First Year Naturalist Educator

POSITION TITLE: First-Year Naturalist Educator

Reports to: Education Director

Department: Education

Category: Non-Exempt

Classification: Seasonal, March 4th- October 31st

Salary: $175/day, $17.50/hour, free housing

Number of Openings: 6

WHY WORK FOR CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE?

Canyonlands Field Institute (CFI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Moab, Utah. For over 41 years we have been

rooted in our mission to cultivate connection to self, community, and nature by creating inclusive educational

pathways to the outdoors. We believe in nurturing students of all ages and backgrounds, connection to self,

community, and natural spaces. Through meaningful outdoor educational programming, CFI seeks to build

immersive learning experiences by combining place-based science, an unplugged from technology environment,

play, exploration, artistic expression, and Social Emotional Learning curriculum. By joining our educational

community, you can help us grow the next generation of caring leaders and environmental stewards, who can

affect positive change in our world. While simultaneously building a robust set of technical and “soft” skills in some

of the most beautiful places on the planet.

INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & ACCESSIBILITY (IDEA):

CFI holds diversity and inclusion as core values and believes that healthy - vibrant human and natural communities

are interconnected. We participated in the first cohort in the 2-year workshop training series, Working Towards

Racial Equity, led by UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science and Justice Outside, which supports environmental

and outdoor science organizations to build capacity to foster equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant work

environments. CFI also made a commitment to transparency and accountability by annually signing the InSolidarity

Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, to solidify our public commitment to being part of the solution in moving the

outdoor education sector toward being a (natural) space of belonging for all. The InSolidarity Project evolved to

become the Outdoor Diversity Alliance and CFI is a subscriber

PURPOSE OF POSITION WITH CFI:

The First Year Naturalist Educator training program is a paid professional development program for outdoor

educators beginning their career of connecting people to, and fostering care for, the natural environment. The

position focuses on facilitating land-based programming for school and youth groups at our Professor Valley Field

Camp and multi-day river trips on the Green, Colorado, and San Juan Rivers.

ROLE SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

Teaching & Guiding - 60% of the time

Canyonlands Field Institute

FYNE Job Description

● Deliver research-supported curriculum to groups of up to fifteen 1st-12th grade students or adults as

needed

● Facilitate team building, leadership, and Social Emotional Learning activities.

● Captain paddle rafts of up to 10 participants and row gear boats through up to class IV sections of river

● Lead participants in set-up of river camps

● Cook and serve meals for up to 60 participants

● Maintain high standards of health and safety in all aspects of the position

● Follow Risk Management policies in all activities

Support Staff Duties - 20% of the time

● Support programs by: Rigging, De-rigging, and Scouting.

● Operate a motor vehicle (van or truck) with a trailer to transport program participants and gear, or to

conduct other work activities. Training in trailer handling and four-wheel drive will be provided.

● Maintain organization and cleanliness of all CFI equipment, including teaching materials, gear & vehicles

● Assist with documenting program engagement (taking photos & videos), developing outreach materials,

potential grant writing and other office needs.

● Support Commissary Manager

● Repair and maintain equipment

Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development - 10% of the time

● Work closely with the program managers to develop lesson plans and program materials

Canyonlands Field Institute Team Engagement - 10% of the time

● Attend weekly Operation meetings

● Participate in 1 on 1 meetings with Program Manager/Mentor regularly

● Support the advancement of the vision and mission of Canyonlands Field Institute by engaging in strategy,

planning, goal setting, and leadership meetings/ conversations.

CONSIDERED QUALIFICATIONS

There are many skills and qualifications that guides come to CFI with and/or spend their season developing. Below

are some of the critical competencies that we look for when hiring. We do not expect individual candidates to have

experience in all of these realms and encourage those with just some to apply. We recognize that lived experiences

can often supplement formal work experiences and we value these as an employer. We also recognize

certifications as a barrier to many guiding positions and will provide the right applicant with these certifications if

need be.

Teaching & Facilitation: Experience or a willingness to learn to facilitate inquiry-based and student-centered

curriculum, as well as place-based learning. Formal or informal teaching experience, particularly with youth is

desired.

Experience with youth—Experience working with, cultivating relationships, or supporting youth. A willingness to

show empathy, respect, patience, care and social relatability to diverse populations of youth is required.

Boating/Technical Guiding: A willingness to develop technical river running skills, learn river-based systems, and

complete a swiftwater rescue course compensated by CFI. Prior guiding experience is a plus but not a requirement.

Canyonlands Field Institute FYNE Job Description

Group management—Experience organizing, intentionally listening, and communicating with diverse groups of

people and a willingness to step into co-facilitation of large group management.

Risk management—Experience managing personal and group risk, particularly in a remote wilderness context, as

well as a willingness to develop a comprehensive risk management lens and practices.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility— We welcome applicants with lived experiences as members of

communities marginalized from the outdoor industry, public lands and society at large. Individuals who have an

understanding of the myriad relationships youth and adults have with nature and outdoor education programs

based on intersectional identities. A demonstrated commitment to valuing IDEA in working, learning, and

community environments. Have an ability or desire to engage in program and organizational dialogue around

these topics in a meaningful way.

Teamwork—Experience collaborating with a small team of people. The ability to give and receive feedback and

navigate interpersonal relationships as well as conflict management as a means of achieving a shared goal.

Self-management—Techniques for taking care of one's physical and mental needs in a dynamic work environment,

and self-advocate for support in doing so. A positive growth mindset and proactive decision-making abilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

● Minimum of 21 years of age.

● CFI requires everyone who comes in contact with youth to take a comprehensive background check.

● Current driver’s license and a willingness to participate in and pass CFI Driver Training

● Maintains a clean driving record

● Must pass a DOT physical exam (paid for by CFI)

● Must pass a Utah Food Handlers certification course (paid for by CFI)

● Must pass a Wilderness First Responder certification course (paid for by CFI)

● Available to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends

Compensation:

During the first month of training, First Year Naturalist Educators will receive $300/2-week pay period. After

training through the end of the contract season pay will increase to $175 per day or $17.50/hr.

Benefits:

Free, shared, all gender housing is provided. Meals during all overnight programming and day programming where

meals are included for clients. Mentorship and professional development in technical boating, guiding, teaching,

and facilitation. Use of all CFI equipment needed to perform job duties. CFI will provide required gear and

equipment.

Time off & Certifications:

● Two pre-scheduled paid weeks off in June and August are provided to Program staff. There will usually be

two days off/week. May and September are exceptionally busy. Schedules will vary due to assigned river

launch dates and bookings by groups.

● CFI will provide PRO-I swiftwater rescue course through the Swiftwater Safety Institute

● Wilderness first responder training if not already certified.

Canyonlands Field Institute

FYNE Job Description

● Food Handlers certification if not already certified

TO APPLY:

Send a resume and optional cover letter to Program Manager Brett Wylder at brett.wylder@cfimoab with

the subject line “First Year Naturalist Educator Application.” Priority will be given to applications received before

November 21st, 2025. Please be prepared to offer references should you move forward to the next round.

Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We hope to have these positions filled by the end of December, but

can be flexible for the right candidate.

We strive to host inclusive and accessible opportunities that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you require

any accommodations in the application or interview process, please contact the Education Director.