Volunteer Field Technician

Applications will be accepted until March 16 at 5 p.m.

We’re looking for someone to help co-lead citizen science, restoration, and stewardship volunteer trips this summer. We’ve got about 12 projects for the 2021 summer field season, and we’re looking for a passionate, positive, and detail-oriented individual to help care for our volunteers out on these trips. Volunteer projects range from two to five days, on both weekdays and weekends. This job requires long hours in the field, camping for up to one week at a time, and maintaining a positive presence among our volunteers. You will always co-lead with one other Volunteer Program staff member and also typically be joined by another Grand Canyon Trust staff member or agency representative. Want to explore and conserve some of the remote corners of the Colorado Plateau? This is the position for you!

What does this position entail?

• Helping in all aspects of trip implementation: menu planning, food buying, gear packing, risk management, engaging with volunteers, preparing meals, and sharing of knowledge.
• Participating in the data collection or restoration projects, serving as a role model of excellent work ethic, and maintaining a good attitude with all participants. 
• Demonstrating outstanding people skills, requiring the ability to read social cues and support positive group dynamics. 
• Keeping a level head throughout inclement weather, difficult situations, and interacting with challenging volunteers. 
• Being in good physical shape including the ability to walk on uneven, off-trail terrain and hike long distances (up to 10 miles a day).

What might you learn along the way?

This is a fun and supportive job. You will learn a lot about the local ecology, research, legal work, and policies relevant to our work at the Grand Canyon Trust. You’ll gain skills in data collection and restoration techniques and be an integral part of a regional non-profit focused on environmental advocacy.

Do you have what it takes?

• Current Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Experience managing risk for groups in wilderness settings.
• Experience leading groups with varying backgrounds and skill levels.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to navigate competently using map, GPS, compass, etc. in off-trail environments.
• Desire to learn about environmental issues on the Colorado Plateau.
• Ability to maintain and fix gear.
• Ability to anticipate, troubleshoot, and solve challenging problems if and when they arise.
• Willingness to stay energized, positive, and take on the “dirty work” with ease and a good attitude.
• Ability to work in areas without cell service or access to other forms of electronic communication.
• Commitment to lead with humility when entering communities and working with diverse cultures.
• Ability to drive the Trust vehicle or a vehicle rented by the Trust (four-wheel drive trucks) — you will need to have a satisfactory driving record and be at least 20 years old.

The nitty-gritty:

Location?

Flagstaff, Arizona, and with travel throughout the Colorado Plateau.

What's the employment term?

This is a three-month position beginning around July 1, 2021 and ending at the end of September 2021 (start and end dates are not definitive yet). The field technician will work only during projects, with a day on each end to rig and de-rig gear. Almost all of the work will be done in a backcountry, remote environment. View project schedule ›

Who would my supervisor be? 

Audrey Kruse and Lena Bain will be your supervisors and will assist with projects and skills-training. 

What's the salary?

$15 per hour, typically about $900 for a 5-day trip. The field technician will likely work long hours in the field one week, balanced with no hours the next week. Expect to work some weekends and holidays. Housing and benefits are not provided. 

What supplies do I need?

Clothing appropriate for field settings. Camping and hiking gear. The Trust can provide some camping gear if requested. 

How do I apply?

Please send a résumé, a list of three references, and a statement of interest that conveys your passion and qualifications to Audrey Kruse at akruse@grandcanyontrust.org. The application deadline is 5 p.m., March 16, 2021. No phone calls, please.

EMAIL AUDREY

The Grand Canyon Trust is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our organization. We work actively to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of identity including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, parental status, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression etc. We actively seek diversity in our candidate pools. Applicants of all identities are encouraged to apply.