The University of Montana invites applications for a Wilderness Online Education Coordinator for the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. This position oversees operations of the Wilderness Institute’s online education programs, with primary responsibility for two programs: the interagency e-courses on wilderness management hosted by Wilderness Connect, and the University of Montana Wilderness Management Distance Education Program (WIMDEP) and associated graduate certificate in wilderness management. The role requires expertise in wilderness management and excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with students, agency partners, and academic colleagues. The coordinator works closely with federal wilderness-managing agencies (especially the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center), university faculty, and instructional staff to ensure that online courses reflect current knowledge of wilderness management policy and practice, adhere to instructional design best practices, and provide an engaging learning experience.

• Manage high volumes of student and partner communications.
• Coordinate course content updates and evaluation.
• Contribute to instructional delivery and student assessment.
• Organize and conduct outreach and recruitment efforts to grow program enrollment.
• Interact with federal agency partners to design and deliver online course content.

• Graduate degree in natural resources, environmental management, environmental science or policy, science communication, education, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience demonstrating expertise in wilderness management policy and practice.
• Demonstrated skills applicable to online education, program coordination, and outreach/recruitment.
• Knowledge of and experience with federal wilderness-managing agencies.
• Ability to design, develop, and manage educational content in virtual learning environments (instructional design).
• Combination of education and experience sufficient to contribute effectively to instruction in the Wilderness Management Distance Education Program.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multi-institutional teams using digital communication tools across multiple time zones.
• Experience managing a high volume of communications in an organized and professional manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with a variety of partners and students with varying values, goals, and constraints.
• Capacity to work independently under deadlines while maintaining high-quality results.
• Willingness and ability to learn and comply with University policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework, research, or scholarly publications in wilderness management, wilderness recreation, wilderness policy, wilderness planning, wilderness history and philosophy, or wilderness science.
• Relevant professional experience with a federal agency in wilderness management, an academic institution with a wilderness focus, or a wilderness stewardship nonprofit organization.
• Knowledge of current professional, scholarly, and social trends and discourse related to wilderness preservation and management.
• Experience using instructional design software, learning management systems, and/or graphic design tools to create effective online learning experiences.
• Wilderness and field education experience, skills, and credentials (e.g., Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue Technician).
• In-person is strongly preferred; remote or hybrid arrangements may be considered.

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.