Overview
PURPOSE OF POSITION WITH CFI:
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.
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.
Compensation:
During the first month of training, First Year Naturalist Educators will receive $300/2-week pay period. After training through the end of the contract season pay will increase to $175 per day or $17.50/hr.
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.
Time off & Certifications:
Two pre-scheduled paid weeks off in June and August are provided to Program staff. There will usually be two days off/week. May and September are exceptionally busy. Schedules will vary due to assigned river launch dates and bookings by groups.
Required Skills:
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
About Canyonlands Field Institute
Canyonlands Field Institute (CFI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Moab, Utah. For over 40 years we have been rooted in our mission to cultivate connection to self, community, and nature by creating inclusive educational pathways to the outdoors. We believe in nurturing students of all ages and backgrounds, connection to self, community, and natural spaces. Through meaningful outdoor educational programming, CFI seeks to build immersive learning experiences by combining place-based science, an unplugged from technology environment, play, exploration, artistic expression, and Social Emotional Learning curriculum. By joining our educational community, you can help us grow the next generation of caring leaders and environmental stewards, who can affect positive change in our world. As an employer, CFI aims to build a diverse set of skills in some of the most beautiful places on the planet.
