Yellowstone Field Instructor Summer 2026

Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program

Multiple openings available. 

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Applications will close March 31, 2026 or when the position is filled.

 

About Ecology Project International 

EPI is an international non-profit dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and high school students. We engage adolescents from local communities, and visiting youth and teachers from other regions in applied, hands-on science and conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats. EPI’s programs in the U.S. and Latin America inspire the next generation of environmental leaders to engage in conservation efforts at home and around the world. More information can be found at
www.ecologyproject.org.

 

Program Description

Field instructors in the Ecology Project International (EPI) Yellowstone Program work in teams of 2-3 to teach five- to nine-day overnight field ecology courses for high school students, adult learners, and middle school groups in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, engage them in conservation service projects, and raise their cultural and ecological awareness.

During our Summer Ecology courses, students collaborate with research partners like the National Park Service on wildlife research, participate in conservation projects with local partners, and experience wildlife, geology, and whitewater rafting. Our summer courses involve camping in tents for the duration of the course just outside of the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

 

An ideal candidate will demonstrate experience and skills in environmental education, field research, outdoor leadership, and/or the ecology, geography and cultures of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Instructors work as a team with support from program staff to plan, lead, and teach EPI’s curriculum. Instructors coordinate logistics and opportunities with partners, vendors, group chaperones, and participants to craft an inspirational and educational experience. They are responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe physical and emotional learning environment. They are also responsible for participant well-being for the entire duration of the course.

Because of the diversity of Yellowstone participants and EPI staff, field instructors should have the skills to address implicit bias and be culturally responsive in interactions with students and co-workers. Instructors are also encouraged to identify ways in which we can enhance inclusivity in planning and implementing our program.

 

Responsibilities:

 

• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field with one to two co-instructors.
• Plan and deliver quality experiential environmental education lessons to diverse program participants.
• Create and foster an inclusive group culture and positive learning environment among participants and co-workers.
• Oversee and/or lead research activities in accordance with research protocols.
• Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk management protocols.
• Effectively collaborate and communicate with teachers, chaperones, participants, vendors, research partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI office staff.
• Give and receive quality feedback with co-workers and supervisor and integrate feedback into work.
• Drive EPI vehicles (between Missoula and Gardiner at the start and end of courses, then 2-4 hours per day on course) and tow a trailer to transport participating students and gear.
• Supervise group cooking and camping chores in a rotation with co-instructors, in a front country camp setting.
• Effectively manage logistics before, during, and after each course.
• Conduct all courses with rigorous attention to risk management.
• Respond to medical emergencies and provide appropriate first aid following EPI’s medical protocols and according to your level of training.
• Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI policies and protocols.
• Participate in pre-season training sessions and post-season closing sessions and relevant staff meetings, staff retreats, and feedback/evaluation sessions.
• Promptly and accurately complete paperwork associated with each course.
• Keep course gear organized, clean, and in good working order.
• Maintain effective self-care during extended trips and throughout the length of the season.
• Other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications:

Required:

• 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.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and CPR certifications (or higher). Applicants without a current WFR certification will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Experience delivering science and ecology-based curriculum.
• Overnight outdoor leadership experience working with young adults in remote areas.
• Field research experience.
• Experience and prior success working well on a small team in a dynamic and changing work environment.
• Experience camping in bear country; ability to teach camping skills to teens who may have little to no camping experience.
• 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 daypack 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 an insurable driving record.
• Experience driving participants in programmatic vehicles in variable road conditions.

• English fluency.

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment
• Commitment to EPI’s Mission and values
• Legally be able to work in the U.S.
• Minimum 21 years of age.

 

Preferred:

• 2-3 years of prior experience instructing middle to high school students in a formal or informal setting.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the Rocky Mountains, especially the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
• Wildlife biology research experience, especially with species of the Rocky Mountains.
• Experience working in field settings with teenage populations experiencing mental and emotional health challenges.
• Curriculum development experience.
• Experience towing trailers with work vehicles.

 

Reports to:

Yellowstone Program Supervisor, Christian Bazzano

 

Schedule and Location: Yellowstone summer field programs run from early May through mid August. Instructors will work an estimated 35 – 45 field days over the course of the summer. This does not include a mandatory 10 day (paid) instructor training, to be held both in the Missoula office and in Yellowstone at the start of each field season. This estimation is subject to change and schedules will vary throughout the program season. Course load may increase or decrease before season start.

 

Program Dates

Training Dates (required): May 6 – 15

Summer Ecology courses: May through early August 2026 (with a few courses mid August/early September)

Season Close Dates (required): August 5-7

 

Compensation:

• Average $170 – $186 per field day. ($10.85 per hour, plus overtime at 1.5 times the hourly wage ($16.28 per hour), for approximately 15-hour workdays when in the field and approximately 8-hour workdays in the office)
• Staff housing may be available for approximately $375/month
• At the discretion of EPI, grant of up to $250 for professional development.

Questions can be directed to: Yellowstone Program Supervisor, Christian Bazzano, christian@ecologyproject.org, 406-218-2585

EPI is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of these factors. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.