Outdoor Education Instructor

Montana Yellowstone Expeditions (MYE) creates summer youth programs in Southern Montana that provide programming and full scholarships for underserved youth ages 15-18 from California, Montana, New York and elsewhere. Each program is a multi-element experience that combines wilderness backpacking, a river trip, service learning and projects, equestrian training, leadership, and personal and group development into an effective 25-day experiential learning experience.

Upon completion of the MYE summer program, alumni are engaged in our Life Skills follow-up program that builds on new skills, and provides connections and resources for becoming who they want to be and taking their initial steps in the adult world.

MYE operates from a basecamp in the Tom Miner basin area of Montana's Paradise Valley, 30 minutes south of Livingston, MT, and 20 minutes north of Yellowstone National Park. MYE programs take place in and around YNP, on the Yellowstone River, and in the communities of southern Montana.

MYE is a challenging and rewarding place to work. We offer the opportunity to help craft and deliver programs that make a true and lasting impact on participants and staff alike. Each member of the staff plays an integral role in MYE's daily operations. We are all in it together and support each other to provide exceptional quality programming.

Working at MYE requires flexibility, ingenuity, commitment, and a desire to make a difference. Our staff members are encouraged to accept new challenges, step outside their comfort zone, and take advantage of all that MYE has to offer. Our goal is to create an environment of professional growth and learning for all staff. We will give you our very best and require the same in return.

The summer season consists of six 25-day multi-element wilderness programs, and three alumni programs - two 25-day Leadership Labs and a summer Intern Program. Staff to participant ratio is 5:1.

Montana Yellowstone Expeditions has the following opening for the 2010 summer season:

Position Overview:

The Instructing Staff at MYE are our best asset. You are where the experience, impact and success of our programs are crafted and delivered. MYE expects a tremendous level of commitment, professionalism, creativity and judgment from our Instructors, and we support you with resources, training, materials, and an unfailingly positive environment in which to do your best.

Working in pairs, Instructors are responsible for a group of 10 students in all aspects of their summer program.

Start Date: June 5th, 2010 (to be confirmed)
End Date: August 17th, 2010 (to be confirmed)
Timing reflects working two 25-day programs, approx 60 days of total work, including 9 days of paid staff training at the beginning of the season. There is a 4-7 day mid-season break, depending on scheduling. We are looking for full season commitments and positions are open until filled.

Reports to: MYE Program Director (PD)

Responsibilities:

Primary:

Instructors are primarily responsible for all aspects of the daily experience, well-being and management of students. Including, but not limited to:

• Working closely with co-instructor to produce a safe, high quality ‘MYE' experience for students under their care
• Curriculum development and teaching
• Expedition planning, management and leadership
• Safety and risk management oversight and responsibility
• Logistical management of a group, including food and equipment preparation
• Coordination with MYE staff and other groups
• Evening and night supervision of students on expeditions and in basecamp
• To safely transport students in the field, this will, at times, involve towing a trailer
• To operate within MYE policies and be mindful of MYE guidelines and operating procedures
• To ensure MYE equipment is used appropriately and returned in good condition at the end of each field component
• Administrative tasks associated with program, reporting, evaluations and photo library

Secondary:

In addition to the above, Instructors may be responsible for:

• Intern supervision and training
• Supporting other MYE programs
• Serving as support staff as coordinated by MYE
• Assisting with the general operation of MYE
• Contributing to the ongoing development and evolution of the MYE program
• To actively seek opportunities for professional development during MYE season
• To assist in Search and Rescue/Emergency operations as required by PD or Executive Director

Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years or older (insurance requirement) with a clear driving record (experience driving large vehicles and towing trailers would be an advantage)
• 3+ years relevant work experience, including guiding novices in extended wilderness settings
• Experience instructing/guiding white water sports (canoeing preferred but all white water experience considered), rock climbing instruction (minimum experience - student belay supervision) and leading multi-day hiking trips (off trail experience and/or snow travel/camping an advantage)
• Experience supervising service learning, low ropes course / ABL elements would be an advantage
• High energy, positive attitude, ability and willingness to work long hours and multiple days in succession
• Flexible and adaptable to the changing demands of conducting wilderness-based programming
• Current WEMT or WFR and CPR certifications, or international equivalent.

Compensation: Per diem, DOE; Meals and lodging at MYE facilities for the entire season;

To Apply:

Please email your resume/CV (including a summary of your professional and personal outdoor experience) to MYE Program Director, Ellen Sagmyr. She will respond within 3 days to arrange an initial conversation and/or forward an employment application.