Field Camp Outdoor Education Specialist

Field Camp Outdoor Education Specialist

Position Title: Outdoor Education Specialist (OES)

Reports to: Adult Program Director

Pay Rate: $2300 per month 

Term: May 18th, 2026 – September 30th, 2026

Major Function

Under the direction of the Field Camp Program Director, 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 leading educational hikes within Glacier National Park, as well as the surrounding Flathead National Forest, to a variety of groups that come to stay at our campus located in Glacier. Additionally, Outdoor Education Specialists will facilitate field courses to a variety of audiences, along with a specialist in the field of study. As a Field Camp dedicated Outdoor Education Specialist, you will primarily work with adults, but have the opportunity for some work with younger audiences. 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. 

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

Program Leadership

• Lead field-based outdoor educational programs to a variety of ages to include but not limited to:
• Educational Hikes for week long programs
• Evening Programs
• Facilitate field courses along with specialist in the field of study
• Other Outdoor Educational Opportunities
• Use interpretive techniques and experiential teaching methods to engage learners in understanding natural and cultural history.
• Adjust lessons and activities in response to audience needs, environmental conditions, and unexpected challenges.

Participant Care and Risk Management

• Provide exceptional customer service and participant support.
• Manage participant safety in unregulated outdoor environments using sound judgment, problem-solving, and risk management skills.
• Administer and document first aid and emergency responses when needed.

Operational Responsibilities

• Safely operate 15-passenger vans and buses to transport participants on varied terrain—including Going-to-the-Sun Road, dirtroads, and highway corridors—from 10-24 hours weekly.
• Carry out daily vehicle checks, maintain readiness of first aid and educational equipment.
• Represent the Glacier Institute with professionalism, positivity, and commitment to our mission.
• Work confidently in all weather conditions (snow, rain, heat, insects, wildlife, etc.) and perform physically demanding tasks as required.

Professional Development

• Maintain a strong working knowledge of the Crown of the Continent ecosystem through ongoing study and training.
• Participate in professional development opportunities (e.g., Montana Master Naturalist  training, Certified Interpretive Guide training, Wilderness First Aid, etc.).

Candidate Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in education, natural sciences, environmental studies, interpretation, or related fields OR equivalent relevant experience.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience teaching or facilitating learning—in the classroom, outdoors, or other educational settings.
• Prior customer service or program leadership experience.
• Experience with interpretation, environmental education, or youth programming is highly preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, storytelling, and group management skills.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and an ability to adapt to changing conditions, schedules, and audiences.
• Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record and the ability to drive up to 300 miles daily.
• Ability to hike up to 12 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, carrying up to 30 pounds.
• Comfortable working independently and in remote, off-grid settings.

Certifications

• Wilderness First Aid required.

Compensation and Benefits

• $2,300/month with a flexible schedule (4-day work week, 40 hours per week).
• Free staff housing provided.
• Meals provided when programs are onsite
• Annual National Park pass for Glacier National Park
• Access to professional development and certifications (e.g., Montana Master Naturalist Training, Certified Interpretive Guide Training, and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification).
• One paid sick day available per month.
• Opportunities to participate in expert-led Glacier Institute courses.
• Friends and family course discounts (subject to availability).