Jobs at EPI

Year-round Positions

Staff turnover is typically low, although our needs continue to evolve as our programs grow. As year-round positions become available, we will announce them here. We also have some great volunteer opportunities. Please contact us if you have any questions about our organization or about how you can become involved.

Recruitment Coordinator – Application period is closed

Location: Missoula, Montana.

Description:
Ecology Project International seeks a Recruitment Coordinator who will work with the Director of Academic Programs to implement and refine EPI’s marketing, sales, and recruitment strategies to student and adult markets in the U.S. and abroad. Responsibilities involve recruiting students and teachers via implementation of direct mailing campaigns; trade shows and conferences; school visits; direct sales; communications and public relations; plus additional marketing-related work.

Qualifications:

_Direct marketing and sales:_

• Teacher outreach and sales: Enroll new and returning schools, teachers, and students in EPI’s field-science programs by phone and e-mail. Develop and manage relationships with past and current participating teachers and schools. Make initial contacts through references and cold-calls to provide all necessary information for future customers. Follow up with e-mail and phone support on a regular basis to all managed accounts.
• School visits: Plan and execute effective school-visit campaign. This includes making arrangements with schools, teachers, administrators, and students; preparation and delivery of support materials; advertising as appropriate on school websites and teacher web pages; presenting slide shows to parents, teachers, and students, and necessary follow-up which will include phone calls plus sending additional information and emails to all potential participants.
• Conferences/ Trade Shows: Lead preparation, execution, and follow-up associated with trade show and conference participation. Preparation includes making conference and exhibitor reservations; printing and mailing pre-show mailings and handouts; preparing the booth and practicing presentations. Execution includes travel to the conference, representing EPI at the trade show, and presenting EPI’s work to teachers and show attendees. Follow up includes compiling relevant information in our database, mailing out supporting information and follow-up phone calls to conference contacts.
• Direct Mailing campaigns: Assist in planning, execution, and follow-up of direct mailing and direct e-mailing campaigns including timeline creation; materials review; printing and mailing assembly, plus all follow-up calls and subsequent mailings.

_Recruitment support:_

• Marketing materials preparation and development: Assist in the maintenance and dissemination of marketing materials, collateral, outreach tools, and direct mailings.
• Database support: Maintain schools database by updating school pages; adding new information; and tracking teacher communication.
• Office support: Preparation and mailing of educator trunks, pre- and post- course document support, thank you letters, parent and school follow-up calls.

Secondary responsibilities:

• Work with the Director of Academic Programs to complete market research in strategically prioritized geographic and demographic areas.
• Work with the Advancement Director and Executive Director to publicize and market EPI adult and family trips

Qualifications:

_Required:_

• Bachelor’s degree
• Prior marketing and sales experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Outgoing/high energy personality
• 1-2 years experience with Microsoft office standard applications, including Access, Excel, Word, and Adobe In-Design.
• Detail oriented
• Good sense of humor
• High degree of organization and persistence
• Ability to work independently including the ability to simultaneously manage discreet projects and on-going accounts
• The ideal candidate will be confident, out-going, well-spoken, creative, and persistent
• Maintain good humor and apply professional, common-sense solutions to everyday challenges

_Preferred:_

• Embrace the mission and goals of EPI
• Master’s degree in sales, marketing, or communication;
• Experience living and working in Latin America, especially Mexico, Costa Rica, and/or Ecuador;
• Experience using web-based sales and marketing databases like Salesforce.com
• Experience working in education or travel industries

Schedule: The Recruitment Coordinator will work full time in our Missoula office with occasional travel for conferences and school visits throughout North America.

Compensation: $25,000-30,000/year, depending on experience, plus an excellent benefits package that includes paid time off, sick leave, holidays, health insurance, retirement and professional development.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Recruitment Coordinator may supervise interns and volunteers for specific projects.

To apply send, fax, or email your cover letter and resume to:

Recruitment Coordinator Hiring
Ecology Project International
P.O. Box 9192
Missoula, MT, 59807 USA
info@ecologyproject.org
(406) 721-8784 phone / (406) 721-7060 fax

Seasonal Positions

Yellowstone Wildlife Field Ecology Instructor – Application period closes 3/19/2010

Location: Montana, USA.

Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to teach 7 to 9 day field ecology courses to high school students in Montana, USA. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. Each summer, EPI offers residential ecology courses to U.S. and international student groups from June through August in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Students camp in the Gallatin National Forest while working with the US Forest Service to collect data for various wildlife research projects. During the course, students also spend a few days in the Centennial Valley collecting data for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and working on restoration service projects with The Nature Conservancy. Additionally, they explore Yellowstone National Park and go whitewater rafting.

Responsibilities:
• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.
• Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education programs to a diversity of high school students in English.
• Plan, lead, and instruct courses based on the group’s expectations.
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• 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 complete feedback and evaluation forms.
• Oversee and/or lead research activities accordance with local research protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
• Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.
• Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.

Qualifications:
_Required:_
• Desire to make a difference in the world;
• Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young adults;
• Enthusiasm for leading student groups in remote areas;
• English fluency;
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field;
• Field research experience;
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record;
• Experience and skill camping and ability to teach the same;
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Advanced First Aid & CPR certifications; and a
• Minimum 21 years of age.

_Preferred:_
• Wildlife biology research experience, especially with species of the Rocky Mountains;
• Knowledge and familiarity with the Rocky Mountains, especially the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem;
• Master’s degree in related field;
• Spanish fluency.

Compensation: Lodging in Missoula, MT. Room and board while on-course, work related travel expenses, and $55 – 80/day (including season completion bonus). Instructors who have a current Wilderness First Responder certification will receive an additional $10 per day.

Dates: The program season is from early June to the end of August 2010. Instructors must participate in a required unpaid training session held in early June in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

To apply send cover letter, resume, and completed EPI application (available as PDF or as a word document) to:
Yellowstone Instructor Hiring
Ecology Project International
P.O. Box 9192
Missoula, MT, 59807 USA
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
(406) 721-8784 phone / (406) 721-7060 fax

Yellowstone Wildlife Ecology Program Internship – Application period closes 3/19/2010

Location: Montana, USA.

Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring two Service Learning Campus Corps AmeriCorps Members to serve as field interns, assisting with 7 to 9 day field ecology courses for high school students in Montana, USA. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. Each summer, EPI offers residential ecology courses to U.S. and international student groups from June through August in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Students camp in the Gallatin National Forest while working with the US Forest Service to collect data for various wildlife research projects. During the course, students also spend a few days in the Centennial Valley collecting data for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and working on restoration service projects with The Nature Conservancy. Additionally, they explore Yellowstone National Park and go whitewater rafting.

To learn more about Campus Corps at University of Montana, please visit their website.

Responsibilities:

• Actively participate in all EPI field courses and assume a leadership role on course.
• Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.
• Enforce EPI policies and guidelines and role-model protected area regulations.
• Serve as a mentor for students.
• Support field instructors before, during, and after the field courses.
• Support field research data collection.
• Distribute, collect, inventory, and clean equipment.
• Supervise group cooking and camping chores.
• Assist in the preparation and closure of each course, as well as the larger program season.
• When not on course with students, provide support to the Missoula Montana EPI office.
• Show and maintain and positive attitude.

Schedule
This is a 450-hour position during our program season from early June to the end of August. Field interns must participate in a required unpaid training session held in early June in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Yellowstone Ecology Program Field Interns will work primarily in the field during the program season assisting with EPI field courses in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. When not on course the field interns will work in the Missoula Montana EPI office.

Qualifications:
_Required:_

• Currently enrolled as a university student – undergraduate or graduate;
• Desire to make a difference in the world;
• Enthusiasm for working with student groups in remote areas;
• Leadership experience;
• Experience working as part of a team;
• Experience camping and living in outdoors;
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record;
• Minimum 18 years of age.

_Preferred:_

• Knowledge of the Rocky Mountains, especially the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem;
• Field research experience;
• Teaching experience.

Accountability: Depending on the project, the intern is responsible to the Field Instructors, Program Coordinator, and Program Associate.

Compensation: This is a Campus Corps Service-Learning position, through AmeriCorps. Upon completion of 450 hour requirement, the Member will receive a $1,250 Education Award. The Education Award can be used for expenses associated with future education or to pay back qualified student loans. It is possible to receive academic credit for service completed; please check with Campus Corps and your department for this possibility. In addition to the Education Award, EPI will provide lodging in Missoula, MT; room and board while on-course; and a stipend of $100 per week worked.

To download an application click here

Interested applicants should send their letter of interest, resume, and application to:

Ecology Project International
P.O. Box 9192
Missoula, MT, 59807 USA
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
(406) 721-8784 phone / (406) 721-7060 fax

Mexico Island Ecology Program Internship – Application period is closed

Location: Baja California Sur, Mexico

Description:
The main role of the Mexico Island Ecology Program Intern is to assist the instructor team and program staff in delivering a top-notch educational program. EPI recognizes that interns come with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We wish to leverage this diversity; with your energy and enthusiasm, we hope to accomplish the following:

1. Enhance the experience of our students, teachers and staff; and,
2. Positively increase your professional and personal development,
3. Stimulate your creativity and solicit your input in order to improve and strengthen EPI’s programming.

Responsibilities:
􀂃 Leadership:
• Help Instructors in prioritizing student safety ;
• Assist Instructors in enforcing EPI policies and procedures;
• Help promote and maintain a positive learning environment;
• Role-model and teach Protected Area regulations;
• Actively participate in all courses;
• Help to maintain a safe environment for EPI participants;
• Serve as a mentor for students.

 Instructor support:
• Clean meeting area and prep for classes (clear area, arrange chairs, etc.);
• Attend and participate in all activities and class sessions;
• Collect student contact information and email addresses in the participant profile;
• Verify that each group signs the journal with their school name and dates. Encourage all students to place some drawing, poem, thought, story, etc. in the student journal.

 Field Research:
• Provide support for field research projects;
• Assist in prep-work for snorkel surveys.

 Student-teaching: Prepare to co-lead the following activities as soon as possible (probably within 1-2 groups):
• Name games
• Group initiatives or challenges
• Co-lead or lead curriculum pieces and data collection activities (probably within 4-5 weeks)

 Equipment maintenance:
• Distribute, collect, inventory, and clean EPI equipment;
• Oversee general maintenance and order of: art supplies, EPI library, research equipment, Instructor supplies, meeting areas and common spaces.

 Preparation for season culminating event:
• Site prep-work: Set-up chairs, tables, and displays;
• Assist in the collection and solicitation of raffle prizes;
• Assist with student sign-up and organization: Greet and register students and other attendees, make name-tags, pass out programs;
• Breakdown: Assist in cleaning site, organizing and collecting student work.

 Season wrap-up:
• Clean and inventory all equipment and materials;
• Participate in Staff Retreat.
• Show and Maintain and positive attitude

Qualifications:
_Required:_
1. The desire to make a difference in the world.
2. Flexibility and ability to work with others in a remote setting.
3. Leadership experience.
4. Experience working as part of a team.
5. Conversational Spanish.
6. Strong swimming and snorkeling experience.
7. Minimum 18 years of age.

_Preferred:_
1. Knowledge of marine, coastal, and/or desert ecology experience.
2. Field research experience.
3. Knowledge and familiarity with Mexico, especially Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortez.
4. Teaching experience.
5. Spanish and English fluency.
6. Sea kayak experience.

Schedule: The Mexico Island Ecology Program Intern will work primarily in the field during the program season assisting with EPI field courses on Isla Espiritu Santo, 5 days a week (typically Monday through Friday, but not always). The intern is encouraged to spend one or two weeks assisting with program coordination and outreach in the EPI office in La Paz. When working in the office, the intern will work 30 hours per week, Monday through Friday. The available openings for field interns are:
Spring Island Ecology Program: March 15th – May 18th, 2009 (Training March 4th).

Accountability: Depending on the project, the intern is responsible to the Field Instructors, Program Coordinator, and Program Associate.

Compensation: The Mexico Island Ecology Program Intern will receive a stipend of $100 per week worked. During EPI field ecology courses all travel, lodging, and food expenses will be covered by EPI. Lodging at the EPI campus will be provided during the term of the internship.

To download an application click here

Application in spanish click here

*Interested applicants should send their letter of interest, resume, and application to:

Ecology Project International
P.O. Box 9192
Missoula, MT, 59807 USA
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
(406) 721-8784 phone / (406) 721-7060 fax

Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program Field Instructor – Application period is closed

Location: Costa Rica

Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to teach and lead 4 to 12 day field ecology courses in Costa Rica. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. Our main project site in Costa Rica is a 2,000 acre rainforest reserve on the Caribbean coast. This reserve has 4 miles of an important nesting beach for endangered leatherback sea turtles, which are the primary focus of study in our programs. EPI offers sea turtle conservation courses to both Costa Rican and International student groups (mainly from US). Additionally, international students explore rainforest ecology, participate in a reforestation project at a biological station, exchange with a local school, and enjoy an exciting whitewater rafting trip.

Responsibilities:
• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.
• Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education programs to a diversity of high school,middle school, or university students in both English and Spanish.
• Plan, lead, and instruct courses based on the group’s expectations.
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• 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 complete feedback and evaluation forms.
• Oversee and/or lead research activities accordance with local research protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
• Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.
• Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.

Qualifications:
_Required:_
• Desire to make a difference in the world;
• Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young adults;
• Enthusiasm for leading student groups in remote areas;
• Spanish and English fluency;
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field;
• Field research experience;
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Advanced First Aid & CPR certifications; and a
• Minimum 21 years of age.

_Preferred:_
• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working in remote Latin American settings;
• Knowledge and familiarity with Costa Rica, especially the Caribbean slope;
• Proven research experience with sea turtles and rainforest ecology; and a
• Wilderness First Responder Certification.

Compensation: Lodging in San Jose during field season, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $50-80/day (including season completion bonus). Instructors who have a current WFR certification will receive an additional $10 per day.

Dates: The program season is early March through the end of July 2010. Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session to be held in late February – early March in Costa Rica.

To apply send cover letter, resume, and completed EPI application (available as PDF or as a word document) to:
Costa Rica Instructor Hiring
Ecology Project International
P.O. Box 9192
Missoula, MT, 59807 USA
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
(406) 721-8784 phone / (406) 721-7060 fax

Galapagos Islands Ecology Program — Field Instructor
Application period is closed

Location: Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to teach and lead 12 day field ecology courses in Galapagos Islands Ecuador. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. During the Galapagos Islands Ecology Program, international student groups (primarily from the US) spend time in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island monitoring biodiversity with Conservation International, collecting data for a Galapagos Tortoise rearing project and eradicating invasive species with the Galapagos National Park, interacting with local students high school students, and exploring the islands while living aboard a boat. Instructors may also lead day field trips and outreach activities for local Galapagos students.

Responsibilities:
• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.
• Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education programs to a diversity of high school, middle school,
or university students in both English and Spanish.
• Plan, lead, and instruct courses based on the group’s expectations.
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• 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 complete feedback and evaluation forms.
• Oversee and/or lead research activities accordance with local research protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
• Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.
• Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.

Qualifications:
Required:
• Desire to make a difference in the world;
• Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young adults;
• Enthusiasm for leading student groups in remote areas;
• Spanish and English fluency;
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field;
• Field research experience;
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Advanced First Aid & CPR certifications; and a
• Minimum 21 years of age.
Preferred:
• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience working in remote Latin American settings;
• Knowledge and familiarity with the Galapagos Islands; and a
• Wilderness First Responder Certification.

Compensation: Lodging in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Islands, Galapagos during field season, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $50-80/day (including season completion bonus). Instructors who have a current WFR certification will receive an additional $10 per day.

Dates: The program season is early March through the end of July 2010. Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session to be held in late February – early March in the Galapagos Islands.

To apply send cover letter, resume, and completed EPI application (available as a PDF or as a word document) to:
Galapagos Instructor Hiring
Ecology Project International
P.O. Box 9192
Missoula, MT, 59807 USA

Mexico Field Instructor, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Application period is closed

Description:
Ecology Project International (EPI) is hiring instructors to teach field ecology courses to middle, high school, and university students in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Our programs introduce students to real-world scientific study, raise cultural and ecological awareness, and promote international conservation efforts. Our project site in Baja California Sur consists of two distinct field ecology programs, the Island Ecology Program and the Whale Ecology Program; both programs are offered to local Mexican and international student groups. During the Island Ecology Program students camp for several nights on a beach located on Isla Espiritu Santo in the Gulf of California, and while snorkeling collect data for local scientists as part of a marine invertebrate research project. The Whale Ecology Program is a boat-based program in the Gulf of California between Loreto and Cabo Pulmo where students live and study aboard a research vessel while assisting scientists in a whale observation project. In addition, EPI runs workshop series and events from its La Paz Campus.
Responsibilities:
• Provide and lead a positive experience for EPI participants in the field.
• Promote and ensure a safe learning/living environment.
• Plan, lead, and instruct quality experiential environmental education programs to a diversity of high school, middle school,
or university students in both English and Spanish.
• Plan, lead, and instruct courses based on the group’s expectations.
• Be sensitive to the health and welfare of all participants and meet their developmental needs.
• 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 complete feedback and evaluation forms.
• Oversee and/or lead research activities accordance with local research protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges and emergencies on course.
• Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.
• Mentor EPI interns in the developing their skills and completing their expectations.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.

Qualifications:
Required:
• Desire to make a difference in the world;
• Proven field teaching and outdoor leadership experience with young adults;
• Enthusiasm for leading student groups in remote areas;
• Spanish and English fluency;
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or related field;
• Field research experience;
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Advanced First Aid & CPR certifications; and a
• Minimum 21 years of age.
Preferred:
• Master’s degree in related field;
• Knowledge and familiarity with Mexico, especially Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortez;
• Marine biology research experience, especially with cetaceans or marine invertebrates;
• Sea kayaking or boating experience;
• Current life guard certification; and a
• Wilderness First Responder certification.

Compensation: Lodging in La Paz, Baja California Sur during field season, room and board while on-course, work related in-country travel, and $50 – 80/day (including season completion bonus). Instructors who have a current WFR certification will receive an additional $10 per day.

Dates: Program season is the end of January through mid May 2010. Instructors will participate in a required unpaid training session to be held in mid January in Mexico. There will also be a brief training in March.

To apply send cover letter, resume, and completed EPI application (available as a PDF or as a word document) to:

Mexico Instructor Hiring
Ecology Project International
P.O. Box 9192
Missoula, MT, 59807 USA
info@ecologyproject.org
(406) 721-8784 phone / (406) 721-7060 fax