TITLE: CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COALITION FIELD INSTRUCTOR (2 POSITIONS)

START/END DATE:  JUNE 1ST, 2020 - NOVEMBER 27TH, 2020

STIPEND:  $569/week  (+Education Award) 

TERM:  26  weeks 

REPORTS TO:  Continental Divide Trail Coalition

LOCATION:  Golden, CO 80401

STATUS:  900-hour  AmeriCorps  Service  Term 

BENEFITS:  AmeriCorps  Education  Award  $3,047.50  after  successful  completion 

SOUTHWEST CONSERVATION CORPS’ MISSION 

It is the mission of the Southwest Conservation Corps to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: 

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) operates by focusing on four pillars: stewardship of the Trail, promotion of the Trail, building a strong Trail Community to support the Trail, and building an organization with sound governance to support its efforts. CDTC focuses on these four pillars to generate a broader culture of stewardship and belonging within and amongst the Trail Community. Within the Field Programs Department we recognize the Trail belongs to the American Public and that we have a responsibility to future generations to responsibly manage the Trail's resources. 

CDTC Field Instructors will participate in direct coordination with Forest Service recreation staff, Bureau of Land Management Field Offices, National Park Service,  trail stewardship nonprofits, outdoor retailers, and organizations paving the way for inclusivity in the outdoors (The Venture Out Project, Latino Outdoors, Native Women's Wilderness). The CDTC Field Instructor position naturally exposes interns to many of CDTC's partner organizations and corporations through on-the-ground leadership of stewardship activities and direct communication with public land agency staff. Face-to-face contact with individuals from diverse backgrounds in the same field will provide many opportunities to network and build an understanding of different career paths surrounding the outdoors.  Essential functions and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Working under the direction of the Field Programs Coordinator, serves as lead field staff with Co-Project Coordinator, coordinating volunteer trail crews in the completion of trail maintenance and construction projects along the Continental Divide Trail (New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, or Montana).

Coordinate material needs with supervisor and land managers and manage on-site project logistics, properly estimate volunteer needs, provide project orientation to volunteers, complete work in a timely and efficient manner, supervise and support onsite CDTC Crew Chefs, and ensure safety at all times.

Frequent travel, including weekends, that may last from 1-3 weeks in duration. Largely variable work schedule depending on project location, duration, and drive time. The weekly work schedule will be variable (averaging 40-50 hours/week), with projects lasting 1-6 days in length, not accounting for travel days to and from the worksite. Occasional evenings required. Rental vehicles provided for most projects. Position is primarily field-based, with occasional trips to local towns for supplies and logistics.

Instruct and lead volunteers in proper trail maintenance, construction, or restoration techniques included but not limited to rock work, drainage, tread constructions, corridor clearance, turnpike or puncheon construction while maintaining a positive, open, engaging, and motivating experience.

Ability to respectfully work with a variety of volunteers of varying ages (14 y/o-75 y/o) and abilities to effectively accomplish project goals. Excellent people skills, a sense of humor, and a positive, professional attitude are a must.

Complete detailed project reports documenting progress of fieldwork days including work statistics, before and after photos, line or point data, and volunteer paperwork and statistics.

Under the direction of the Field Programs Coordinator, oversees the management of the CDTC shed, ensuring tools and equipment are properly cared for and stored.

Assist with the management of program safety by following CDTC safety protocols and ensure Job Hazard Analysis/Risk Assessments are followed at all times.

Be prepared to assist Crew Chef and assume responsibility for volunteers on the project site, in overseeing base camp operations including camp set-up, vehicle maintenance, camp hygiene, and other needs as they arise

Manage food, travel, and lodging budget and credit card purchases, providing receipts for all purchases and code them properly.

Collaboratively support project partner needs in a respectful, open manner.

• Trainings that CDTC will provide to prepare the intern for this activity: Crew Leadership Training, project reporting overview, crosscut saw training, expenses/coding training, safe driving training, Leave No Trace

Assist in implementing the CDTC Adopter Program curriculum

Instruct CDTC Adopter Trainings in an informative, engaging manner during in-class and field based portions meant to teach volunteers trail maintenance techniques and register volunteers as official CDTC Adopters

Educates volunteers in trail maintenance techniques, risk assessment, proper communication with land managers, National Scenic Trail standards, reporting, and the CDTC.

Coordinate material needs with supervisor and land manager, properly estimate volunteer needs, and line out field-based trail maintenance examples and work prior to training

Collaborate and support training partners

• Trainings that CDTC will provide to prepare the intern for this activity: CDTC instructor guide training, effective communication strategies with land managers and the public

Outreach and education of the CDT & CDTC’s vision and mission

Participate and/or table community events along the CDT to educate members of the public in CDTC’s mission and vision, promoting our programs and engaging diverse community members

Coordinate material needs with supervisor to properly participate in CDTC events

• Trainings that CDTC will provide to prepare the intern for this activity: Square, Google Suite, CDTC history, mission, and vision overview

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 2 field seasons professional trail maintenance and construction experience in a supervisory role.
• High school diploma or GED
• Proficiency in traveling (hiking and navigating) and living in front and backcountry environments.
• Ability to participate in vigorous physical activity for extended periods of time at altitude and lift up to 40lbs
• Must hold current/relevant medical certification (WFR, WEMT)
• Must have a current driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Environmental education experience or experience teaching/training volunteers or staff on conservation topics.
• Self-starter who demonstrates the ability to take initiative, set goals, and achieve them both independently and cooperatively as a team member.
• Ability to present your ideas clearly and effectively through oral and written communication.

The  successful  applicant  must  be  self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period. The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field work. This can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven ground, bending, crouching, and stooping. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Geography, or a related field.
• S212 Chainsaw Training and/or Forest Service Crosscut Certification.
• Experience working for or with the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or National Park Service.
• Experience in tool and equipment maintenance (sharpening, sanding, oiling, re-handling)
• Experience on 4WD roads in remote areas
• Experience in meal planning, prep, and cooking for crews of 10-15 people

REQUIREMENTS: 

High School Diploma or GED

U.S. Citizenship

• Permanent Resident Card, INS form I-551
• Alien Registration Card, INS form I-551
• A passport indicating that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
• A departure record ( INS 194) indication that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence

Driver's License

APPLY NOW! 

To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application. 

POSITION CLOSES APRIL 27TH, 2020.

Contact Clara at cmoulton@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.

Required Skills Required Experience

• 1-2 years working in a retail, design, or showroom environment
• Ability to multitask
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Some lifting (20-50 lbs max)
• Proficient in Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook