First Year Naturalist Educator

Position status: Now HiringType: Seasonal: March 1st through October 31st 2025

Pay: $175 per day

Benefits: – Free, shared, all gender housing

• WFR Certification, provided by CFI
• PRO-I Swiftwater Rescue Certification provided by CFI
• Meals during overnight programs
• Two pre-scheduled paid weeks offSchedule: Priority Application deadline: Nov 22th, 2023Note: paid position, free housing provided

Reports to: Education Director Department: Programming  Category: Non-Exempt Classification: Seasonal, Full-time , March 1st- October 31st  Salary: $175/day, free housing, $1150 professional development stipend Number of Openings: 4

WHY WORK FOR 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.

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & ACCESSIBILITY (IDEA):

CFI holds diversity and inclusion as core values, and believes that healthy – vibrant human and natural communities are interconnected. We participated in the first cohort in the 2-year workshop training series, Working Towards Racial Equity, led by UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science and Justice Outside, which supports environmental and outdoor science organizations to foster equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant work and field spaces. As CFI strives for transparency and accountability, we signed the In Solidarity Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, to solidify our public commitment to being part of the solution in moving the outdoor education sector toward being a  space of belonging for all.

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 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 40 participants
• 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
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all aspects of the position
• Assist with documenting program engagement (taking photos & videos), developing outreach materials, potential grant writing and other office needs.

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. Lived experiences can often supplement formal work experiences and we value these as an employer.

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 are 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, listening to, 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 marginalized communities 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. Demonstrated a 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.
• Pass a comprehensive background check.
• Current driver’s license and a willingness to participate in and pass Driver Training
• Maintains a clean driving record, passes and keeps current a DOT physical exam at own expense.
• Willingness to get a Utah Food Handlers certification
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends for up to 10 consecutive days

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:

Housing and Meals:

Free shared all gender housing is provided, which is on site of Canyonlands Field Institute’s office. 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, please inquire if gear or equipment is a barrier to applying for this position

Time off and 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.
• PRO-I Swiftwater Rescue Certification provided by CFI
• Wilderness First Responder Certification provided by CFI

TO APPLY:

Send a resume and optional cover letter to Education Director, Alexander de Moor at education@cfimoab.org with the subject line “First Year Naturalist Educator Application.” Priority will be given to applications received before November 22nd, 2024. Please be prepared to offer references should you move forward to the next round. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We hope to have these positions filled by the end of January, but can be flexible for the right candidate.

We strive to host inclusive and accessible opportunities that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you require any accommodations in the application or interview process, please contact the Education Director.