Major Function: Under the direction of the Day Program Director, 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 leading educational hikes and tours 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. Our ideal candidate has an innate curiosity and a zest for learning. 

Term: May 27th, 2025 - September 30th, 2025 (with potential opportunity to extend)

Applicants should know this is a demanding job with variable hours, but the impact for our community is evident. Outdoor Education Specialists need to be motivated by the mission to strengthen connections to the natural world through outdoor education, and understand that investing in our participants is of utmost importance to our mission. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Lead field-based outdoor educational programs to a variety of ages to include but not limited to:
    • Guided Hikes
    • Personalized Educational Tours
    • Going-to-the-Sun Road Educational Tours
    • Other Outdoor Educational Opportunities  
  • Provide quality customer service to all guests.
  • Manage participant 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 upon completion of extensive content training.
  • Safely operate 15 passenger vans/buses to transport participants down rough dirt roads, up the highly technical Going-to-the-Sun Road, and along highway corridors, for several hours daily.
  • Ensure equipment is maintained daily and kept clean (binoculars, vehicles, etc.)
  • 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.
  • Occasionally complete physically strenuous tasks during work days. 
  • 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).
    • Prior customer service experience.
  • Skills and abilities
    • Exceptional communication skills.
    • Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record and the ability to drive up to 300 miles daily.
    • Ability to hike 8 miles with up to 1,500 feet of elevation gain over steep, rocky, and potentially snowy terrain, and carry a pack weighing up to 50 pounds.
    • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with limited instruction or supervision during peak season.
    • Ability to work in remote, off-grid locations with limited to no cell-phone or immediate emergency services.
  • Certifications
    • Basic First Aid / CPR

Compensation:

• Housing for employees is provided at no cost.
• Meals are available for any staff member during group programming. 
• Annual employee entrance pass into Glacier and Waterton National Parks.
• Professional development opportunities and certifications available (Montana Master Naturalist, Certified Interpretive Guide, etc).
• 4-day work week.
• Earn up to 40 hours of paid leave.
• Participation in expert-led Glacier Institute catalog courses.
• Friends and family discounts for all Glacier Institute courses (subject to availability).
• $2300 monthly with a flexible, sustainable schedule. Gratuities are also possible on guided educational courses.