Parks in Focus® is a program of the Udall Foundation that provides opportunities for middle school youth from underserved communities to explore and learn about nature through photography, environmental education, outdoor recreation, and creative expression.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Udall Foundation is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and highly-motivated individual to lead summer Parks in Focus® activities with groups of middle school youth from Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, and other Arizona youth organizations. Headquartered in Tucson, the trip leader will spend approximately three months (tentatively May 22 to August 18) organizing and leading Parks in Focus® field trips in/around Tucson as well as several 5-day camping trips to Sedona and Flagstaff.

Trip leader will receive training, be provided with program curriculum and resources, and work closely with staff from the Udall Foundation, our partner youth organizations, and volunteers. Hours will vary each week depending on the activities planned (position will consist of up to 430 hours).

PARKS IN FOCUS® DUTIES

Training & Program Preparation

• Attend multi-day Parks in Focus® staff training in Arizona in late May 2017.
• Become familiar with Parks in Focus® mission, goals, curriculum, and resources.
• Visit activity sites for scouting and risk management planning.
• Shadow Parks in Focus® staff during several local outings.

Program Implementation:

• Host info meetings for parents, participants, and partners.
• Finalize activity itineraries and handle all logistics (e.g., food purchasing).
• Lead assigned Parks in Focus® activities and field trips.
• Ensure activities run smoothly and safely.
• Teach photography curriculum and meet educational goals for each activity.
• Work with participants to develop their photography skills.
• Lead games, songs, journaling, and other activities with participants.
• Help energize and motivate participants, staff, and volunteers.
• Ensure activities are well documented through photo and video.
• Ensure all participant forms and evaluation data are gathered.

Program Reporting & Wrap-Up:

• Provide scheduled updates and reports to the program manager in Tucson.
• Organize all photographs, video footage, and evaluation data.
• Prepare photo highlights for all participants, staff, and partners.
• Write and submit a brief final evaluation.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Love of the outdoors and ability to spark that love in others.
• Experience working with youth in outdoor and overnight settings.
• Experienced and comfortable with camping, hiking, and being outdoors.
• Ability to assess and manage risks associated with outdoor activities.
• Interest in photography and willingness to learn and teach basic curriculum.
• Positive, upbeat attitude and ability to be flexible and adapt to changing demands.
• Strong writing, communication, teaching, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of Arizona parks and natural areas highly desired.
• Valid driver’s license, clean-driving record and access to reliable transportation.
• Must have current First Aid and CPR certifications prior to start date.
• Wilderness First Aid certification highly desired.
• Summer home base in or near Tucson (housing is not provided).
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must be willing to provide fingerprints for a criminal background check.

PAY & PERKS:

• $12/hour regular pay (approximately 340 to 370 regular hours anticipated)
• $18/hour overtime pay (approximately 60 overtime hours anticipated)
• Mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use for pre-approved travel
• Food, campsites, and rental vehicle provided for scheduled overnight activities
• Desk and office space at the Udall Foundation
• DSLR digital camera to use for duration of the position
• College credit (if applicable)
• Opportunity to work closely with fun and enthusiastic staff from the Udall Foundation, the National Park Service, and our partner youth organizations