Field Education Specialist - Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative

Overview

Field Education Specialist Job Announcement

Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative

Application review will begin March 2nd and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Position will be open until filled.

The Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative (PVI) invites high school students to step into the role of emerging leaders while exploring Montana’s Paradise Valley and surrounding areas. Living at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch’s basecamp, students will immerse themselves in outdoor experiences, hands-on stewardship work, and place-based lessons in restoration and land management. Students will form meaningful connections with peers who share enthusiasm for ecology and conservation.

PVI brings together a cohort of twelve students guided by two experienced instructors. Students will conduct applied field studies with local partners that connect directly to ongoing initiatives in the region. From watershed restoration to rangeland ecology, students will gain exposure to real-world conservation challenges and practice the field methods used to address them. Working in small groups, students will contribute to a partner-driven project, analyze their findings, and present their work at a final showcase event.

Days will be spent outdoors and students will learn by doing, as instructors lead daily lessons weaving ecology, natural history, and leadership skill-building.

EPI is hiring two field education specialists who will serve as pre-season administrative assistants and program instructors to mentor twelve students in the Paradise Valley Conservation Leadership Initiative. 2026 is the inaugural season for PVI, presenting an opportunity to help develop an outdoor experiential education program from the beginning. They will work closely with the program coordinator to develop program aspects including procedures, policies, activities, curriculum, and equipment inventory.

Given the diversity of participants, field education specialists must address implicit bias and engage in culturally responsive interactions with students and colleagues. Serving as instructors, they will also play an active role in enhancing inclusivity throughout the program.

Pre-program

• Provide support in the planning, development, and implementation of PVI.
• Assist with the research, procurement, and management of program equipment, supplies, and materials.
• Support the development of curriculum, lesson plans, and educational activities aligned with program objectives and safety requirements.
• Assist in the creation of program materials, internal documentation, and participant-facing resources.
• Assist with program logistics, including scheduling, coordination with partners, and preparation of instructional materials.
• Support administrative and documentation needs, including recordkeeping, data entry, reporting, waivers, and compliance-related paperwork.
• Participate in planning meetings and collaborate with staff and partner organizations as needed.
• Provide general administrative and programmatic support to ensure successful program execution.

During program

• Provide and lead a positive experience for PVI students 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 students.
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• Provide feedback to and receive feedback from co-instructors and program staff, and effectively integrate feedback into work.
• Oversee and/or lead conservation and research activities in accordance with EPI and partner organization protocols.
• Lead conservation service projects in accordance with risk management protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with students, partners, co-instructor, and EPI staff.
• Mentor students’ planning and completion of 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.
• C…