Field Coordinator - Center for Education and Ecosystem Studies

Job Title: Field Coordinator
Department: Center for Education and Ecosystem Studies
Employment Type: Full-Time-Academic YR

Make a Difference in Science, Education, and Restoration!
Montana Technological University is seeking a qualified, enthusiastic, and motivated Field Coordinator to join Ripple: The Center for Education & Ecosystem Studies. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine concepts from environmental science, ecological restoration, hands-on fieldwork, and place-based education to support the long-term health and sustainability of the Upper Clark Fork Watershed. The successful candidate will play an important role in connecting scientific research and restoration practices with meaningful educational experiences that help students, educators, and community partners better understand watershed ecology, environmental challenges, and the importance of responsible land stewardship.

The Field Coordinator will operate out of Montana Tech's campus in Butte, MT, and they will be responsible for the following primary duties. Contribute to the development and implementation of restoration-focused educational programming in schools. Work collaboratively with teachers, students, researchers, land managers, restoration practitioners, and community stakeholders. Assist with the creation of learning opportunities that connect classroom instruction with real-world examples. Conduct reclamation and restoration site evaluations. Support field research with scientific data collection. Collaborate with partner organizations on Low-Tech, Place-Based Restoration initiatives designed to improve watershed function and ecological resilience.

This position is ideal for a collaborative professional who is passionate about environmental restoration, science education, and community engagement. The Field Coordinator will help strengthen partnerships among educational institutions, scientific organizations, and restoration practitioners while supporting efforts to improve ecological understanding and stewardship across the watershed.

Montana Technological University provides a comprehensive benefits package for all eligible positions that includes health, dental and vision insurance, mandatory retirement plan with employer contribution, partial tuition waiver, and a wellness program.

Applications received by November 8, 2026 will be guaranteed full review and consideration.  Applications received after that date may be considered until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Duties:

• Co-coordinate and manage classroom Restoration Education Program within Clark Fork Watershed schools.
• Ensure educational outreach milestones are reached for all programs.
• Provide scientific support for curriculum development and data collection/management.
• Assist in program development and grant proposal writing.
• Communicate school needs and activities to Ripple staff.
• Assist in recruitment and track volunteers to be involved with Ripple programs.
• Teach lessons and lead fieldtrips.
• Provide field assessments to Reclamation Evaluation Systems.
• Collaborate with landowners, community members, Tribal partners, and restoration professionals to develop solutions grounded in local knowledge, ecological conditions, and long-term stewardship.
• Assist with teacher professional development and lesson creation for target schools.
• Ability to travel throughout Montana.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field (biology, chemistry, geology, etc.) and at least 2 years related experience or Master’s degree and at least one year of related experience.
• Demonstrated teaching experience with a variety of age groups and in various settings.
• Knowledge of the upper Clark Fork watershed history, restoration, and stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of Reclamation Evaluation Systems.
• Knowledge of Low-Tech Place Based Restoration infrastructure and the logistics required to lead in-person installations
• Computer skills—Microsoft office
• Mapping software - ArcGIS Story Maps, ArcGIS Pro

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in scientific data management and field research methods
• Experience with grant writing
• Demonstrated experience with lesson plan development and providing professional development for teachers

Physical Demands:

• Ability to transport, move, or position campus materials weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to occasionally work in outdoor environments and navigate varying weather conditions during campus events or orientation sessions..

.For full consideration application materials must be complete.  
Please include: 

• Cover letter addressing qualifications
• Resume
• Contact information for 3 professional references

Application Requirements

For full consideration application materials must be complete.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Montana Tech is committed to providing a working and learning environment free from discrimination. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, gender, age, political beliefs, marital or family status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation or preference. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged. Montana Tech makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, Montana Tech provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at Montana Tech as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). Montana Tech will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring.

• Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.

Veterans Employment Preference

To claim veteran's preference please complete the employment (veteran's) preference form located on the employment page and email to [email protected]. You must include the job title of the position in which you are applying.

Download Employment (Veteran's) Preference Form (PDF)

Request an Accommodation

To request an accommodation for the application or interview, please contact Cathy Isakson at 406-496-4380 or email [email protected]

Why Work at Tech?

Help meet the changing needs of society by providing a transformative student experience by helping develop leaders for tomorrow by advancing science, engineering and technology.

Benefits Package

In addition, Montana Tech offers an attractive benefits package* which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low deductibles and comprehensive coverage.
• Generous employer contribution toward monthly health care benefits worth $6.08 per hour.
• 5.9% retirement employer contribution for eligible employees
• 11 Holidays per year
• 3 weeks of Annual Leave to start
• Generous sick leave policy that can be used for sick children, doctor and dentist appointments as well as bereavement.
• 6 credits of coursework free per year (fees not included)
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Reduced tuition for dependents after 4 months of employment for eligible employees
• Employee Assistance and a Wellness Program
• Optional Retirement Plan for eligible employees
• Possible remote work days with supervisor approval and eligible positions.

*Benefits are dependent on position type and terms and conditions of eligibility.

About Montana Tech

Montana Technological University, Butte Montana, is nestled in the Heart of the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where I-15 and I-90 intersect. We are home to the largest National Historic District in the country. Montana Tech is a special focus institution with a reputation for excellence and value. Montana Tech is ranked #1 in the nation by CollegeNET.