Field Educator (Seasonal)

Position: Field Educator (Seasonal)
Location: Gardiner, Montana
Reports To: Field Education Manager
Status: Seasonal/Full-Time/Non-Exempt 

Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, working to protect, preserve, and enhance the park through education and philanthropy. By connecting people to Yellowstone through high-quality educational programs and visitor experiences, YF inspires a lifelong appreciation for the park’s natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural history. YF supports the park through partnerships with the National Park Service and operates Park Stores, the Yellowstone Forever Institute, and a robust supporter program.

Position Summary
Field Educators are essential to Yellowstone Forever’s mission, delivering transformative educational experiences that inspire lifelong connections to Yellowstone National Park. Reporting to the Field Education Manager, Field Educators are knowledgeable professionals who bring expertise in natural, cultural, and geologic history to every program they lead. They are skilled communicators, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and personal engagement with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Field Educators are also accomplished outdoor leaders, ensuring the safety, inclusivity, and enjoyment of participants in dynamic and often challenging environments. These professionals are committed to promoting stewardship, adhering to Leave No Trace principles, and upholding the mission and values of Yellowstone Forever. As frontline representatives of the organization, Field Educators play a pivotal role in cultivating meaningful connections with participants while inspiring advocacy for the park’s preservation and future.

Success in this role requires adaptability, collaboration, and a passion for education, conservation, and delivering exceptional participant experiences. Field Educators are not only leaders in program delivery but also ambassadors of Yellowstone Forever’s mission to connect people to this extraordinary place.

*Program Progression
Yellowstone Forever provides a diverse range of educational programs, each varying in complexity, depth, and duration. New Field Educators will begin their journey by leading foundational programs designed to introduce participants to general knowledge about Yellowstone’s unique ecosystem, wildlife, geology, and cultural history. As educators demonstrate content mastery, effective teaching skills, and a strong understanding of the park’s resources, they will have opportunities to progress delivering more advanced, specialized, and longer-duration programs that require a higher level of expertise and engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Delivery and Preparation

• Deliver engaging, impactful educational programs that inspire participants to connect with and appreciate the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
• Use storytelling, inquiry-based teaching, and hands-on experiences to make Yellowstone’s natural, cultural, and geological history come alive for participants of all backgrounds.
• Foster curiosity and deeper understanding by encouraging participants to explore complex ecological and cultural topics, empowering them to think critically about conservation and stewardship.
• Continuously deepen your own knowledge of Yellowstone’s ecosystems, wildlife, geology, and history, enhancing your expertise as an educator and program leader.
• Prepare thoroughly for programs by ensuring all logistical details are in place, including materials, schedules, and participant readiness.

Logistics and Accountability

• Complete essential administrative tasks, such as submitting accurate timecards on schedule, managing program-related paperwork, and following organizational procedures.
• Conduct and document vehicle safety inspections, ensuring YF vehicles, including 14-passenger minibuses, meet safety standards and are program-ready.
• Manage and maintain program equipment, ensuring all tools and supplies are organized, functional, and accessible.
• Adhere to all YF policies and National Park Service regulations, maintaining professionalism and respect for Yellowstone’s resources and visitors.

Safety and Risk Management

• Anticipate and address potential risks during programs, applying proactive field-based risk management strategies to safeguard participants and staff.
• Demonstrate sound judgment and professionalism in responding to emergencies or unexpected challenges in the field.
  Serve as a role model for safety preparedness and risk mitigation, ensuring participant comfort and well-being.

Team Collaboration and Supervision

• Work under the supervision of the Field Education Manager, maintaining open communication to align your work with organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with Lead Field Educators and colleagues to support seamless program delivery and participant satisfaction.
• Actively contribute to a team culture of collaboration, positivity, and mutual support, assisting colleagues and sharing insights to enhance educational delivery.

Participant Engagement and Representation

• Serve as an enthusiastic and knowledgeable representative of Yellowstone Forever, inspiring participants to support the organization’s mission through education and philanthropy.
• Cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment that encourages participants to engage deeply with Yellowstone’s natural and cultural resources.
• Engage participants with professionalism, enthusiasm, and curiosity, creating memorable experiences that leave lasting impressions.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in teaching, environmental education, interpretation, or a related field, with a passion for inspiring and engaging diverse audiences.
• Proven outdoor leadership skills, including the ability to safely manage group dynamics in varied and challenging field conditions.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively share complex ecological, geological, and cultural concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
• Commitment to professionalism and fostering a supportive, positive, and collaborative team culture that encourages mutual respect and shared success.
• Solution-oriented mindset with the ability to navigate challenges constructively and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring readiness for programs and adherence to administrative deadlines such as timecards and reports.
• Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications, or willingness to obtain and maintain these certifications prior to employment.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license with a favorable driving record and the ability to meet Yellowstone Forever’s driver training and Department of Transportation medical requirements.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of education and teamwork.
• Physical ability to hike up to 12 miles on uneven terrain, carry up to 40 pounds, and work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions typical of the Yellowstone region.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of Yellowstone’s ecology, geology, and cultural history.
• Certifications in National Association for Interpretation (NAI) programs, such as Certified Interpretive Guide or Certified Interpretive Host, or Leave No Trace.
• Experience delivering programs to youth, adults, or multi-day audiences in a field education setting.
• Wilderness First Responder certification or other advanced wilderness medical training.
• Previous experience working in a nonprofit or conservation-focused organization.
• Familiarity with field education operations, including program logistics and risk management.