Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Program Coordinator

Bitterroot Wildlife Internship

Program Coordinator Job Announcement

Priority application deadline 12/31; applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Description of Program: The Bitterroot Wildlife Internship (BWI) is a partnership between Ecology Project International (EPI) and MPG Ranch that allows high school students to combine ecological education, conservation service, and hands-on field research in a unique month-long internship experience. Interns in each of the two sessions (June – mid July, mid-July – August) will be paired with MPG staff members or partners to engage in ongoing research, service, or outreach projects, and answer their own related research question. EPI has offered the Bitterroot Wildlife Internship program in conjunction with MPG Ranch since 2014. In August at the end of the season, interns from both sessions will present the findings from their independent research project at a symposium in Missoula.   

Job Summary: Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring a seasonal (February – September; .67 FTE) coordinator to organize and implement the Bitterroot Wildlife Internship. Working with Yellowstone program staff, this position will recruit high school interns, hire program instructors, and work with MPG’s Education Director to confirm research mentors for each internship session; plan and lead instructor training; supervise instructors; communicate with participants, their families, and with research mentors throughout the season; and coordinate the pre-season meet & greet event—an opportunity for participants to meet research mentors and learn more about the projects—and end-of-season research symposium.

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. The BWI Program Coordinator is also empowered to identify ways in which we can enhance inclusivity in planning and implementing our program.

Qualifications:

Required

• 2-3 years of experience delivering outdoor or environmental education programs;
• Bachelor's degree, ideally in biological sciences, ecology, natural sciences, education OR equivalent experience;
• Curriculum development experience for a formal or informal educational program;
• Proficiency in project planning, organization, and management, including the ability to multitask and keep track of multiple simultaneous projects—particularly with the help of technological tools like Asana and Salesforce;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• 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;
• Valid Wilderness First Aid certification or willingness to obtain;
• Must be able to pass a background check and DMV record check in line with EPI’s child protection policy and driving policy, minimum 21 years of age.

Preferred

• Wilderness First Responder certification;
• Experience supervising seasonal staff;
• Field research experience beyond the undergraduate level;
• Field research experience within the Bitterroot Valley or surrounding areas;
• Knowledge and familiarity with MPG Ranch;
• Group facilitation experience in team-building and professional development settings.

Schedule and Location: The BWI Program Coordinator will work seasonally, full-time from February - September. The position is based out of the EPI office in Missoula, MT and will require frequent travel to MPG Ranch for staff training, field visits to evaluate and coach instructors, partner meetings, and substitute instructing opportunities.

Questions can be directed to: Alexei Desmarais, Yellowstone Program Manager, alexei@ecologyproject.org

To apply: Applications will only be accepted electronically. Apply online here by 12/31/23.