Field Instructor for the Bitterroot Wildlife Internship

Field Instructor Job Announcement

Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Program, Summer 2025

Applications will be reviewed when received and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Application deadline is March 1st, 2025

View application here.

Program description:

The Bitterroot Wildlife Internship (BWI) program, a partnership between Ecology Project International (EPI) and MPG Ranch, offers high school students a unique opportunity for ecological education, conservation service, and hands-on field research at MPG Ranch in Florence, Montana. Each month-long session includes six interns who collaborate with MPG staff or partners on research, service projects, and outreach efforts, while developing their own study. EPI and MPG Ranch have partnered on this program since 2014 to provide an enriching ecological research and conservation experience.

Job Summary:

EPI is hiring two field instructors to mentor 12 interns for BWI this summer. From Monday to Thursday, instructors and interns will spend time at MPG Ranch, completing conservation projects (10hrs/week), conducting ecological research (16hrs/week), and learning about the Bitterroot Valley ecosystem (6hrs/week), all while camping on-site. Instructors will lead activities such as invasive species mitigation, fence repair, and wildlife research, while helping interns build skills in Leave No Trace, wildlife observation, and nature journaling. Instructors are responsible for supervision, safety, and risk management.

Given the diversity of participants, field instructors must be able to address implicit bias and engage in culturally responsive interactions with interns and colleagues. Instructors will also play an active role in enhancing inclusivity throughout the program.

Key responsibilities and duties:

• Provide and lead a positive experience for BWI interns 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 interns.
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• Participate in all staff development sessions throughout the season including staff training, staff meetings, staff retreats, and feedback/evaluation forms.
• Provide feedback to and receive feedback from co-instructors and program staff, and effectively integrate feedback into work.
• Oversee and/or lead research activities in accordance with research protocols.
• Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk management protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with interns, partners, co-instructor, and EPI staff.
• Mentor interns’ planning and completion of independent research 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/MPG policies and protocols.
• Promptly and accurately complete and file required program paperwork.
• Drive EPI/MPG vehicles in accordance with policy to transport students and gear.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.
• Keep internship gear and vehicles organized, clean, and in good working order.
• 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.
• 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 Bitterroot Valley or surrounding areas
• Knowledge and familiarity with the MPG Ranch
• Curriculum development experience
• 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 the Bitterroot Wildlife Internship Coordinator

Schedule and Location:

• Season dates: Approximately May 28th- August 15th
• Instructors will work approximately 55 days during the season, including mandatory training and season close days:
  • Instructors are required to attend 5 days of instructor training to be scheduled for between May 28th and June 6th
  • Instructors will lead two intern sessions (June 8th – July 3rd and July 14th – August 7th) at MPG Ranch in the Bitterroot Valley. In addition, instructors will work at least four hours in EPI’s Missoula office each Friday during the intern sessions. There will be Missoula office work days between sessions and after the second session.
  • Upon conclusion of the program, instructors are required to participate in season close days that consist of debriefing, gear cleaning and organization, and other tasks that wrap up program
  • It is mandatory that instructors help deliver an end of season symposium in Missoula on August 13th

Compensation:

• Room and board while in the field with interns Monday – Thursdays.
• $160/day per field day and $125/day during instructor training. Instructors will be expected to work at least four hours in EPI’s Missoula office on Fridays, and this office-based work will be paid at $16/hour.
• Access to discounts with popular outdoor gear retailers.

Questions can be directed to: Carly Innis, BWI Program Coordinator, at [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed when received and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Application deadline is March 1st, 2025