Apprentice Naturalist-River Guide

This position is March 15 through the end of October.

For those new to CFI, this training program is offered March 15 through April 30 (6 weeks) followed by Assistant Naturalist-Guide employment through contract season (end of October). There will be 3 total weeks of furlough (two weeks are scheduled during program break July 17-31 and 1 other week at your choice/request subject to program needs).

We require applicants with previous outdoor/environmental education and teaching experience. You may have some previous river experience or may be new to western whitewater rafting. A college undergrad degree in related field is required. Applicants are initially be hired as apprentices and will be mentored in western rafting (row and paddle) expeditions, river rescue, leave no trace, commercial camp cooking, vehicle and trailer handling (van and 4 wheel drive manual transmission), as well as our curriculum and lessons for river and field camp programs and our adult/family National Park tours and hikes. There will be three multiday river trips on the San Juan and Colorado Rivers as part of the six week apprenticeship. You will be involved in setting up our Field Camp, some gear repair, and learning all of our operations. Start date is firm due to the intensive, private training provided. CFI invests heavily in apprentice training and professional development with the understanding that once trained, employee will work for CFI through contract period. CFI makes commitments throughout from late spring through fall to client groups based on having an excellent cadre of instructors. Only those candidates that are fully available to work through October should apply.

To apply, please submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 3 References
• Copies of First Aid/CPR cards (current through October of 2012)
• Motor Vehicle Report

Must have prior to start date:

• Minimum of 40 hour Advanced First aid and CPR courses (strongly prefer Wilderness First Responder)
• Minimum age 21, good driving record to meet vehicle insurance requirements
• Physical exam to meet DOT requirements, be able to lift 50 lbs, drive manual transmission.
• Secure Motor Vehicle report from home state and bring with you.
• Have proof of Social security number (passport, other)

Apprentices will be exposed to our primary river stretches which will qualify them for paid work after the apprenticeship. Apprentices will receive an intern stipend of $200/per 2 week pay period through regular payroll ($600 total, subject to wage taxes), receive use of bunkhouse in exchange for work trade service (see general housing information) and will have tent/tipi housing at field camp during programs or free time. Apprentices are provided meals during overnight training trips. Training on all CFI operations, vehicles/driving and teaching lesson plans will be provided. Initial 3 weeks of training will include 1 day off/ week, and 1-2 days off/week thereafter (Average of 6-8 days off/month; schedules vary as to days of week due to assigned river launch dates that vary each year). During the main season, schedules are firmed up 7 days in advance. Special requests can be considered with notice. Apprenticeship schedule will be available March 1.

During the Apprentice program, CFI will provide river rescue training, Utah Food Handlers Course, Educator Clearance, as well as "starter" boat rigging kit. CFI will pay for your first Utah River Guide License. Training to include: river paddling, rowing and rigging skills, commercial river operations, food purchasing and cooking, packing food on trips. Topics to include: Colorado Plateau ecology, geology, history, native cultures, ethnobotany, regional issues, as well as outdoor education teaching techniques, teaching lessons for river and land based programs for school and adult/family trips, field camp operations including tipis and yurts, boat repair, driving vans, 4wdrive and trailer handling.

REGULAR EMPLOYMENT for ASSISTANT NATURALIST RIVER GUIDES begins May 1 though October (with 3 weeks furlough as outlined above for breaks). Pay will start at $75/field day or $7.50 for hourly work. Guides can expect to earn approximately $1000-$1400/month plus gratuities depending on trips booked, your skills and ability to do a variety of tasks and performance based pay raises.

Starting May 1, shared housing will continue to be available to first year guides in exchange for work trade service plus $100 rent/ month (deducted $50 from each paycheck). End of year holiday bonus of several field days pay will be paid for those who complete full contract term and depending on performance. In addition, $100 travel assistance is provided at vacation break (July) and upon return and at end of season ($300 travel total).