Field Education Specialist - Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative

Field Education Specialist Job Announcement

Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative

Application review will begin March 2nd and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Position will be open until filled. 

Program description:

The Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative (PVI) invites high school students to step into the role of emerging leaders while exploring the landscapes of Montana’s Paradise Valley and surrounding areas. Living at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch’s basecamp, students will immerse themselves in outdoor experiences, hands-on stewardship work, and place-based lessons in restoration and land management. Students will form meaningful connections with peers who share their enthusiasm for ecology and conservation.

PVI brings together a cohort of twelve students guided by two experienced instructors. Students will conduct applied field studies with local partners that connect directly to ongoing initiatives in the region. From watershed restoration to rangeland ecology, students will gain exposure to real-world conservation challenges and practice the field methods used to address them. Working in small groups, students will contribute to a partner-driven project, analyze their findings, and ultimately present their work at a final showcase event.

Days will be spent outdoors and students will learn by getting their hands dirty as they support local conservation efforts. Instructors lead daily lessons that deepen students’ understanding, weaving together ecology, natural history, and leadership skill-building.

Job Summary:

EPI is hiring two field education specialists who will serve as pre-season administrative assistants and program instructors to mentor twelve students in the Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative. 2026 is the inaugural season for PVI, presenting an opportunity for individuals in this role to help develop an outdoor experiential education program from the beginning. They will work closely with the program coordinator to develop a breadth of program aspects; this includes, but is not limited to, program procedures, policies, activities, curriculum, and equipment inventory. 

Given the diversity of participants, field education specialists must be able to address implicit bias and engage in culturally responsive interactions with students and colleagues. Serving as Instructor, they will also play an active role in enhancing inclusivity throughout the program.

Key responsibilities:

Pre-program: 

Provide support in the planning, development, and implementation of PVI.

Assist with the research, procurement, and management of program equipment, supplies, and materials.

Support the development of curriculum, lesson plans, and educational activities aligned with program objectives and safety requirements.

Assist in the creation of program materials, internal documentation, and participant-facing resources.

Assist with program logistics, including scheduling, coordination with partners, and preparation of instructional materials.

Support administrative and documentation needs, including recordkeeping, data entry, reporting, waivers, and compliance-related paperwork.

Participate in planning meetings and collaborate with staff and partner organizations as needed.

Provide general administrative and programmatic support to ensure successful program execution.

During program: 

Provide and lead a positive experience for PVI students in the field.

Promote and ensure an inclusive and high quality learning/living environment.

Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education lessons to a diverse group of students.

Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.

Provide feedback to and receive feedback from co-instructors and program staff, and effectively integrate feedback into work.

Oversee and/or lead conservation and research activities in accordance with EPI and partner organization protocols.

Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk management protocols.

Establish and maintain clear communication with students, partners, co-instructor, and EPI staff.

Mentor students’ planning and completion of projects.

Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.

Respond to medical emergencies and provide appropriate first aid following EPI’s medical protocols and according to your level of training. 

Conduct all intern activities with rigorous attention to risk management.

Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI/partner organization policies and protocols.

Promptly and accurately complete and file required program paperwork.

Drive EPI vehicles in accordance with policy to transport students and gear.

Show and maintain a positive attitude.

Keep program gear and vehicles organized, clean, and in good working order.

Other duties as assigned.

Post-program: 

Complete all program materials close tasks (e.g., equipment inventory, organization, and cleaning).

Contribute to program debriefing, review and evaluation sessions.

Compile participant feedback, assessment data, and observational notes to support program reporting (e.g., impact summary).

Support follow-up communication with partners and stakeholders as requested.

Ensure all administrative tasks related to program closure are completed in accordance with organizational standards.

Other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications and skills:

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, natural resource management, or related field; OR equivalent experience.

Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.

Experience

2-3 years of prior experience delivering science and ecology-based curriculum to middle and high school students in a formal or informal setting.

Outdoor leadership experience working with young adults in remote settings.

Field research experience in wildlife, botany, ecology, geology, or hydrology.

Experience and prior success working well on a small team in a dynamic and changing work environment.

Experience and skill camping and ability to teach outdoor living skills.

6+ months of curriculum development experience.

Must be physically fit and capable of participating in intense physical labor including, but not limited to: ability to lift 50 pounds, spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, cold, snow, etc.) and hike up to 5 miles a day with a day pack and equipment, ability to conduct repetitive hand and arm motions, and able to maneuver in tight spaces, including bending and kneeling.

Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record.

Skills

Strong teamwork skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, colleagues, partners, and supervisors

Ability to manage risk, respond in emergency situations, and ensure group and individual safety in the outdoors

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.

Enthusiasm for leading students in semi-remote areas.

Languages

English fluency.

Other

Minimum 21 years of age

Legally able to work in the US

Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment

Commitment to EPI’s Mission and values

Desired qualifications and skills:

Field research experience within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem or surrounding areas.

Knowledge and familiarity with the Paradise Valley and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Leave No Trace trainer or master educator certification.

Competencies:

Adaptability: Ability to remain flexible and adjust plans and approaches as needed in response to changing conditions, unexpected challenges, and diverse participant needs.

Leadership and Mentorship: Skilled in guiding, inspiring, and supporting youth, fostering both personal and professional growth through effective mentorship and inclusive leadership.

Organization and Logistical Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, coordinate resources, and ensure smooth operations.

Positive Attitude and Professionalism: Consistently demonstrates a constructive and solution-focused mindset, maintaining professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect in all interactions.

Reports to:

Yellowstone Local Programs Coordinator

Structure, Schedule, and Location:

This position is a non-exempt (hourly) part-time role with a defined contract period of May 4 - July 31. The responsibilities of this position change seasonally with the needs of the program, but will fall generally into three categories:

Pre-season administrative (Missoula): During the lead up to the program, this position will work an average of 20 hours per week to fulfill planning and administrative duties. Total weeks worked in this capacity (pre-season) will be 9. This time includes a mandatory one-week training period that will exceed 20 hours per week.

Field season instruction (Livingston): During the program dates, this position will work variable hours with a standard baseline of 15 hours per day (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM). Weeks worked during this period will accrue significant overtime pay. This time includes mandatory attendance at the end-of-season symposium to be held in Livingston, MT on Thursday, July 23, 2026.

Post-season wrap-up (Missoula): This period will revert to part-time employment.Tasks will be administrative and operational, with the goal of comprehensively resetting all program gear and admin systems for the subsequent program season. Total hours worked in this capacity (post-season) will be approximately 30.

This is a grant-funded position and if additional funds become available, there’s potential for extension either within the season or across multiple program years.

Compensation:

Room and board while in the field with students.

$11.30 per hour, plus overtime at 1.5 times the hourly wage ($16.95 per hour). 

Field days are approximately 15 hours (approximately $169.5 - $197.75 per field day) and workdays in the office will vary from 4-8 hours.

Access to discounts with popular outdoor gear retailers.

Applications will only be accepted electronically. Apply online here.

Application review will begin March 2nd and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Positions will be open until filled.

Questions can be directed to: 

Carly Innis, Yellowstone Local Programs Coordinator, [email protected]