GCCFI NATURALIST GUIDE

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: GCCFI NATURALIST GUIDE  
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. As the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission is to inspire generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. GCC raises private funds, operates retail shops within the park, and provides premier educational programs on the region's natural and cultural history. 

Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute (GCCFI) provides immersive, educational adventures at Grand Canyon—all officially designed and developed in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park. Our Naturalist Guides facilitate highly engaging and inclusive educational and experiential programs for visitors to Grand Canyon, helping participants establish a personal connection to the resource and inspiring a lifelong passion for stewarding Grand Canyon. Naturalist Guides lead interpretive programs and tours at the Grand Canyon, with an emphasis on day programs and backpacking trips along the main corridor trails.

GCCFI currently seeks experienced individuals to join their team as Naturalist Guides for full or part-time, year-round assignments. Schedules vary seasonally, so all interested parties should indicate their general availability through the application process; details will be discussed further with those selected for interviews. 

All Naturalist Guide positions are non-exempt at a target rate of $22 per hour. If hired full-time, a comprehensive benefits package is also provided, including free or low-cost health insurance, company-paid life and long-term disability insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and more. Although occasional administrative duties are required, the Naturalist Guide role is primarily a programmatic in-field position at Grand Canyon National Park, so applicants must reside within 2.5 hours of the South Rim. Free temporary housing is available when working on programs. When working onsite for trip duties, temporary housing is available for no charge.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential functions of the Naturalist Guide position vary seasonally and include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Program Facilitation (approximately 75% of job duties)
•    Facilitate inclusive educational outdoor experiences, sharing accurate and fact-based cultural and natural knowledge to inspire participants and create a meaningful connection to Grand Canyon. Programs and trips may last from 1 hour to 6 days. 
•    Promote GCC's mission, values, and priorities, and share information about GCC’s support of Grand Canyon National Park
•    Transport participants and equipment to and from trip locations in Grand Canyon National Park.
•    Deliver exceptional customer service and support risk management in the field. 
•    Provide first aid responses to participants and follow emergency protocols. 
•    Assist other GCCFI trip leaders with participants or logistics as needed
•    Support GCC donor and public events at Grand Canyon as required
•    Provide interpretation and public information at GCC visitor centers on an as-needed basis.

Administrative & Logistics Support (approximately 25% of job duties)
•    Track participation metrics and solicit participant feedback on program content and logistics
•    Contribute to program development – both existing and new 
•    Contribute to collateral creation for programs and assist with collateral distribution at the South Rim of Grand Canyon. 
•    Manage pre- and post-trip participant communication under the guidance of Day and Multiday Program Coordinators as required. 
•    Maintain FI program equipment and support equipment ordering (vehicles, first aid kits, trip supplies, etc.) under the guidance of the Senior Program Manager as required. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 
•    This position contains up to 25% of office work at a desk, performing administrative tasks such as typing and data entry
•    This position contains at least 75% of fieldwork requiring both short walks on the rim and remote hiking into the Canyon; limits on physical ability to perform these tasks cannot be accommodated.
•    Trips may last from 1 hour to 6 days in locations ranging from front country to backcountry wilderness

GCC CORE VALUES 
GCC has identified four core values representing how we interact with our employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and followers. Our values include:  

•    Integrity: We are honest, respectful, inclusive, caring, and accountable for our actions. We operate at a high level of excellence, utilizing our resources to their best and fullest potential.
•    Education: We are a dynamic learning organization uniquely positioned to cultivate the “awe” of the Grand Canyon.
•    Service: We embrace our role as a valued partner of the National Park Service at Grand Canyon National Park and will provide the highest level of excellence in every interaction with employees, partners, visitors, supporters, and donors. 
•    Connection: We foster a sense of wonder and adventure for the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. 
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
•    1-3 years of backcountry guiding and interpretation experience, leading day/or multiday experiential programs in wilderness settings
•    Wilderness First Responder (preferred) or Wilderness First Aid Certification; familiarity with backcountry emergency response procedures
•    CPR and EPI Certification
•    Valid AZ Driver’s License
•    Successful completion of a criminal background check
•    Proficient in Microsoft 365 Office and Microsoft Outlook applications; ability to learn other applications, including reservation software
•    Ability to carry backpacks weighing up to 50lbs in remote areas and ability to hike to remote areas below the rim of the Grand Canyon without assistance 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS
•    Experience and knowledge of hiking in the corridor and threshold trails at Grand Canyon
•    High-level, professional interpersonal skills both in person and by phone or email
•    active listening skills and the ability to foster trust with participants, maintaining a positive attitude, and being sensitive to diverse perspectives and communication styles
•    Strong commitment to ongoing knowledge acquisition and the ability to effectively convey this knowledge to participants
•    Well-developed customer service ethic with high expectations for quality and a keen level of attention to detail
•    Demonstrated ability to remain calm and level-headed in stressful situations 
•    Ability to promote a positive and productive workplace environment
•    Ability to perform data entry and keep accurate records 
•    Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays as needed