Ecology Project International (EPI), a nonprofit organization, is hiring instructors to teach outdoor environmental/conservation education to high school and university students in the Galápagos Islands. Our mission is to improve and inspire science education and conservation worldwide through field based student-scientist partnerships. Our programs are experiential; involving inquiry-based field science curricula and hands on participation in real conservation/research projects. We promote a deeper understanding of natural systems and the importance of research and conservation for the long term sustainability of life on planet Earth.
Our Galápagos program, which has an emphasis on The Giant Tortoise and the ecology, biodiversity and conservation of the Galápagos archipelago ecosystem, we work with local Galapagueños and foreign students between 15-19 years old and courses are 5 to 12 days in length. Partnering with the Galápagos National Park (GNP) students visit the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to conduct giant tortoise research, collecting important data needed to estimate population numbers and trends. While in the highlands, students also conduct seed dispersal analysis looking for seeds in the tortoise’s dung and help the native ecosystem by controlling invasive plants species in a fragile area of the island. Another portion of the program takes place in the town of Puerto Ayora where our students visit the Charles Darwin Station and have the opportunity to collect data from juvenile giant tortoises from many islands. International visiting groups also participate in a number of island exploration tours to learn about the islands biodiversity, geology and ecology and participate in a cultural exchange component led by EPI’s ecology club, Mola Mola. Most of the research activities are develop with the support of the GNP rangers and CDS scientists.
For more detailed information on our courses and organization, please visit our website www.ecologyproject.org and for more specific information on the Galápagos program email juan@ecologyproject.org
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 science/conservation education programs to a diverse. group of high school students in both English and Spanish.
• 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 with accordance to local research protocols.
• Establish and maintain clear communication with teachers, chaperones, participants, partners, co- instructor(s), and EPI staff.
• Effectively manage logistical challenges during emergencies on course.
• Promptly complete and file paperwork associated with each course.
• Mentor the Mola Mola Ecology Club members in developing their skills.
• Help photo-document the experience of EPI participants.
• Write a local student experience for the Galápagos newsletter/student yearbook at the end of the season.
• Show and maintain a positive attitude.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Desire to promote leaders in conservation through our program;
• More than one year teaching environmental/conservation education;
• More than one year leading outdoor experiences for young adults;
• Experience leading trips in remote areas;
• Spanish and English fluency;
• Physically and mentally fit enough to lead courses up to 12 days/24 hours a day with a co-instructor;
• Bachelor's degree in environmental education, biology, ecology, natural sciences or related field;
• Field research experience;
• Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications; individuals not certified at time of applying must be willing to complete this certification before staff training;
• Available to work from the beginning of March through the end of July.
Preferred:
• Master’s degree in environmental education;
• Experience in inquiry-based science learning programs;
• Experience living or studying in Latin American;
• Knowledge and familiarity with Ecuador, especially the Galápagos Islands;
• Research experience with Tortoises or reptiles
• Snorkeling experience
Compensation: Lodging in a rented house in Puerto Ayora during field season, room and board while on course, work related in-country travel, and $65-103/day depending on past experience. All newly hired instructors will be given the opportunity to submit documentation demonstrating past relevant experience.
Dates: The program season is from mid-March through the end July 2014. Selected Instructors will participate in a 10-12 day required unpaid training (room/board provided) to be held at the beginning of March in Galápagos. They will also be required to participate in staff retreats and a closing event at the end of the season.
To apply click here: https://ecologyproject.submittable.com/submit and follow the directions to complete the on-line application process. All applicants must apply on-line.
Contact Information:
lisa@ecologyproject.org, but all applications must be submitted online