Assistant Program Manager - Yellowstone Association

Location: Gardiner, Montana
Reports To: Program Manager
Posted: March 3, 2011

Summary Description:

The Yellowstone Association Institute is a nonprofit field school operated in partnership with the National Park Service. We offer a variety of educational programs on the wildlife, plants, geology, and history of Yellowstone. This year we will provide about 100,000 contact hours of education for more than 5,000 park visitors (primarily adults and families). Courses are based at our Lamar Buffalo Ranch Field Campus, Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus, park hotels, and in the backcountry. For a complete description of the Institute program, please visit us at www.YellowstoneAssociation.org.

The assistant program manager is responsible for helping to further expand and improve this respected educational program. Working closely with the program manager and a team of full-time educators, he or she will set and maintain a high standard for educational quality by supervising seasonal naturalist guides, and assist with program logistics, planning, and routine administrative details related to program operation.

Success in this position requires excellent interpersonal skills, a strong commitment to high-quality environmental education, and the ability to supervise and motivate a team. The assistant program manager will be based at the Yellowstone Association (YA) Headquarters in Gardiner, Montana. With the exception of staff training and evaluation, this is an administrative position with limited field teaching opportunities. This is an important entry-level program management position with one of the country’s premiere national park field schools, and is a good foundation from which to apply for other future management positions within the Association.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and evaluate a staff of 10-15 seasonal instructors.
• Maintain strong positive relationships with staff instructors though regular communication and support.
• Maintain a high standard for program quality, professionalism, and excellence in teaching, and ensure that Institute programs set the example for Leave No Trace ethics, risk management and safety in the field, adherence to National Park Service regulations, and the Institute’s code of ethics.
• Close attention to budget goals for programs, staffing, memberships, and store sales.
• Manage program logistics and administrative details related to program operations, such as internal and external communication for private groups, itineraries, guest speakers, permits, and other logistical details.
• Represent the YA and its mission accurately and positively to a diverse audience of Institute students, fellow staff, National Park Service personnel, and the general public, including the promotion of YA memberships and sales programs.
• Serve on an integrated management team to address issues such as wilderness risk management, marketing, fundraising, and program quality.
• Play a key role in the Institute’s risk management program, including sharing on-call responsibilities, remaining up-to-date in Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications, and assisting in risk management and emergency response trainings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree and/or equivalent experience in interpretation, environmental education, outdoor education, or a closely related field.
• Previous experience in staff supervision, including hiring, training, and evaluation, preferably in an experiential setting.
• Experience in curriculum/program development, program logistics, and program quality.
• Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certification required, Wilderness First Responder preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a team with a collaborative management style.
• Demonstrated commitment to the educational mission of the Yellowstone Association.
• Strong organizational ability and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and program quality.
• Valid United States driver’s license required, ability to pass a Department of Transportation medical exam, satisfactory review of driving record, and satisfactory background check.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Certified Interpretive Guide and Leave No Trace certifications and a close knowledge of the Yellowstone ecosystem are preferred.
• Computer competency (MS office) is required.

Compensation:

Annual salary of $38,000. Starting benefits include two weeks paid vacation, ten paid holidays, retirement program, and flexible benefit plan.

To Apply:

Please email resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:

Jenny Golding
Program Manager
jgolding@yellowstoneassociation.org

This position will remain open until filled. Employment will begin as soon as possible.

The Yellowstone Association is an equal opportunity employer.