Public Relations Internship (Seasonal)
This is a 10-12 week internship in development (fund raising) and program marketing. Gain valuable experience that will help you build your resume for work with non-profit organizations! Available spring, summer and fall. A $100.week stipend provided. Shared co-ed housing in exchange for 4 hours/month work-trade service in addition to internship hours. Internship includes 1-2 weeks assisting in field with youth or adult programs (spring and fall only.) Minimum week commitment is 10 weeks and maximum of 12 weeks. Positions are hosted spring and fall. There is no "summer" internship; minimum age is 21 due to vehicle insurance requirements. Return travel stipend paid for successful completion.
THE INTERNSHIP:
The internship teaches all aspects of public relations (marketing and fundraising) at a small non-profit: event management, donor identification and relations, membership, program marketing, direct mail, grants, sponsorships, marketing ventures and newsletter production, basic print and design projects, foundation reporting, and database management.
Due to the small office staff at CFI, the intern will assist with some general office duties.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Become familiar with the mission and programs of CFI.
Complete or help complete one major project. Depending on the season, this may be a major event or auction, print or video project, membership appeal, database construction, etc.
Work on day-to-day projects like mailing, grant or issue research, small events, filing, grant or copy writing, correspondence, etc. Help with phone/office coverage as needed. The work generally includes about 50% office/administrative tasks, 30% creative writing or critical thinking, 10% physical work (such as assisting field staff or maintenance), and 10% participation as a passenger or helper on CFI adult, guide or youth trips.
Here's what a former intern had to say about his experience with CFI:
"I completed the Public Relations internship at CFI in the fall of 2005. The internship was a comprehensive introduction to the world of non-profit administration, as well as a deeply satisfying immersion in the natural history and landscape of the Colorado Plateau. Overall, it was a hugely valuable and enjoyable experience that left me well prepared to contribute to the non-profit organizations I have worked with since my time in Moab.
From day one, it was clear that nothing I was to contribute to CFI would be wasted. Karla immediately put me in charge of a meaningful and challenging project: conducting a fundraising drive to underwrite the cost of an upcoming middle school's visit to Professor Valley. The practical context of everything I did at CFI created an atmosphere of ownership and responsibility that pushed me to carefully craft and refine everything I submitted.
Looking back on the body of work I created at CFI, I can see the evidence of Karla's guidance on phrasing, framing and structure. It is to this literature, and the advice she gave me during my internship, that I turn to now when I am writing membership drive letters, grant proposals, and newsletter articles for the School Garden Project.
More than the specific projects I worked on, I remember a quality of life that came with the internship. I never felt stuck in the office: my CFI experience involved staff rafting trips through Westwater Canyon, leading hikes at Professor Valley, driving shuttles on the river road, and gaining a deeper knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Arches and Canyonlands. CFI's mission has to do with fostering a connection to the landscape and ecology of the Colorado Plateau, and my internship certainly fulfilled this promise.
I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone interested in gaining first-hand experience working with a small, eco-tourism oriented non-profit.
Sincerely, Jared Pruch, Executive Director, The School Garden Project of Lane County"
Naturalist/River Guide (Seasonal)
Our field season runs mid March through october 31 with a 2 week vacation break in July. A core crew is hired and must commit to full season employment and be willing to do a variety of tasks. We have a small crew and depend on them to provide the best possible experiential experiences for our client schools and adult groups. During the July break, you have time to hike in the mountains, run northern rivers or you may pick up guest river guide work locally in Moab
NOTE: We do not have "summer jobs" due to extensive training in late March and early April that qualifies you to work April through October with the break in July.
Naturalist Guides work primarily with middle and high school field study groups, and a few adult or family trips. Staff will rotate between river and land-based programs (including our 5-day residential field school camp). Naturalist/Guides rotate responsibilities in all aspects of field operations primarily as field instructors in science, history and arts. They will work as licensed Utah river guides. CFI guides take a turn in driving, river camp cook, shuttle driver and light maintenance work in the river and camp operations. Experienced staff contribute to curriculum, operation improvements and materials. River stretches range from Class I-III (mostly Class II) on the Colorado, Dolores, Green and San Juan. Emphasis on experiential/participatory learning, thematic interdisciplinary studies, and fun!! Guides must be available for work during our season; schedules firmed 7 days in advance.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Those from out-of-area without Utah river guide licenses but have extensive Class II-III river experience should be able to obtain Utah licenses readily. See below for contacting State of Utah Parks and Recreation on guide licenses. Guides must have previously run a stretch of river in order to qualify for fully paid work; opportunities to see new stretches may be provided on scheduled training trips, as a non paid support boat or on own with approved use of CFI equipment.
Naturalist- River Guides are required to complete and submit prior to start date:
- Physical exam to meet DOT requirements and for outdoor work.
- a department of Motor Vehicle Record from state issuing driver license (approximately $5-$10 fee)
- valid driver license and good record.
- current medical certificates (first aid and CPR).
- proof of social security number
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- Once on the job, these additional items are required within 30 days of hire :
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- Utah fingerprint clearance for working with children CFI to pay
- Utah food handlers' card- courses offered locally, CFI to pay
- Utah River Guide License at own expense. Should be Guide 1/Whitewater Guide qualified for full Naturalist Guide position and familiar with most of CFI rivers.
- Provide their own boat rigging (ropes and straps, life jacket and personal river bag) at your expense.
A pay rate is determined for each person for each season depending on education, experience, certifications and so forth and for experienced guides ranges from $80 to $130/day.You may be offered a salaried position, equivalent to this rate based on 20 days month with up to 4 stand by days. Field staff will be employed in guiding, teaching, warehouse and camp maintenance, driving and curriculum work. We may be able to provide housing in exchange for volunteer service hours a month and some rent contribution on your part. Priority for our limited housing goes to River Apprenctice/Entry guides, AmeriCorps and interns. See below on notes about renting in town. We provide fully outfitted, high quality field training trips. Please note that the due to the nature of our groups (mostly schools), there are rarely cash gratuities for guides on our trips. Guest guides that do occasional work will be paid on hourly or day rate basis as determined by tenure with CFI and other qualifications.
River Apprenticeships/Entry Naturalist-Guide
are offered Mid March through April 30 (6 weeks) followed by entry level guide employment through contract season ( October 31) with 2 week furlough last 2 weeks July. These are for a outdoor educators who do not yet have river rafting/guiding skills. We prefer applicants with college degrees in related fields. These instructor-guides will initially be hired as "Apprentices" and will benefit from intensely mentored rafting skill development, river and land based school program curriculum, and river rescue training. They will be involved in some raft repair and other operations in between field trips. Start date is firm due to intensive and private training provided. CFI invests heavily in Apprentice training and professional development with the understanding that once trained, they will employed as Naturalist Guides for CFI through October 31. CFI makes commitments throughout from late spring through fall to client groups based on having an excellent cadre of instructors. Only those candidates that are fully available and can commit to work through October 31 should apply.
Must have prior to start date:
- Minimum of 40 hour Advanced First aid and CPR courses (strongly prefer Wilderness First Responder)
- Minimum age 21, good driving record to meet vehicle insurance requirements
- Physical exam to meet DOT requirements, be able to lift 50 lbs, drive manual transmission.
- Secure Motor Vehicle report from home state and bring with you.
- Have proof of Social security number (passport, other)
Apprentices will be exposed to our primary river stretches which will qualify them for paid work after the apprenticeship. Apprentices will receive an intern stipend of $200/per 2 week pay period through regular payroll ($600 total, subject to wage taxes), receive use of bunkhouse in exchange for 2 hours/week work trade service, and will have tent/tipi housing at field camp during programs or free time. Apprentices are provided meals during overnight training trips. Training on all CFI operations, vehicles/driving and teaching lesson plans will be provided. Initial 3 weeks of training will include 1 day off/ week, and 1-2 days off/week thereafter (6 days minimum off/month- schedules will vary as to days of week due to assigned river launch dates that vary each year.) Detailed schedule will be available March 1. Apprentices will be secure apprentice guide license upon completion at CFI expense and be fully prepared for paid Naturalist-guide work.
Apprentices will be hired for EMPLOYMENT for the rest of the season ( through October depending on bookings) on a salary basis of $1500/20 day work month (with up to 4 additional standby days) plus housing and travel assistance pay will increase to $1600 month starting August 1; additional increases may be awarded for exceptional skill, river guide qualifications and leadership. As of May 1, housing will continue to be provided in exchange for 4 hours/month work trade plus $100 month (deducted from paycheck) End of year award of $100 will be made for completion to help reimburse costs in guide supplies and med exam and $100 travel assistance provided at vacation break and upon return and at end of season ($300 total). CFI to provide scholarships for Westwater River Rescue Workshop, Utah Food Handlers Course, Educator Clearance, Leave No Trace Trainer Course and training river trips as well as "starter" boat rigging kit. Training to include: river paddling, rowing and rigging skills, Introduction to Colorado Plateau ecology, geology, history, native cultures, ethnobotany, regional issues, as well as outdoor education teaching techniques, driving vans, 4wdrive and trailer handling. SEE BELOW FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON FIELD JOBS.
AMERICORPS: EDUCATION & OPERATIONS ASSISTANT
With Naturalist- River Guide Apprenticeship training prior to AmeriCorp work
Full term March 16 through October 31; there is a,furlough July 16-31; AmeriCorps term would be May 1 through October 31.
This is a 900 hour position with a 2 week furlough in late July. This position is hosted by Utah Conservation Corps as AmeriCorps administrator for Utah. This Member will be assigned to Canyonlands Field Institute. Prior to starting AmeriCorps term of service, the member must participate in required intensive 6 week training program conducted by CFI from March 16-April 30. This CFI River Apprenticeship is an internship that provides housing, most meals and $100 week stipend paid by CFI through our payroll system. See above for details on the River Apprenticeship at CFI.
The AmeriCorps position starts May 1. As an AmeriCorps member, the Education & Operations Assistant will assist in teaching at CFI’s Professor Valley Field Camp in spring and at LaSal Base Camp in summer and on river trips. Field Camp programs include guiding on the “day” stretch of the Colorado River near Moab (Class I-II) and teaching river ecology. Age groups served are elementary, middle and high school students with adult chaperones accompanying each group. There will be a few opportunities to guide and assist with river and land adult eco tours and trips as well.
The AmeriCorps Member assists the Director and Field Manager with all aspects of warehouse, camp operations, curriculum materials, supplies, fleet, and equipment. She/he will help with bulk food purchasing and support CFI’s focus on supporting local growers where possible. She/he will be trained to assist and serve as camp cook upon occasion. There would be some administrative work and assisting with program fundraising projects.
The Member will perform riparian and invasive species removal and trail/fence service projects at Field Camp. He/she will lead student groups in Service Learning lessons and work projects. He/she will design and lead summer youth programs for Moab youth in the La Sal Mountains and on the Colorado River that combine environmental education, service work and adventure and continue to serve with increased responsibility in fall programs.
Shared coed, housing provided in town and tipi/tent will be provided while at camp. You may find your own private housing in Moab at your own expense. Please see other details under FIELD JOBS in this section that apply to all CFI field positions. Member needs to provide own transportation to Moab.
STIPENDS:
For the River Apprenticeship, $600 for 6 weeks plus courses, housing and most meals. Pay is on CFI payroll schedule (first check issued April 15 then every 2 weeks.)
For the AmeriCorps term, $6035 total living stipend (pay issued by Utah Conservation Corps bi monthly), and a $2362 educational award upon completion that can be used for future education or to pay off current student loans, housing, meals on programs, training and licenses as described above. $300 travel assistance provided by CFI for summer break departure, return and end of season departure. Upon satisfactory performance, member would be eligible for future work with CFI.
Requirements prior to hire date:
- Proof of social security number
- CPR- CURRENT, not to expire during term of work
- 40 hour Advanced First Aid or better - CURRENT, not to expire during term of work
- Good driving record last 3 years, driver license copy and Motor Vehicle Report copy from home state
- 21 years old
- medical exam
Prefer college degree in related field or some college, previous work with children and it is helpful to have one of the following: experience with hand tools, trail work or food service.
Application process same as for all CFI positions: letter, resume, first aid certifications, references. Email or mail is fine.
Camp Cook/Caretaker
Our Camp Cook/Caretaker works at Professor Valley Field Camp during spring and fall seasons and assists with maintenance at river warehouse and town facilities when not assigned at camp. Work days are M-F with occasional weekend work. Duties also include shuttle driving approximately one day/week to assist school groups going from the camp to the river. At the camp, CFI hosts one group at a time, usually students 6th grade through college in age; groups range from 20-50. The cook acts as "head cook" and works with assistance of student and staff helpers assigned to that meal.
The camp cook maintains clean work spaces and meets health codes; the Field Camp cook oversees light maintenance and weekly inspection of basic operating systems at the rustic camp. For Field Camp program weeks, the cook is required to remain on site though is scheduled to officially work morning hours and mid-afternoon through mid-evening with a mid-day siesta. (Work week is usually M-F with occasional Saturday morning for food purchase and packing.) For weeks of no full-week school programs, the cook will may have weekend groups, or have either maintenance work at camp or in town at the warehouse (7 hour work days) or may do shuttle work (partial days). If qualified, the camp cook will be a river guide for daily river trips upon occasion.
Tipi/tent housing, rustic showers are provided at camp. The Field Camp setting is private, quiet and exquisitely beautiful! In lieu of staying in the tipi, cook may park van or RV at camp (no hookups). During programs, there is no use of radios/cell phones, CD players etc. (note cell reception is erratic at best anyway from the camp). Meals of course are provided during program week. See below also for general seasonal employment and visit the Field Camp Rental section of our website to view pictures of the camp as well as the School Programs section to better understand the programs and groups served
PAY: $1600-$1800/month depending on cook experience, outfitting experience and if river guide qualified to start. Based 6 days off minimum/month. Minimum 20 day month and may be several additional partial food packing days or standby for shuttles. Housing provided and meals provided during programs.
QUALIFICATIONS: previous cooking experience, preferably in outfitting setting; have current first aid (min 8 hour course) and CPR certification or proof of paid registration in upcoming course at time of application; Utah food handlers license ( or can secure while on the job at CFI expense); previous experience working with youth preferred; minimum of 21 years of age and good driving record for insurance purposes (no DUI or more than 3 citations in last 3 years) and needs own vehicle properly insured for driving occasional errands, mileage reimbursed. Submit Motor Vehicle report from home state with application and copy of driver license; pass Utah Educator Fingerprint clearance upon arrival at CFI expense; have proof of citizenship and Social security number.
General Seasonal Employee Info:
Moab, a former uranium boomtown, is located four hours south of Salt Lake City, and eight hours northwest of Albuquerque. Moab is a seasonal tourist town with a diverse population of about 6,000 people that sees up to a million visitors per year. Surrounded by 12,000’ peaks, red-rock canyons, and the Colorado River, Moab is a mecca for outdoor activity. The nearest sizable town – Grand Junction, CO population 50,000 – is a 1 hour and 45 minute drive by car. This is high desert country, with an elevation of 4,500 ft. Daytime highs range from below 30 to above 110, with nighttime temperatures typically 20-30 degrees cooler. The town has dozens of restaurants, a movie theater, a bookstore, a natural-foods store, and all the basic services. There is no public transportation; a bicycle or car is necessary to get around.
1) Housing: CFI has a small apartment/bunkhouse above our warehouse available March 1 through October. We may rent additional housing in town and do provide tent/tipi housing while working at camp. Apprentices/entry guides, Americorps member and interns complete 4 hours of service work/month in exchange for housing. Once Apprentices become "entry level guides" and if they choose to continue to be in CFI housing complete 4 hours of service work/month and pay $100/month towards housing costs (deducted from paycheck). There may or may not be additional housing assistance for regular Naturalist Guides and other employees, depending on circumstances. Service work includes upkeep of living quarters or other physical plant work. Guests of guides may stay on limited basis with occupancy for guides and volunteers as priority. In the bunkhouse, there is one bedroom, open living room space with bunks, and small kitchen and bathroom/shower plus storage space for outdoor gear in warehouse. (Note the $100 month rent does not apply to interns.) If you plan to rent in town, estimate $350/bedroom/month or thereabouts, there are also commercial campgrounds if you have a camp trailer, etc. It is not practical to plan on "camping out" for your entire 8 months especially when it gets hot and the knats come out!
2) Pets are not allowed on CFI programs; we discourage you bringing a pet for your seasonal work period unless you have housing/care arranged for it.
3) Schedules are established approximately 10 days in advance. Due to government assigned launch dates that can be any day of week for certain river stretches, our apprentice, training and program schedule does not follow a M-F pattern. Guides are asked to remain flexible during their season of employment due to sometimes last minute group size changes. Guides work approximately 20-24 days month depending on skill level and familiarity with our trails and rivers. Approximately 4 of these days will be "standby" i.e. you are expected to be available for day tour or shuttle work if available but will not be paid for the day unless there is booking/need. You will have 24 hours notice for the standby days. We think adequate rest is critical for peak and safe performance and thus avoid "back to back" trips for guides except in emergency situations.
4) Values/lifestyle: Please note that CFI chooses to operate "on nature’s terms" in unplugged environments without cell phones or radios. We do provide training on rescue and evacuations and stress experience, maturity and good judgement in our selection of trip leaders. For the sake of providing healthy lifestyle role models, we operate in non-smoking environments. No alcohol is allowed on student trips and on adult/family trips is allowed only in camp in moderation. No illegal drug use is tolerated. Couples may be hired but are usually scheduled to work on different trips with some mutual time off arranged. We encourage honest, tactful communication and respectful interactions with participants and co-workers.
5) Incentives are offered for completion of work term to help reimburse for your certification and supplies at $100 and $100 return travel assistance. In addition, returning staff received $100 up front travel assistance in addition to the return/completion travel assistance. We do not have "holiday pay" or "comp time". There may be additional bonuses for exceptional work. CFI provides scholarship to Westwater River Rescue Workshop and Leave No Trace Trainer course for new guides.
ABOUT MOAB and CFI
A former uranium boomtown, Moab is located four hours south of Salt Lake City, and eight hours northwest of Albuquerque. The nearest sizable town, Grand Junction, CO population 50,000, is a 1 hour and 45 minute drive by car. This is high desert country, with an elevation of 4,500 ft. Daytime highs range from below 30 to above 110, with nighttime temperatures typically 20-30 degrees cooler. The town has dozens of restaurants, a movie theater, a bookstore, a natural-foods store, and all the basic services. There is no public transportation; a bicycle or car is necessary to get around.
For more info about Moab, visit http://www.moab-utah.com
CFI’s goal is to help ensure a sustainable future for the Colorado Plateau through education; our primary audiences are children, teachers, writers, and students. CFI’s programs teach natural science, history, backcountry and river skills, civics, and communications. Programs take place on public land all over Southeast Utah, and on the Dolores, Green, San Juan, and Colorado rivers.
CFI teaches an average of 5000 participant days per year in program services. The annual operating budget of the Institute is approximately $300,000; 80% in tuition and 20% through public support. CFI employs approximately 3 year round staff and 6-10 seasonal staff including interns and apprentices.
We do offer a broad range of program experiences in a variety of locations. Our instructor-guides are never "bored" with routines; you will find your work with CFI stimulating in terms of co-worker, guest faculty, training and varied geographical and teaching settings. We seek people with positive, mature attitudes, willing to do what it takes to make the business hum.
You will become familiar with many aspects of running a small business that specializes in nature tourism and youth education in back country settings. Once you work a full season, you are well-positioned for future "best" teaching/guiding opportunities and leadership positions with us.
Additional Benefits:
- New guides receive complimentary registration in three day Westwater River Rescue Workshop early in April and receive certificate of completion. Extensive training program for new guides in CFI river and land operation and opportunity to shadow experienced instructors.
- CFI and gear use gift certificates ( issued following completion of contract and remaining in good standing; and at least 50 days employment; CFI certificates can be used for first aid and other courses or given to friends; gear use certificate towards off season river gear rental)
- Pro deals for selected outdoor gear manufacturers; employee must be employed during month to order and follow established protocols and calendar for ordering (orders for employee only, not friends).
- Opportunity to represent CFI at public relation or professional conference or make contact with schools, may be at own expense or some assistance provided depending on circumstance.
- Professional recommendations for future employment or graduate school (latter requires small processing fee; job references are gratis)
UTAH RIVER GUIDE LICENSING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Utah Division of Parks and Recreation/River Running in Utah
Moab office: 435-259-3750; Salt Lake City office: 801-538-7220
www.stateparks.utah.gov
Please note that CFI is smoke and tobacco free workplace which includes all property, buildings, vehicles and camps. Canyonlands Field Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, marital status, religion or physical disability. Reasonable accommodation will be made for physical disabilities.
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