Major Function: Under the direction of the Lead Educators, the Outdoor Education Specialist I is responsible for the delivery of educational programming. Outdoor Education Specialists are the face of the Glacier Institute. You will be responsible for instructing field courses to a wide variety of audiences, ranging from ages 5-95. Outdoor Education Specialists will lead educational hikes within Glacier National Park, as well as the surrounding Flathead National Forest. The Glacier Institute specializes in place-based, hands-on learning of the natural sciences and cultural history, and we strive to empower students of all ages.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead field-based outdoor educational programs to a variety of ages. 
• Provide quality customer service to all guests.
• Manage students’ safety in unregulated outdoor environments by applying sound judgment, problem solving, and risk management skills.
• Administer and document first aid and appropriate emergency responses.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem and current applicable sciences.
• Safely operate 15 passenger vans/buses to transport students down rough dirt roads, up the highly technical Going-to-the-Sun Road, and along highway corridors.
• Display confidence and comfort working in adverse environmental conditions (snow, rain, 0°F - 100°F temperatures, mosquitoes/ticks, hazardous wildlife, etc.).
• Represent the Glacier Institute in its mission and goals.
• Periodically complete physically strenuous tasks during work days (e.g., shoveling, raking, trimming, mowing). 
• All other duties as assigned.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Education
  • A Bachelor's degree OR equivalent experience with a thorough knowledge of comprehensive natural/environmental processes.
• Experience
  • Delivery of educational programming (in or out of the classroom).
  • Customer service experience preferred. 
• Skills and abilities
  • Exceptional communication skills.
  • Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record and the ability to drive 300 miles daily.
  • Ability to hike 12 miles with up to 3,000 feet of elevation gain over steep, rocky, and potentially snowy terrain, and carry a pack up to 50 pounds.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to efficiently work independently with little instruction or supervision.
  • Ability to work and live in remote, off-grid locations with limited cell-phone service or immediate emergency services.
• Certifications
  • Basic First Aid / CPR required. WFA/WFR preferred.
  • Certified Interpretive Guide (NAI) preferred.
  • Montana Master Naturalist preferred.

Compensation:

• Housing and meals for employees are provided at no cost
• 2023 Employee entrance pass into Glacier and Waterton National Parks.
• Professional development opportunities and certifications available 
• Gear access through local partnerships - some items provided at no cost. This is more than your average pro deal (but we get those too!). 
• 4-day work week
• 5 days of paid leave
• Participation in expert-led Glacier Institute catalog course as space permits.
• Friends and family discounts for all Glacier Institute courses (subject to availability).
• $12 hourly (approximately $2000 monthly) with a flexible, sustainable schedule. Gratuities are also possible on guided educational courses.