students for the field through pre-course and daily orientations.
• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment with YF employees, contract instructors, volunteers, board members, and partners.
• Travel into Yellowstone, throughout the Greater Yellowstone area, and others as required.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Institute Program Director or 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.
• Strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Experience developing and delivering programs.
• Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications, or willingness to attain/maintain.
• Must be 21+ years old with valid U.S. driver’s license and favorable driving record.
• Ability to pass and maintain DOT medical exam and YF driver training.
• Satisfactory criminal background check required.
• Willingness to work 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
  • Hike up to 12 miles on uneven terrain
  • Carry a pack weighing up to 40 lbs
  • Work outdoors in all regional climate conditions
• Ability to represent YF in a courteous and professional manner.
• Collaborative attitude with demonstrated ability to work effectively and professionally as part of a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of ecology, geology, and cultural history of Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
• Certification in NAI training programs (Certified Interpretive Guide, Certified Interpretive Host, Leave No Trace).
• Experience in nonprofit environments.
• Experience working with youth and adult learners on multi-day programs.
• Wilderness medical training or Wilderness First Responder certification.

PROGRAM PROGRESSION
Yellowstone Forever offers a variety of programs that vary in complexity and length. New educators begin with shorter programs that emphasize general Yellowstone knowledge and progress to longer, more complex programs as content proficiency is demonstrated.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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 law.