Murie Ranch Interpretive Lead & PA

vPosition Start Date: May 9, 2024

Position Description: The Murie Ranch Interpretive Lead & Program 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 interpretive lead provides interpretation about the Murie legacy to the general public and Teton Science Schools (TSS) participants, and trains and supports the volunteer docents. 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, giving an evening lecture on wildflower ecology and reading up on the history of the Muries. The interpretive lead is the public face 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 also support other TSS staff when they are leading programs at the Murie Ranch. Other duties include providing support and instruction for residential education 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. 

Responsibilities:

Interpretation & Instruction (70%)

• Develop and provide interpretive programs about the Muries, the Murie legacy and the Murie Ranch for the general public, TSS field education programming, and special events
• Give ecology lectures for adult residential programs
• Collaborate with and manage Murie Ranch docents to provide interpretive tours

Programmatic Support (30%)

• Support Murie Ranch program coordinator and other TSS staff in Murie Ranch systems and logistics
• Set up and take down of rooms, welcoming and orienting residential participants

Qualifications:

• Experience developing and leading interpretive programs or historic tours for the general public
• Willingness to learn about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Murie legacy through self-directed study
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education and in the workplace
• Interpersonal skills to maintain open and effective communication, including ability to give and receive feedback
• Desire to work as a collaborative team member
• Ability to use Google Suite products
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification
• 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.

Benefits:

• Daily rate of $137.5/day for 1st year interpretive leads, $145.65 for 2nd year  interpretive leads, and $150.70 for 3rd+ year interpretive leads.
• Auxiliary pay of $40 for additional evening programs.
• Pro Deals from brand name outdoor companies.
• Limited employee housing available for rent. Pet-free.
• Meals available while working when groups are on campus.

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.