Outdoor Education Specialist

Position Title: Outdoor Education Specialist I

Reports to: Lead Educators

Pay Rate: $2300 per month

Terms: Early Session (March 11th, 2024 - September 30th, 2024)

            Late Session (June 3rd, 2024 - September 30th, 2024)

Major Function: Under the direction of the Lead Educators, the Outdoor Education Specialist I is responsible for the delivery of educational programming. Outdoor Education Specialists are the face of the Glacier Institute. You will be responsible for instructing field courses to a wide variety of audiences, ranging from ages 5-95. 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 and a zest for learning. 

If your passion is youth programming, there are opportunities to specialize in our Summer Camp programs at the nearby Big Creek Outdoor Education Center (June - August). 

Applicants should know this is a demanding job with variable hours, but the impact for our community is evident. 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 participants is of utmost importance to our mission. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Lead field-based outdoor educational programs to a variety of ages to include but not limited to:
   • Guided Hikes
   • Evening Programs
   • Facilitated School Trips
   • Other Outdoor Educational Opportunities  
2. Provide quality customer service to all guests.
3. Manage participant safety in unregulated outdoor environments by applying sound judgment, problem solving, and risk management skills.
4. Administer and document first aid and appropriate emergency responses.
5. Maintain a working knowledge of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem and current applicable sciences upon completion of extensive content training.
6. Safely operate 15 passenger vans/buses to transport participants down rough dirt roads, up the highly technical Going-to-the-Sun Road, and along highway corridors, for several hours daily.
7. Ensure equipment is maintained daily and kept clean (binoculars, vehicles, etc.)
8. Display confidence and comfort working in adverse environmental conditions (snow, rain, 0°F - 100°F temperatures, mosquitoes/ticks, hazardous wildlife, etc.).
9. Represent the Glacier Institute in its mission and goals.
10. Occasionally complete physically strenuous tasks during work days. 
11. All other duties as assigned. 

Candidate Qualifications:

1. Education
   • A Bachelor's degree OR equivalent experience with a thorough knowledge of comprehensive natural/environmental processes.
2. Experience
   • Delivery of educational programming (in or out of the classroom).
   • Prior customer service experience.
3. Skills and abilities
   • Exceptional communication skills.
   • Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record and the ability to drive up to 300 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.
4. Certifications
   • Basic First Aid / CPR

To Apply:

If this position sounds like the right fit, please submit a resume, contact information for 3 references, and a cover letter to: careers@glacierinstitute.org​.

We look forward to reviewing your materials!