Do you want to guide trips and help protect remote and beautiful corners of the Colorado Plateau?

About the position

The Grand Canyon Trust runs many stewardship and restoration projects throughout the field season (April through October). We’re looking for a passionate, positive, and detail-oriented individual to support and care for volunteers on these trips.

Projects range from one to five 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 volunteers. You will co-lead the trips with Trust staff and typically be joined by federal agency partners or tribal partners.

What does this position entail?

• Ensure the safety and well-being of trip participants.
• Lead all aspects of trip implementation: review menu, shop for food, pack gear, manage risk, engage with trip participants, share knowledge, cleanup gear, debrief with Trust staff, and report accomplishments.
• Educate trip participants on the Trust’s mission, values, and projects.
• Participate in data collection and restoration projects, serving 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 a four-wheel-drive truck responsibly on all types of road conditions, 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 two years of experience guiding or leading trips, preferably multiday river trips.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification or ability to complete the certification prior to leading trips.
• Current food handler certification or ability to complete the certification prior to leading trips.
• 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 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, fix minor damage, and handle it appropriately to ensure it lasts.
• 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).

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.

Location

Flagstaff, Arizona

Compensation and benefits

$23.00 per hour. This is not a benefits-eligible position, but interns accrue sick leave during their internships (about two days), and receive a $500 housing stipend, $250 travel allowance, and $200 professional development stipend.

Employment term

Anticipated timeframe: March 24, 2025 – November 10, 2025. The intern will work primarily during trips, with a day on each end to pack and unpack gear. There will be several weeks of training in late March or early April, including an overnight training trip. The intern will work approximately 11 overnight trips (three to five days each), and eight day-trips. Almost all work will be done in backcountry environments. See our events calendar after mid-February for the complete schedule of trips.

Supplies needed

Clothing 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

Grand Canyon Trust internships are managed by the Rising Leaders Program. Interns are expected to communicate regularly with Rising Leaders staff about progress and any support needed along the way.