Lead Field Educator

Position:                 Lead Field Educator - Environmental Education
Location:                 Gardiner, Montana
Reports To:             Field Education Manager
Status:                      Full-Time/Non-Exempt

Salary:                     $26.00 - $35.00 range, DOE

Summary Description
Yellowstone Forever (YF) is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park. Our mission is to protect, preserve, and enhance Yellowstone National Park through education and philanthropy. YF connects people to Yellowstone through outstanding visitor experiences and educational programs and translates those experiences into lifelong support of the park and philanthropic investment in its future. Our educational programming and products help people enhance their understanding and appreciation of the wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural history of the park. YF’s operations include Park Stores in and around Yellowstone; the Yellowstone Forever Institute, which offers in-depth educational programing for people of all ages; and a supporter program which raises funds for priority park projects.

Lead Field Educators are integral members of Yellowstone Forever’s educational team, dedicated to inspiring learners from around the world through transformative experiences in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. They bring deep knowledge of the region’s natural, geologic, and cultural history, and are skilled outdoor leaders who foster safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments. In addition to delivering high-quality field programs, Lead Field Educators serve as mentors to instructional staff, support program coordination, and contribute to the development of educational materials and seasonal training initiatives. They play a key role in representing Yellowstone Forever’s mission and values both in the field and through public-facing engagements.

Primary Responsibilities 

Instructional Leadership & Program Delivery

• Design and deliver engaging, well-organized educational programs for diverse audiences, fostering meaningful connections to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and cultivating a community of park stewards.


• Demonstrate exceptional communication and instructional skills; tailor teaching approaches to varied learning styles and empower participants to explore and form their own perspectives on complex environmental and cultural topics.


• 
  Lead training for field education staff on a range of instructional topics, with a focus on environmental education best practices, youth engagement strategies, and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned curriculum; serve as the organizational expert in these areas.


• Prepare participants for field experiences through thorough pre-course and daily orientations.


• Assist in the development and maintenance of educational materials and field equipment.


• Curate high-quality audio, visual, and written content for educational and outreach purposes.

Staff Development & Mentorship

• Provide mentorship to field education staff, supporting their growth in natural and cultural history knowledge, instructional techniques, and professional practice.


• Conduct program observations and offer constructive feedback to enhance instructional quality and staff development.


• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture among Yellowstone Forever staff, contractors, volunteers, board members, and partners.

Organizational Representation & Outreach

• Represent and promote Yellowstone Forever during press trips, donor engagement experiences, outreach events, and field-based programming.


• Clearly articulate and positively represent the Yellowstone Forever mission; encourage public engagement through education and philanthropic support.


• Support program coordination, including responding to inquiries via phone and email.

Knowledge & Compliance

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including natural, cultural, and geologic history, wildlife, and current management issues.


• Adhere to Yellowstone Forever policies and procedures, as well as National Park Service regulations, with emphasis on resource protection, Leave No Trace principles, and ethical conduct.

Field Operations & Safety

• Safely operate Yellowstone Forever vehicles, including 14-passenger minibuses, in accordance with safety protocols and training requirements.


• Ensure regular upkeep and basic maintenance of vehicles and field equipment; report issues promptly and follow organizational procedures to maintain safety and readiness.


• Proactively manage field-based risk by anticipating and mitigating potential hazards related to wildlife, terrain, weather, or group dynamics.


• Travel throughout Yellowstone National Park, the Greater Yellowstone area, and other locations as needed.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Field Education Manager or designated leadership.

Basic Qualifications  

• Demonstrated commitment to education and the mission of Yellowstone Forever.


• Professional experience in teaching, environmental education, and/or interpretation, with proven outdoor leadership skills.


• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and contribute positively to a team-oriented environment.


• Proven ability to approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset, maintain professionalism under pressure, and foster a culture of continuous learning and mutual support.


• Demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth, including a willingness to learn from mistakes, assume positive intent, and mentor others through example and encouragement.


• Strong organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple priorities efficiently in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.


• Working knowledge of the ecology, geology, and natural and cultural history of Yellowstone National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.


• Demonstrated ability to safely operate and maintain program vehicles and equipment, including routine upkeep of Yellowstone Forever vehicles and care of educational materials.

Certifications (or willingness to obtain):

• National Association for Interpretation (NAI) programs, including Certified Interpretive Guide and Certified Interpretive Host


• Leave No Trace principles


• CPR and Wilderness First Responder

Driver & Safety Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age or older, possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, and maintain a favorable driving record for insurance purposes


• Ability to pass and maintain a Department of Transportation medical exam and Yellowstone Forever driver training


• Successful completion of a criminal background check is required

Work Schedule & Physical Requirements:

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays


• Ability to:
  
  
  
  • Stand for extended periods
  
  
  • Hike up to 12 miles on uneven terrain
  
  
  • Cross-country ski and snowshoe
  
  
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions while carrying a pack weighing up to 40 pounds
  
  
  
  


• Professional demeanor and ability to represent Yellowstone Forever with courtesy and integrity

Preferred Qualifications   

• Experience working in a nonprofit, mission-driven, or conservation-focused organization.


• Experience facilitating multi-day programs for both youth and adult learners, with an emphasis on experiential and place-based education.


• Proven ability to mentor or supervise staff and/or volunteers, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented team culture.


• Experience developing educational materials for both instructional use and public-facing marketing or outreach.


• Familiarity with program evaluation methods and using feedback to improve educational outcomes.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.


• Proficiency in digital tools for communication, scheduling, and content creation (e.g., Microsoft Office or similar platforms).

• A four-year college degree in a related field from an accredited institution, or equivalent professional experience.


• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, especially in languages commonly spoken by park visitors.
  

Compensation: 

This is a full-time, hourly - nonexempt position, requiring travel between the offices and throughout the park. Salary is based upon experience.
Benefits of this position include knowing that your efforts directly benefit Yellowstone National Park and having the opportunity to work in one of the world’s premiere wilderness areas. 

Yellowstone Forever is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy to comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, political beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.