Education Director

Canyonlands Field Institute Published: September 16, 2017
Location
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Education

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Description

~ Founded in 1984 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Canyonlands Field Institute is an outdoor education organization and licensed outfitter located in the red rock country of Moab, Utah. ~

CFI operates by permits in partnership with the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, States of Utah and Colorado, and the Navajo Nation.

We encourage people of all ages to experience wild nature directly, with few of the trappings of modern life, through hiking, camping, nature and day tours, and river running. Thousands of adults, families, students, and their teachers have participated in our outdoor education programs over the last 30 years while studying natural and cultural history, public lands management and current issues, writing, and Leave No Trace practices.

Position Overview

The Education Director will provide vision and direction for program services that are in line with CFI’s mission and current Strategic Plan. This position collaborates with other managers as a member of the staff leadership team to meet financial targets and ensure that our programs meet the highest standards of customer service, educational quality, and safety. CFI is looking for an experienced teacher with a commitment to place based experiential learning and familiarity with outfitting on public lands and rivers.

The Director of Education oversees naturalist guide and intern professional development, school/youth program content, and lessons and teaching resources. This position assists the Executive and Development staff with adult/family and donor cultivation programming.

Initial Priorities:

Evaluate and revise school curriculum for Professor Valley Field Camp, River Program, and National Parks. Develop, revise, and implement related teaching workbooks, other resources, and staff training systems. Match CFI school curriculum and services to national Core Competencies at selected grade levels and to meet CFI’s teacher target market. Work with Marketing, Reservations, and Operations to create a menu of school program choices, revise promotional materials, booking procedures, and to improve client communications from initial contact through program implementation and evaluation. Work with the leadership team and board of trustees on vision, program direction, and facility planning for an additional new campus to be developed in near future.

The Education Director will gradually work with the leadership team and board of trustees on vision, program direction, and facility planning for an additional new campus to be developed in near future.

Supervision:

  • Supervised by Executive Director.
  • Supervises trip leaders, naturalist guides and interns.
  • Assists Executive Director in adult seminar planning and faculty management.

Months/days of work:

  • Generally M-F with some flex time possible to accommodate one three day weekend per month.
  • Generally 35-40 hours/week.
  • Extra hours may be required for occasional evening or weekend meetings for field duties or to meet critical deadlines.

Responsibilities

  • Works closely with marketing and development staff on recruitment and grant writing and implementation, particularly related to school and youth programs.
  • Travels occasionally, primarily in winter months for program planning, school recruitment, and to represent CFI at professional conferences.
  • Conducts seasonal hiring for naturalist guide and interns, serves as supervisor for this instructional staff, providing mentorship in teaching methods, content, and group management.
  • Collaborate with Operations Manager on winter hiring of field support (maintenance, food service, drivers etc.).
  • With operations, plans and conducts training trips, schedules and evaluates field staff.
  • Provides references and graduate school recommendations for field employees.
  • Oversees field teaching materials, library and other enrichment opportunities and references.
  • Maintains established organizational partnerships and looks for new opportunities. Works with Reservations Manager on public lands and rivers permit management.
  • Serves as occasional (and back-up) instructor (or river guide if qualified) not to exceed more than 20 days a year in the field.
  • Assist with several CFI public and fundraising events each year.
  • Participate in strategic and annual planning with the leadership team and Board of Trustees.
  • May serve as Associate and/or Acting Director when Executive Director is absent.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor degree in a related field; advanced degree preferred especially for university involvement.
  • Minimum of 3 years teaching experience, preferably to include some classroom experience and with residential environmental education or other experiential education programs.
  • Previous experience with land or river permitting and outfitting, either as a guide or logistical coordinator.
  • Preferably prior river running experience to qualify for Utah river guide license.
  • Mature individual with strong leadership abilities, interpersonal and facilitation skills (a “people” person and a team player); previous supervisory and program/project management experience.
  • Prefer familiarity with Colorado Plateau and living in rural small town settings.
  • Academic coursework in any of the following: general natural science, geography or public lands policy.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, word processing and internet skills.
  • Physically fit.
  • Work involves approximately 80% office/travel work and 20% field work.
  • Field work may involve the ability to lift 50 lbs., hike 6-8 miles in a day, the ability to be on rafts or canoes all day, and camp outdoors.
  • Field days involve long hours and are physically and socially demanding with little personal privacy.
  • Ability to drive 15 passenger vans, trailers, and trucks.
  • Able – or willing to learn – to drive a manual transmission vehicle.
  • Over 21 years of age (for CFI vehicle insurance).
  • Valid driver’s license and must maintain DOT medical exam certification.
  • Must have current and maintain Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.
  • Neat, professional appearance suitable for office and outdoor settings.

Conditions:

  • 60-day conditional period.
  • The employee is asked to agree and sign acceptance of CFI personnel policies and procedures.
  • Must maintain current valid driver license, Wilderness First Responder, Utah Food Handlers, DOT med exam, and Utah River Guide license (minimum “crew” level) at own expense.
  • Must pass Utah educators’ fingerprint check at CFI expense.
  • Housing not provided. Meals provided on field programs.

Compensation:

  • Salary basis.
  • Pay/benefits.
  • After successful completion of the 60-day conditional period.
  • Vacation/sick leave accrual.
  • Health, dental and vision insurance with employee copay.
  • Certifications assistance, at $200 year paid after 12 months.
  • Gift certificate for CFI programs $100 (can be used or transferred) awarded after 12 months.
  • Additional employee/family discounts available.
  • Access to pro deals on gear.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload the following documents:

  • Cover letter expressing interest in the position.
  • Resume.
  • The unofficial copy of college transcripts with confirmation of degrees.
  • Three employment-related phone references.
  • Copies of WFR Certification, First-Aid, and Motor Vehicle Report.

Top candidates will be selected for interviews. All candidates will be notified of selection. Please, no direct phone calls to Executive Director in the search process. The registrar will keep roster available on the status of your application. Please mention how you learned of this opening.

~ 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.~

When you apply for this position, please say you saw this job on Green Dream Jobs!!

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