Overview
Schedule and Location: The Hawaiʻi Island Ecology program will run from early May 2023 through the beginning of August 2023. Instructors will work approximately 5 field courses during the program season. Each course includes: 1-2 days of pre-course preparation, 7-9 field days, and 1 – 1.5 days of post course clean-up / closing. Instructors will typically have a week or so off between courses. Total expected work days during the season is 54-60 days.
Instructors are also required to participate in unpaid pre-employment training prior to the start of their first course in early May. Pre-employment training will consist of some online modules to be completed at the candidate’s own pace a-synchronously, and a couple days of in-field training on Maui from May 4th – 6th. In-field training expenses and meals are covered, but no wages will be paid to instructors.
Compensation:
$150 – $200 per day starting wage, determined by evaluation of prior experience and qualifications. Total expected compensation $8,800 – $11,000
Instructors designated as course leaders will make an additional $10 a day.
Room and board while on-course.**
**Instructors will be responsible for securing their own lodging and transportation between courses
Description: Field instructors in the EPI’s Hawaii Program lead seven to nine-day field ecology courses for teenage students and teachers on the island of Maui, Hawaiʻi. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, engage them in conservation service projects, and raise their cultural and ecological awareness.
The program emphasis is watershed ecology, sustainable living, and conservation within a cultural context. Groups will participate in land and water-based conservation efforts in support of state and federal endangered species recovery efforts. Students will collect data on invasive plant species and conduct marine-life snorkel transects to collect data for on-going reef monitoring projects that support community-based conservation initiatives. Students will also be immersed in local Hawaiʻian culture and participate in ecological restoration activities to learn unique perspectives and tools for addressing sustainability challenges.
An ideal candidate will demonstrate experience and aptitude in environmental education, field research, outdoor leadership, and/or the ecology, geography, and cultures of the Hawaiʻian Islands. Instructors work as a team of three 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.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field; or equivalent experience.
Experience delivering science and ecology-based curriculum.
Outdoor leadership experience working with young adults in remote areas.
Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and demonstrated ability to work with youth across a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Field research experience.
Knowledge and familiarity with marine ecosystems, tropical island ecology and geology.
Required Skills:
Experience supervising open-water activities such as snorkeling.
Experience and prior success working well on a small team in a dynamic and changing work environment.
Experience camping; ability to teach camping skills to teens who may have little to no camping experience.
Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA or higher) and CPR certifications.
Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.
Experience driving participants in programmatic vehicles in variable road conditions.
Minimum 21 years of age.
Preferred Skills:
2-3 years of prior experience instructing middle to high school students in a formal or informal setting.
Ecology research experience, especially in tropical marine or island environments.
Wilderness First Responder Certification
Knowledge and familiarity with Hawaiʻian Island ecology, history, culture, and language.
Lifeguard Certification
About Ecology Project International
EPI is an international non-profit dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and middle/high school students. We engage adolescents 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. 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.
