First Year Naturalist Educator

Canyonlands Field Institute provides quality outdoor education on the Colorado Plateau to inspire care of wild places and renew the human spirit. We believe in empowering students of all ages and backgrounds to deepen their connection to their surroundings. Through inclusive educational experiences, CFI seeks to build knowledge within practices of science, artistic expression, and Social and Emotional Learning. We are creating a team of educators with diverse life experiences who are committed to providing opportunities for all types of learners. By joining our educational community, you can help us promote the growth of caring leaders and empowered students who can affect positive change in our world.

Job Overview

• Reports to: Education Director
• Department: Education
• Category: Non-Exempt
• Classification: Seasonal, March 4th- October 31st
• Salary: $175/day, $17.50/hour, free housing
• Number of Openings: 6

The First Year Naturalist Educator training program is a paid professional development program for outdoor educators beginning their career of connecting people to, and fostering care for, the natural environment. The position focuses on facilitating land-based programming for school and youth groups at our Professor Valley Field Camp and multi-day river trips on the Green, Colorado, and San Juan Rivers.

Read full job description and application instructions. 

Special Benefits

Free, shared, all gender housing is provided. Meals during all overnight programming and day programming where meals are included for clients. Mentorship and professional development in technical boating, guiding, teaching, and facilitation. Use of all CFI equipment needed to perform job duties. CFI will provide required gear and equipment.

Minimum Requirements

ROLE SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

Teaching & Guiding - 60% of the time

• Deliver research-supported curriculum to groups of up to fifteen 1st-12th grade students or adults as needed
• Facilitate team building, leadership, and Social Emotional Learning activities.
• Captain paddle rafts of up to 10 participants and row gear boats through up to class IV sections of river
• Lead participants in set-up of river camps
• Cook and serve meals for up to 60 participants
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all aspects of the position
• Follow Risk Management policies in all activities

Support Staff Duties - 20% of the time

• Support programs by: Rigging, De-rigging, and Scouting.
• Operate a motor vehicle (van or truck) with a trailer to transport program participants and gear, or to conduct other work activities. Training in trailer handling and four-wheel drive will be provided.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of all CFI equipment, including teaching materials, gear & vehicles
• Assist with documenting program engagement (taking photos & videos), developing outreach materials, potential grant writing and other office needs.
• Support Commissary Manager
• Repair and maintain equipment

Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development - 10% of the time

• Work closely with the program managers to develop lesson plans and program materials

Canyonlands Field Institute Team Engagement - 10% of the time

• Attend weekly Operation meetings
• Participate in 1 on 1 meetings with Program Manager/Mentor regularly
• Support the advancement of the vision and mission of Canyonlands Field Institute by engaging in strategy, planning, goal setting, and leadership meetings/ conversations.

CONSIDERED QUALIFICATIONS

There are many skills and qualifications that guides come to CFI with and/or spend their season developing. Below are some of the critical competencies that we look for when hiring. We do not expect individual candidates to have experience in all of these realms and encourage those with just some to apply. We recognize that lived experiences can often supplement formal work experiences and we value these as an employer. We also recognize certifications as a barrier to many guiding positions and will provide the right applicant with these certifications if need be.

Teaching & Facilitation: Experience or a willingness to learn to facilitate inquiry-based and student-centered curriculum, as well as place-based learning. Formal or informal teaching experience, particularly with youth is desired.

Experience with youth—Experience working with, cultivating relationships, or supporting youth. A willingness to show empathy, respect, patience, care and social relatability to diverse populations of youth is required.

Boating/Technical Guiding: A willingness to develop technical river running skills, learn river-based systems, and complete a swiftwater rescue course compensated by CFI. Prior guiding experience is a plus but not a requirement.

Group management—Experience organizing, intentionally listening, and communicating with diverse groups of people and a willingness to step into co-facilitation of large group management.

Risk management—Experience managing personal and group risk, particularly in a remote wilderness context, as well as a willingness to develop a comprehensive risk management lens and practices.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility— We welcome applicants with lived experiences as members of communities marginalized from the outdoor industry, public lands and society at large. Individuals who have an understanding of the myriad relationships youth and adults have with nature and outdoor education programs based on intersectional identities. A demonstrated commitment to valuing IDEA in working, learning, and community environments. Have an ability or desire to engage in program and organizational dialogue around these topics in a meaningful way.

Teamwork—Experience collaborating with a small team of people. The ability to give and receive feedback and navigate interpersonal relationships as well as conflict management as a means of achieving a shared goal.

Self-management—Techniques for taking care of one's physical and mental needs in a dynamic work environment, and self-advocate for support in doing so.  A positive growth mindset and proactive decision-making abilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• CFI requires everyone who comes in contact with youth to take a comprehensive background check.
• Current driver’s license and a willingness to participate in and pass CFI Driver Training
• Maintains a clean driving record
• Must pass a DOT physical exam (paid for by CFI)
• Must pass a Utah Food Handlers certification course (paid for by CFI)
• Must pass a Wilderness First Responder certification course (paid for by CFI)
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends