Volunteer Program Trip Leader

About the position

The Grand Canyon Trust runs about 16-18 stewardship and restoration projects throughout the field season (April through October). We’re looking for a passionate, hardworking individual who loves the Colorado Plateau to join our team.

Our trip leaders are seasoned professionals who anticipate the needs of volunteers, manage logistics, ensure group safety, and complete restoration work.

Volunteer projects range from one to four days in length, on weekdays and weekends, and may include fence building, stream restoration, pulling weeds, and more. This job requires long hours in the field, camping for days at a time and maintaining a positive presence among our volunteers. You will co-lead the trips with Trust staff and typically be joined by federal agency partners.

Application deadline: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. MST
Anticipated start date: Monday, March 23, 2026

What does this position entail?

• Co-lead 8-12 volunteer trips from April-October.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of Trust volunteers.
• Cook for groups of up to 20 people while maintaining a clean and efficient camp kitchen.
• Lead all aspects of volunteer trips, including:
  • Pre-trip: food shopping and gear packing
  • In the field: risk management, volunteer engagement, meal preparation and cleanup, and cultural and natural history interpretation
  • Post-trip: cleanup, debrief, and reporting
• Educate volunteers on the Trust’s mission, values, and projects.
• Participate in data collection or restoration work on each trip.
• Serve as a role model for excellent work ethic and inclusivity.
• Demonstrate outstanding people skills, including the ability to read social cues and support positive group dynamics.
• Maintain a level head throughout inclement weather, difficult situations, and interactions with volunteers.
• Drive the Trust’s four-wheel drive truck responsibly on all types of roads, including poorly maintained, sandy, and very rough roads.

What might you learn along the way?

• You will learn about local ecology, research, lawsuits, and policies relevant to our work at the Grand Canyon Trust.
• You will polish your outdoor trip leading skills with a supportive team.
• You will gain skills in data collection and restoration techniques and be an integral part of a regional nonprofit focused on environmental advocacy.
• You will build a network of fellow environmental conservationists with shared values of stewardship and volunteerism.

Do you have what it takes?

• Minimum of four years guiding experience, with two years of trip leading experience, preferably on multiday river trips.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification by start date (subsidies available for recertification).
• Current Backcountry Food Handler certification or ability to complete the certification prior to leading trips.
• Experience cooking for large groups (10-20 people).
• In-depth knowledge of river trip kitchen and groover (toilet) systems.
• Experience managing risk for groups in wilderness settings.
• Experience working with diverse participants who have varying cultural backgrounds, physical abilities, and skill levels.
• Excellent customer service, hospitality, and communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate, troubleshoot, and solve challenging problems when and if they arise.
• Willingness to stay energized and positive and take on your fair share of less glamourous tasks (i.e. cleaning gear and taking down the groover).
• Ability to work in areas without cell service or access to other forms of electronic communication.
• Ability to navigate competently using a map, GPS, compass, etc. in off-trail environments
• Knowledge of or a strong desire to learn about environmental issues on the Colorado Plateau.
• Commitment to lead with humility when entering communities and working with diverse cultures.
• Ability to maintain gear and fix minor damage.
• Be in strong physical condition with the ability to: walk on uneven, off-trail terrain; carry 20-30 pounds; and hike long distances (up to 10 miles a day).
• You will need to drive Trust-owned or rental vehicles, so you must be at least 20 years old with a driver’s license, personal car insurance, and a clean driving record.

Note that experience includes lived experience, traditional knowledge, volunteer experience, school or coursework, work experience, and other related qualifications, skills, and experience.

No candidate will meet every requirement. If you’re excited about the position and think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to apply.

The nitty-gritty

Location

Flagstaff, Arizona

Compensation and benefits

$25.00 per hour. Overtime is paid for each hour worked that exceeds 40 hours in a work week. This is not a benefits-eligible position. Subsidies are available for recertifying you Wilderness First Responder certification.

Employment term

Anticipated timeframe: March 23, 2026 – Oct. 31, 2025. The trip leader will work primarily during volunteer trips, with a day on each end to pack and unpack gear. There will be a week of training in late March or early April, including an overnight training trip. Almost all work will be done in backcountry environments. See our events calendar after mid-April for the complete schedule of trips,  or contact Lena Bain at lbain@grandcanyontrust.org

Supplies needed

Clothing and footwear that is appropriate for field settings and all personal camping and hiking gear. The Trust can provide some camping gear upon request.

Travel will be required. You will need to drive Trust-owned or rental vehicles, so you must be at least 20 years old with a driver’s license, personal car insurance, and a clean driving record.

Who would my supervisor be?

Lena Bain, volunteer manager

How do I apply?

Please send your resume and cover letter to volunteernow@grandcanyontrust.org. In the subject line, please indicate the position you are applying for, and please put your name and job title in the file names of application materials (ex: Firstname_Lastname_VPTripLeader_resume.docx). Finalists will be asked to supply references.

The application deadline is Feb. 17, 2026 at 5 p.m. If you need a reasonable accommodation, contact volunteernow@grandcanyontrust.org