Overview
Program description:
The Bitterroot Wildlife Internship (BWI) program, a partnership between Ecology Project International (EPI) and MPG Ranch, offers high school students a unique opportunity for ecological education, conservation service, and hands-on field research at MPG Ranch in Florence, Montana. Each month-long session includes six interns who collaborate with MPG staff or partners on research, service projects, and outreach efforts, while developing their own study. EPI and MPG Ranch have partnered on this program since 2014 to provide an enriching ecological research and conservation experience.
Job Summary:
EPI is hiring two field instructors to mentor 12 interns for BWI this summer. From Monday to Thursday, instructors and interns will spend time at MPG Ranch, completing conservation projects (10hrs/week), conducting ecological research (16hrs/week), and learning about the Bitterroot Valley ecosystem (6hrs/week), all while camping on-site. Instructors will lead activities such as invasive species mitigation, fence repair, and wildlife research, while helping interns build skills in Leave No Trace, wildlife observation, and nature journaling. Instructors are responsible for supervision, safety, and risk management.
Key responsibilities and duties:
Provide and lead a positive experience for BWI interns in the field.
Promote and ensure an inclusive and high quality learning/living environment.
Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education lessons to a diverse group of interns.
Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
Participate in all staff development sessions throughout the season including staff training, staff meetings, staff retreats, and feedback/evaluation forms.
Provide feedback to and receive feedback from co-instructors and program staff, and effectively integrate feedback into work.
Oversee and/or lead research activities in accordance with research protocols.
Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk management protocols.
Establish and maintain clear communication with interns, partners, co-instructor, and EPI staff.
Mentor interns’ planning and completion of independent research projects.
Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
Respond to medical emergencies and provide appropriate first aid following EPI’s medical protocols and according to your level of training.
Conduct all intern activities with rigorous attention to risk management.
Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI/MPG policies and protocols.
Promptly and accurately complete and file required program paperwork.
Drive EPI/MPG vehicles in accordance with policy to transport students and gear.
Show and maintain a positive attitude.
Keep internship gear and vehicles organized, clean, and in good working order.
Other duties as assigned.
About Ecology Project International
EPI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and high school students. We engage adolescent youth from local communities and visiting youth from other regions in applied hands-on science and conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats. Through EPI’s programs in five countries throughout the U.S. and Latin America, teens are inspired and empowered to engage in conservation efforts at home and worldwide to become the next generation of conservation leaders. More information can be found at www.epiyellowstone.org.