Backcountry Interpretive Guide

Position Duration: May 24 – September 30*, 2023

*flexible end date, but full duration preferred

Position Overview

The Backcountry Interpretive Guide leads full-day and half-day backcountry treks in the mountain trails surrounding the Vail, Colorado area in the Sawatch and Gore Ranges of the Colorado Rockies. With a focus on nature interpretation, these hikes inspire and encourage conservation and stewardship of public lands.

This seasonal, full-time position works closely with the Community Science & Hiking Coordinator and Community Programs Director to continue to expand Walking Mountains’ backcountry hiking and interpretive programs. This position will play an important front-line educator/guide role and responsibilities will vary throughout the term and could include involvement in other aspects of the Community Programs department. The Backcountry Interpretive Guide works primarily with adults. 

Responsibilities Include:

Formal and Informal Interpretation and Instruction

• Plan, prepare, and present a variety of creative high-content-level programs
  • Extended hiking treks and educational outings
  • Contract and special request programs
  • Community science (aka citizen science) field trips and trainings
• Provide high-quality customer service and educational experiences in backcountry settings
• Actively research and expand knowledge of general Rocky Mountain ecology and specialized fields such as botany and ornithology
• Other program planning, teaching responsibilities, and special projects, as assigned

Program Administration

• Work in partnership with Community Science & Hiking Coordinator and Community Programs Director to create program marketing plans
• Use program registration software to monitor and communicate with program participants
• Collect photos and other marketing content and assist in the creation of program and destination-specific marketing materials
• Document and record participation numbers and use data on public lands

Qualifications:

Required:

• BA/BS in science, interpretation, education, or an environmental science-related field (or equivalent experience);
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications or able to obtain prior to start date;
• At least 1 year of field experience in interpretation and/or environmental education including programs for adult audiences;
• At least 1 year of remote backcountry leadership and adventure experience;
• Excellent public speaking skills;
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, and creative individual who can work independently and as part of a team;
• Dedicated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people;
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive 15-passenger vans in diverse road conditions;
• Ability to hike 10-15 miles on steep, uneven terrain carrying a pack up to 50 pounds several days a week;
• Ability to work a full time flexible schedule with variable hours and many evening and/or weekend responsibilities

Preferred:

• NAI Certified Interpretive Guide certification;
• General knowledge of the natural and cultural resources of the Rocky Mountains;
• Specialized knowledge or interest in a natural science field, such as botany, mycology, birding, astronomy, meteorology, etc.

Visit this link to see the full job description and to apply: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/1524556

Deadline: March 12

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, so apply early!