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, Hawaii. 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 Hawaiian culture and participate in ecological restoration activities to learn unique perspectives and tools for addressing sustainability challenges.

Responsibilities:

• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.
• 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, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Give and receive quality feedback with co-workers and supervisor and integrate feedback into work.
• 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 according to your level of training.
• Understand, model, monitor, and enforce EPI policies and protocols.
• Participate in all EPI staff development sessions throughout the season, including staff training, staff meetings, staff retreats, and feedback/evaluation forms.
• Promptly and accurately complete paperwork associated with each course.
• Drive EPI vehicles to transport participating students and gear.
• Supervise and participate in group cooking and camping chores.
• 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:

• 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 & geology.
• 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.
• 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, rain, cold etc.) and hike up to 5 miles a day with a day pack and equipment, ability to conduct repetitive hand and arm motions, and able to maneuver in tight spaces including bending and kneeling.
• Legally able to work in the US.
• English fluency.

Preferred:

• 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 Hawaiian Island ecology, history, culture, and language.
• Lifeguard Certification

Schedule and Location: The Hawaii Island Ecology program will run from mid-February 2023 through the beginning of August 2023.   Instructors will work approximately 8 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 1-2 days off between courses. Total expected work days during the season is 80 - 90 days.

Instructors are also required to participate in unpaid pre-employment training sessions in Late January / Early February.  Training expenses and meals are covered, but no wages will be paid to instructors.

*Pre-season preparation:  There may be opportunities for instructors located on Maui to support pre-season program preparation during January 2023.  This role includes the purchase and organization of course equipment, communications with partners and vendors, and course planning.  Compensation would be an hourly wage based on your starting daily wage (Estimated: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour).  Flexible hours.  Anticipated up to ~ 60 - 80 hours total.

Compensation: 

• $150 - $200 per day starting wage, determined by evaluation of prior experience and qualifications.
• Instructors designated as course leaders will make an additional $10 a day.
• Room and board while on-course.

Questions can be directed to: U.S. Regional Program Manager, Alexei Desmarais, alexei@ecologyproject.org