Trail Crew Volunteer

Location:

• - A Trail Crew Volunteer works with CCF's Trail Crew to assist in the restoration, expansion, and maintenance of the Tri-canyon area trail system.
• - Receives training in the safe use of tools such as pulaskis, McCleods, and shovels in order to carry out their work.
• - Adheres to the policy of “safety first” when working among crew members, other volunteers, and trail users.
• - Responsible for coming to work day prepared with the necessary attire, footwear, and gear required for a day of work on the trail (see below).
• - Practices Leave No Trace ethics while in wilderness areas.
• - Identifies and avoids potential safety hazards posed during work day.
• - Communicates any health concerns or physical limitations to CCF prior to volunteer day.
• - Notifies the Trail Crew of any injuries, concerns, or any need to leave work site early.

Reports to: Stewardship Director and/or Trail Crew Lead

Length of Appointment: Seasonal. The Trail Crew starts their season in early May, and concludes their season at the end of September.

Time Commitment: Trail Crew Volunteers sign up for at least 1 day of trail work, but are encouraged to sign up for as many days as they would like. Trail work days start at 7:45am and 2:45pm, with very little room for deviation from these times. Lunch and breaks are taken up on the trail.

Qualifications: Capable of hiking over varied and uneven terrain to get to and from work spot, and of using heavy tools such as shov els, pick mattocks, loppers, M cLeods, and pulaskis. Able to hike and carry out work in sometimes minimal shade and often on hot days. Able to identify and avoid potential safety hazards that exist in the wilderness. Pleasant manner, dependable.

Support: Training will be provided. The Trail Crew Lead and Stewardship Director will be available for questions and assistance.

Age requirement: 12 + (Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian throughout the duration of their volunteer work).

Dress Code: Trail Crew Volunteers come to work prepared with sufficient layers, footwear, and gear to comfortably hike and do physical labor in weather that is often unpredictable. In order to comply with US Forest Service volunteer requirements, and also for the safety of everyone involved, volunteers are required to be equipped with the following:

• Water -- At least 2-3 liters of water is required.
• Long pants -- Volunteers who wear shorts or pants that do not completely cover their legs will not be allowed to participate.
• Boots or other sturdy, closed-toed shoes -- Volunteers who wear sandals or any other footwear that does not completely protect their feet will not be allowed to participate.
• Weather-Appropriate clothing -- Dressing in layers, including a waterproof layer/jacket, even in the summer, is strongly suggested. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so rain gear is necessary.
• Sturdy work gloves -- CCF has some gloves available for those in need. CCF gloves will be limited this season due to COVID 19 precautions.
• Safety Helmet -- We will provide this.
• Sunglasses or safety glasses
• Sunscreen
• Inhaler or Epi-Pen -- For volunteers with asthma or an allergy
• Food -- Volunteers should pack a hearty lunch plus substantial snacks for breaks.
• Backpack to hold all water, food and gear -- Volunteers may not be able to go back to the truck during lunch or break periods. A backpack is essential; no shoulder or plastic bags, please.

Benefits:

• Receive training and gain experience in the use of a number of different tools and techniques used in typical trail restoration and expansion.
• Experience working with a great team of staff and volunteers
• The opportunity to make a difference and have a positive impact on our canyons.

Invasive Weeds Volunteer

Purpose:

The position of Invasive Weeds Volunteer (IWV) serves to help identify, track, and/or remove invasive plant species, collect native plant seeds, and provide native plant restoration in the Tri-Canyons. Taking direction from CCF's Invasive Weeds Crew and in compliance with the U.S. Forest Service, IWVs further CCF's mission to continuously improve the environments of Big and Little Cottonwood and Millcreek Canyons. Volunteers use shovels or pull weeds by hand, depending on the type of invasive species being targeted. Work is completed between 8 am and 2 pm, Thursdays and select Saturdays throughout the Stewardship season.

Location:

The location of each workday greatly depends on the U.S. Forest Service's needs, snowpack, weather, and many other variables. Trail work is always done within Millcreek, Big Cottonwood, or Little Cottonwood Canyon. Volunteers meet CCF's Invasive Weeds Crew at a predetermined location, usually a campsite, picnic area, trailhead, or other frequently-used areas in the canyons. Volunteers will be notified of the location of their workday at least 48 hours ahead of time.

Key Responsibilities:

• An Invasive Weeds Volunteer works with CCF's Invasive Weeds Crew to assist in the identification and removal of invasive weeds growing in the Tri-canyon area trail system. 
• Receives training in plant identification and safe methods of invasive weed removal.
• Adheres to the policy of “safety first” when working among crew members, other volunteers, and trail users.
• Responsible for coming to work day prepared with the necessary attire, footwear, and gear required for a day of work on the trail (see below).
• Practices Leave No Trace ethics while in wilderness areas.
• Identifies and avoids potential safety hazards posed during the workday.
• Communicates any health concerns or physical limitations to CCF prior to volunteer day.
• Notifies the Invasive Weeds Crew of any injuries, concerns, or any need to leave the work site early. 

Reports to: Stewardship Director and/or Invasive Weeds Coordinator

Length of Appointment: Seasonal. The Invasive Weeds Crew starts its season in early May and concludes its season at the end of September. 

Time Commitment:

Invasive Weeds Volunteers sign up for a minimum of 2 hours of invasive mitigation work, but are encouraged to sign up for as many hours as they would like Invasive Weeds Volunteer workdays start at 9:00 am and end at 12:00 pm.

Wasatch Wildflower Guides

Job Title: Wildflower Guide

Reports to: Program Education Director

Purpose: Join us in sharing the beauty of wildflower season in the canyons! This volunteer opportunity will get you out on the trails to learn about the phenomenal plant species that call the canyons home, as well as the incredible ecology and natural history of our canyons. As a Wildflower Guide, you'll help educate the public and connect them to their public lands and watershed. Guides further CCF’s mission to support the environment of the Cottonwood Canyons, specifically through education. The program culminates at the Wasatch Wildflower Festival on July 9-10 & 16-17. Minimum commitment is 2 festival days. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Wildflower Walk Guides (greatest need) lead public tours along trails throughout the Tri-canyon area, helping connect participants to the wildflowers and the canyon environment. Guides will have opportunities to lead tours at the Wasatch Wildflower Festival and for limited private tours as scheduled throughout the season. During walks, Wildflower Guides educate participants on different wildflowers and share information about our watershed, Leave No Trace principles, and other information specific to canyon wildlife, trees, geology, and history.
• Wildflower Stationary Guides (limited positions) are stationed along one of the trails during the festival to provide education to members of the public that are participating in the "self-guided" tours. Guides will provide information on the watershed, LNT principles, canyon wildlife, plants, geology, or history.
• Wildflower Administrative Support/Public Information Guides (limited positions) offer support at registration tables or provide directions/festival information to participants.

Age Requirements: 18 + (We will approve volunteers under the age of 18 on a case-by-case basis, please inquire with Louise at [email protected]. Please note that volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian throughout the duration of their volunteer work).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead wildflower walks for participants of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.
• Attend training sessions to ensure the solid breadth and depth of knowledge needed for the festival.
• Attend training sessions focused on tools and techniques for effectively delivering an engaging program.
• Seek out further information from reliable sources in order to bolster knowledge of wildflowers and natural history topics.
• Interact with participants in a professional, engaging, and non-political manner.
• Represent CCF in a positive manner when interacting with participants, public, and partners.
• Deliver educational content that is factual, non-political, and in line with CCF’s mission and vision.
• Identify and avoid potential safety hazards posed while leading tours.

Length of Appointment: Seasonal. Wildflower Guides start training in May, with virtual modules and a virtual Summer Naturalist training. From early June through mid-July, guides hone their skills on “Wildflower Wednesday” hikes from 6:00/6:30pm - 8:00/8:30pm. Appointment ends at the conclusion of the Wasatch Wildflower Festival in late July. After the festival, Wildflower Guides are welcome to explore other volunteer opportunities with CCF.

Commitment:

• Complete online Canyon Naturalist training and quizzes (7 quizzes) (~3 hours)
• Complete Summer Naturalist training and orientation via Zoom. Attend live or view the recording at a later date (2 hours).
• Complete a Tour Run-Through with Education Director (One 1-hour Wednesday evening training)
• NEW Wildflower Guides must attend at least 4 out of 6 Wildflower Wednesday hikes (June-July) leading up to the Wasatch Wildflower Festival (each training is 2 hours).
• RETURNING Wildflower Guides attend at least 2 out of 6 Wildflower Wednesday hikes (June-July) leading up to the Wasatch Wildflower Festival (each training is 2 hours).
• Complete a Tour run-through with the Program Education Director (during one of the scheduled Wildflower Wednesday hikes)
• Minimum Commitment: 2 days of the Wasatch Wildflower Festival.

Required Qualifications:

• Comfortable with public speaking and interacting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
• Confident in leading tour groups in an outdoor environment.
• Enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world, and a desire to learn and share your knowledge with others.
• Capable of hiking over varied and uneven terrain; able to identify and avoid potential safety hazards that exist in the wilderness.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to use email and online volunteer portal.

Support: Training for this position will be provided through virtual Canyon Naturalist Training modules, Summer Naturalist Orientation Zoom session, and in-person Wildflower Wednesday hikes. In addition, the Program Education Director will be available for support and assistance as requested.

Work Location: Training hikes and wildflower walks are held at various locations and trails throughout Millcreek Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Wasatch Wildflower Festival is held over 4 days, with one day hosted at each of the Cottonwood Canyons ski resorts--Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, and Alta. As trail conditions can vary greatly, locations for weekly training hikes will be communicated via email the week prior.

Dress Code: Wildflower Guides must come to training and tours prepared with sufficient layers, proper footwear, and appropriate gear to comfortably hike on mountain trails in weather that is often unpredictable. Water, closed-toe shoes, hats, sunscreen, walking sticks/trekking poles, backpacks, and breathable, protective layers of clothing are recommended. Guides will be provided with a nametag and a T-shirt specifically for the Wildflower Festival.

Benefits:

• Volunteers will have the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about wildflowers, as well as a broad and diverse range of subjects related to our canyons.
• Volunteers can make a positive impact on our canyons and our community.
• Training and experience in environmental education and interpretive techniques.
• References for jobs, internships, and other career opportunities.
• Volunteers accruing 250 hours of cumulative service are eligible to receive a free Interagency Pass, good for one year after issuing. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day use fees) at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Summer Naturalist Volunteer

Job Title: Summer Naturalist Volunteer

Reports to: Community Education Director

Purpose: Summer Naturalist Volunteers will provide information and interpretive education to visitors at Silver Lake, Brighton, Albion Basin, and associated trails. Volunteers will work closely with Naturalist Interns and the Forest Service and share their responsibility to communicate accurate information about trails and other recreation opportunities in the canyons. Volunteers will also answer questions about the canyon’s environment and ecology, and facilitate hands-on interpretive activities. Naturalist Volunteers advance CCF’s mission to support the environment of the Cottonwood Canyons through engaging education.

Age requirement: 18 +

Key Responsibilities:

• Volunteers will be stationed outdoors at Silver Lake, Brighton, and Albion Basin, or indoors at the Silver Lake Visitor Center, where they will interact with visitors to provide information about recreation opportunities and present short interpretive activities.
• Volunteers will assist in the operation of the Silver Lake Visitor Center, including the interpretation of Visitor Center displays, and the sale of CCF and Forest Service Goods.
• Volunteers will work cooperatively with CCF Naturalist Interns and the Forest Service.
• Volunteers will attend training sessions to expand the breadth and depth of their ecological knowledge.
• Volunteers will share factual information in a manner that is tactful, apolitical, and aligned with CCF’s mission and vision.
• Represents CCF in a positive, professional, non-political manner when interacting with participants, public, and partners.

Length of Appointment: June 7th, 2022 - August 29th, 2022

Time Commitment:

• Complete online Canyon Naturalist training and quizzes (one time, ~3 hours).
• Attend one virtual and / or onsite orientation (one day, date pending).
• Commit to one four-hour shift per week. Available shifts are on weekdays from 9AM - 1PM or from 1PM - 5PM. Volunteers will be welcome to schedule time off when necessary.

Required Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm for nature and a desire to learn and share knowledge.
• Should be punctual, responsible, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills including email communication and the ability to navigate CCF’s volunteer portal.
• Volunteers must be comfortable with public speaking and presenting.
• Volunteers must be able to alternate between sitting, standing and walking for up to a four-hour period.
• Volunteers must provide their own transportation to and from volunteer sites.
• Volunteers at Albion Basin should be prepared to stand and hike outdoors for up to a four-hour period in variable weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Volunteers should be comfortable lifting and carrying objects up to 50 lbs.
• Experience in biology, ecology, or outdoor recreation.
• Experience presenting or speaking to audiences of all ages.

Support: Training for this position will be provided. The Community Education Director will often be on-site or otherwise available to provide assistance and answer any questions.

Work Locations: The Silver Lake Visitor Center is 14.3 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, State Highway 190, on the right-hand side of the road. Most guides will meet outside the Visitior Center at the beginning of their day. Work locations may also include Brighton Ski Resort, which is just beyond the Silver Lake Visitor Center, or the Albion Basin recreation area, which is 11.1 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon, State Highway 210, on the right-hand side of the Road.

Dress Code: Volunteers should come prepared for training and volunteer shifts with sufficient layers, footwear (sturdy, closed-toed shoes are encouraged), and other necessary gear to stand and hike comfortably in variable weather conditions. Hats, sunscreen, bottled water, and breathable, protective layers of clothing are recommended. Volunteers should wear long pants. Volunteers will be provided with a CCF t-shirt and nametag, and these should be worn on shifts whenever practical.

Benefits:

• Experience working with a team of kind and knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
• Experience and training in environmental education and interpretive techniques.
• Opportunities to learn about a broad and diverse range of subjects related to our canyons and their ecology.
• The opportunity to have a positive impact on our canyons, our community, and the enjoyment of all those visiting our canyons.
• Access to teaching aids including live and pressed plants, animal bones and tracks, pinned insects, etc.
• Ample opportunities to hike and explore trails in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
• Volunteers accruing 250 hours of cumulative service are eligible for a free annual Interagency Pass. Each pass covers entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges as well as standard amenity fees (day use fees) at national forests and grasslands, and at lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Additional opportunities for personal development, including sponsored participation in the Utah Master Naturalist program, will be available to Volunteers throughout the season.

Testimonials: “Being a Silver Lake Naturalist was the highlight of my summer. I loved spending cool mornings and warm afternoons at the lake, watching the scenery change throughout the seasons. I learned so much from the other volunteers and rangers and from hiking and observing nature each day. And of course, it’s an absolute joy to share information, excitement, and appreciation for the lake, canyon, and forest with fellow visitors, especially all the kids! If you love being outdoors, talking with people, and contributing to environmental education and stewardship, then volunteering as a naturalist with CCF is for you!” - Mark Moehlin, Naturalist Volunteer

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