Naturalist Guides

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-3 years of backcountry guiding and interpretation experience, leading day/or multi-day 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

Tagged as: Outdoor Education