Field Educator

Description

Position:
Field Educator (Seasonal)

Location:

Gardiner, Montana

Reports To:

Field Education Manager

Status:
Seasonal/Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park, working to protect, preserve, and enhance the park through education and philanthropy. By connecting people to Yellowstone through high-quality educational programs and visitor experiences, YF inspires a lifelong appreciation for the park’s natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural history. YF supports the park through partnerships with the National Park Service and operates Park Stores, the Yellowstone Forever Institute, and a robust supporter program.

Field Educators are essential to Yellowstone Forever’s mission, delivering transformative educational experiences that inspire lifelong connections to Yellowstone National Park. Reporting to the Field Education Manager, Field Educators are knowledgeable professionals who bring expertise in natural, cultural, and geologic history to every program they lead. They are skilled communicators, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and personal engagement with the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Field Educators are also accomplished outdoor leaders, ensuring the safety, inclusivity, and enjoyment of participants in dynamic and often challenging environments. These professionals are committed to promoting stewardship, adhering to Leave No Trace principles, and upholding the mission and values of Yellowstone Forever. As frontline representatives of the organization, Field Educators play a pivotal role in cultivating meaningful connections with participants while inspiring advocacy for the park’s preservation and future.

Success in this role requires adaptability, collaboration, and a passion for education, conservation, and delivering exceptional participant experiences. Field Educators are not only leaders in program delivery but also ambassadors of Yellowstone Forever’s mission to connect people to this extraordinary place.

Yellowstone Forever provides a diverse range of educational programs, each varying in complexity, depth, and duration. New Field Educators will begin their journey by leading foundational programs designed to introduce participants to general knowledge about Yellowstone’s unique ecosystem, wildlife, geology, and cultural history. As educators demonstrate content mastery, effective teaching skills, and a strong understanding of the park’s resources, they will have opportunities to progress delivering more advanced, specialized, and longer-duration programs that require a higher level of expertise and engagement.

• Deliver engaging, impactful educational programs that inspire participants to connect with and appreciate the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
• Use storytelling, inquiry-based teaching, and hands‑on experiences to make Yellowstone’s natural, cultural, and geological history come alive for participants of all backgrounds.
• Foster curiosity and deeper understanding by encouraging participants to explore complex ecological and cultural topics, empowering them to think critically about conservation and stewardship.
• Continuously deepen your own knowledge of Yellowstone’s ecosystems, wildlife, geology, and history, enhancing your expertise as an educator and program leader.
• Prepare thoroughly for programs by ensuring all logistical details are in place, including materials, schedules, and participant readiness.

• Complete essential administrative tasks, such as submitting accurate timecards on schedule, managing program‑related paperwork, and following organizational procedures.
• Conduct and document vehicle safety inspections, ensuring YF vehicles, including 14‑passenger minibuses, meet safety standards and are program‑ready.
• Manage and maintain program equipment, ensuring all tools and supplies are organized, functional, and accessible.
• Adhere to all YF policies and National Park Service regulations, maintaining professionalism and respect for Yellowstone’s resources and visitors.