Operations Technician

WHY WORK FOR CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE?
Canyonlands Field Institute (CFI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Moab, Utah. For over 40 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. As an employer, CFI aims to build a diverse set of 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 foster equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant work and field spaces. As CFI strives for transparency and accountability, we signed the In Solidarity Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, to solidify our public commitment to being part of the solution in moving the outdoor education sector toward being a space of belonging for all.

PURPOSE OF POSITION WITH CFI:
The Operations Technician is a support role focused on enhancing safety and efficiency within the day-to-day operations of the organization. This role is largely “behind the scenes” work and will support the Operations Director and Commissary Manager in preparing equipment and logistics for upcoming programs.

ROLE SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:
Program Support – 40%

• Assist with shuttles as needed for field programs. This may include driving passenger vans with trip participants or trailers with gear for river or land based programming.
• Perform routine vehicle inspections for outgoing/incoming programs.
• Assist with rigs and de-rigs as needed. Assure that de-rig tasks are fully and adequately completed.
• Assist Commissary manager in preparing for upcoming trips. This may involve providing feedback on menus, shopping for/picking up ingredients, and staging food for upcoming rigs

Maintenance – 35% of the time

• Inspect and repair damaged gear returning from the field.
• Perform preventative maintenance to enhance the lifespan of equipment.
• Provide recommendations on purchasing needs based on the current condition of various equipment.
• Routinely inspect vehicles and other equipment to ensure that safety standards are met and that recommended replacement schedules are adhered to.

Administrative – 20% of the time

• Assist with printing and updating permit packets, emergency packets, and other program-related paperwork
• Create and maintain wall calendar with up-to-date program details

Canyonlands Field Institute Team Engagement – 5% of the time

• Attend weekly Operations meetings
• Participate in 1 on 1 meetings with Operations Director
• Support the advancement of the vision and mission of Canyonlands Field Institute by engaging in strategy, planning, goal setting, and leadership meetings/ conversations.

Requirements

CONSIDERED QUALIFICATIONS

• Technical Knowledge and Experience: Experience with PVC raft repairs, experience inspecting condition of various safety equipment, basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance, experience troubleshooting various equipment problems, willingness to learn and problem solve independently, experience with analyzing and improving systems.
• Knowledge of Boating/ Outfitting Systems : Familiarity with tools and equipment commonly used on whitewater rafting trips, knowledge of rigging and organizational systems for whitewater rafting trips, familiarity with standard river safety protocols, Familiarity with planning and packing for backcountry trips, experience reading and understanding permit stipulations.
• Risk management: Experience managing personal and group risk, particularly in a remote wilderness context, experience recognizing gaps in risk-management protocols and working with team members to develop improvements.
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility: We welcome applicants with lived experiences as members of marginalized communities 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. Demonstrated a 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 21 years of age.
• Pass a comprehensive background check.
• Current driver’s license and a willingness to participate in and pass Driver Training
• Maintains a clean driving record, passes and keeps current a DOT physical exam at CFI’s expense.
• Willingness to get a Utah Food Handlers certification
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including days, nights, and weekends

Why work here

Canyonlands Field Institute provides quality outdoor education on the Colorado Plateau to inspire care of wild places and renew the human spirit. We believe in empowering students of all ages and backgrounds to deepen their connection to their surroundings. Through inclusive educational experiences, CFI seeks to build knowledge within practices of science, artistic expression, and Social and Emotional Learning. We are creating a team of educators with diverse life experiences who are committed to providing opportunities for all types of learners. By joining our educational community, you can help us promote the growth of caring leaders and empowered students who can affect positive change in our world.