Murie Program and Interpretive Assistant

The Murie Program and Interpretive Assistant is a seasonal position with Teton Science Schools’ Outdoor Learning Experiences team based at the Murie Ranch, a National Historic Landmark District in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) that was home to Olaus and Mardy, and Adolf and Louise Murie. The Muries, Olaus and Mardy especially, were key figures in the modern conservation movement, ahead of their time in the fields of ecology, political advocacy and education. The Ranch was the birthplace of the Wilderness Act and other legislation and conversations around the protection of wilderness.

The Murie Program and Interpretive Assistant provides interpretation about the Murie legacy to a wide array of audiences including the general public and Teton Science Schools (TSS) participants. This is a dynamic position; a day may include chatting with visitors at the Murie Ranch, leading a formal docent tour of the Murie home, and supporting logistics of residential programming. The program assistant is part of the public facing team of the Murie Ranch, available and willing to answer questions from the general public as well as participants staying at the Murie Ranch. This position will provide campus-specific assistance to TSS staff when they are leading programs at the Murie Ranch. TSS hosts a number of Road Scholar programs –  educational travel trips for retirees –  on the Murie Ranch and this role will support evening activities and dinner, and offer general guest assistance during these week-long programs. Other duties could also include providing support for residential programs and other Murie Ranch events including the annual Spirit of Conservation Award and the weekly evening lecture series. 

The Murie Ranch, located near GTNP headquarters, is home to rustic and historic buildings that require care and upkeep throughout the season. We are a small, tight-knit team at the Ranch with varying responsibilities and have a culture of all pitching in to get the work done including washing dishes and light facilities work such as changing light bulbs and setting mouse traps.

Responsibilities:

• Interpretation & Instruction (50%)
• Programmatic Support (50%)
• Support Murie Ranch program coordinator and other TSS staff in Murie Ranch systems and logistics
• Set up and take down of rooms, welcome/greet? and provide orientation for residential participants
• Provide logistical support for residential programming at the Murie Ranch, especially evenings, and with Road Scholar programs.
• Serve in an on-call rotation

Qualifications:

• Valid Wilderness First Responder Certification
• Willingness to learn about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Murie legacy through self-directed study
• Experience developing and leading interpretive programs or historic tours for the general public
• Interpersonal skills to maintain open and effective communication, including ability to give and receive feedback
• Desire to work as a collaborative team member
• Commitment to fostering a welcoming space for visitors, participants and fellow staff.
• Ability to use Google Suite products
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Successful applicants must pass a criminal history background check and driving record review prior to start date

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements 

• Programming primarily based out of Murie Ranch, with support across TSS campuses as needed.
• Stretches of time outdoors in all weather, including extreme temperatures and arid conditions.
• Stretches of time indoors in an office setting: sitting and standing for long stretches while using a computer.
• Non-traditional work weeks, including frequent weekends and evenings to support special programs or events.
• Ability to confidently drive fifteen passenger vans, canoe trailers and mini-buses to transport students, staff and equipment to field sites.

This job description is not meant to state or imply that these are the only duties performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their manager in compliance with federal and state laws.

Teton Science Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed or sexual orientation in any of its policies or programs.