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

START/END DATE:  MAY 3RD, 2021 – OCTOBER 29TH, 2021

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 $3,097.50 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 Programs serves the Trail through on-the-ground volunteer projects and trainings that ensure the Trail is maintained and its corridor is protected in perpetuity by grassroots efforts and strong community connections. Field Programs recruits, trains, and leads volunteers to build and maintain the CDT.

CDTC Field Instructors will participate in direct coordination with Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, State Land Offices, trail stewardship nonprofits, outdoor retailers, and organizations paving the way for inclusivity in the outdoors. The CDTC Field Instructors are exposed 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 and virtual 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:

Effectively and professionally implement, lead, and complete CDTC volunteer trail work projects to the highest land manager and CDTC standards:

Working under the direction of the CDTC Field Programs Coordinator, serves as lead field staff with co-Field Instructor, supervising front-country and backcountry volunteer trail crews with sometimes littler oversight in the completion of trail maintenance, construction, and large-scale trail feature construction along the Continental Divide Trail (projects will be in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and/or Montana).

Coordinate material and supply 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 volunteers, 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 are 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 building large-scale trail features including but not limited to tread construction, corridor clearance, drainage, puncheon construction, fence and gate construction, and turnpikes.

Ability to respectfully work with a variety of volunteers of varying ages (14 y/o-75 y/o) and abilities in a positive, engaging, open, and motivating experience while still accomplishing project goals. Excellent interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and positive, professional attitude are a must.

Complete detailed project reports documenting progress of field work days including trail accomplishments, 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, cleaned, sharpened, and stored.

Assist in the management of program safety by following CDTC safety and check-in protocols and ensure that Job Hazard Analysis or Risk Assessments are followed at all times.

Oversee basecamp operations including dispersed camping area, kitchen/communal areas, bear-proofing crew gear, camp hygiene, volunteer recognition and after-work giveaways and branding activities, and other needs and duties as they arise.

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 coding them properly.

• Trainings that CDTC will provide to prepare the intern for this activity: Crew Leadership Training, project reporting overview, safe driving policies,   Leave No Trace, expenses coding training, and other hard skills as identified

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, risk assessment, communication with land managers, tool safety, and more as well as register volunteers as official CDTC Adopters and manage pertinent paperwork
• Educate volunteers unfamiliar with trail work by leading in-class and field-based trail work training that follows CDTC Adopter curriculum
• Coordinate material needs with supervisor and land manager, properly estimate volunteer needs, and scout and line out field-based trail work examples and work prior to the start of the training.
• Collaborate and support partner organizations
• Effectively hand off organized CDTC Adopter agreements and supporting paperwork to supervisor
  • Trainings that CDTC will provide to prepare the intern for this activity: CDTC Instructor Guide for the CDTC Adopter Program, effective communication strategies with land managers, volunteers, 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: 

• At least 2 field seasons of professional trail work experience in a supervisor role
• High school diploma or GED
• Proficiency in traveling (hiking, backpacking, and navigating) and living in front country 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 (WFA/WFR)
• Must have a current driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Environmental education experience or experience teaching or training volunteers or staff on conservation topics.
• Ability to present your ideas clearly and effectively through oral and written communication.
• Organized self-starter who demonstrates the ability to take initiative, ask questions, set goals, and achieve them both independently and cooperatively as a team member.
• Passion and understanding of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the conservation and outdoor space.

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.
• 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 with limited to no cell service
• Experience in meal planning, prep, and cooking for frontcountry and backcountry work
• Comfortable with pack stack and being around horses
• Comfortable backpacking in grizzly and black bear country

REQUIREMENTS: 

• High School Diploma or GED
• 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 MARCH 12TH, 2021.

Contact Cait at cpayne@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.

Required Skills Required Experience

TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

• Will be required to cross train on critical finish department positions for coverage purposes
• Must be able to work in a team environment and be part of the rotation of all the load and unload positions
• Must pass color test
• May be required to receive additional education and attend seminars for related training

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a manufacturing environment required
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques, principles, and tools preferred