Summer Operations Assistant

Resident Basecamp Operations Assistant is primarily part of our Basecamp team that provides behind the scenes support to keep our 550-acre Basecamp running smoothly. Daily duties can differ depending on need, and typically involve hands-on labor that is expected to be completed autonomously. This  position should expect to involve and teach trekkers when asked to do so. 

Responsibilities: 

Responsibilities specific to this role:

Resident Basecamp Operations Assistant will:

• Collaborate to maintain swimming pool
• Assist with basic vehicle maintenance/repair
• Construction and repair of basic items like shelves, chicken coops, tables, benches, etc.
• Assist with basic building repair and maintenance; painting, repairing hinges, roofs, stair treads, etc.
• Serve as part of a team that maintains composting latrines
• Assist with land management strategies such as trail maintenance/construction, erosion control, invasive species removal, etc.
• Manage trash and recycling removal; ability to drive manual transmission strongly preferred
• Ensure that firewood is stocked at various fire circles at Basecamp
• Ensure essential office tasks are completed each day; organization/cleaning, mail in/out, etc.
• Assist with gear management and repair
• Assist with event setup and breakdown
• Work with Operations Director to order supplies and manage a budget
• Join field programs when needed to assist or fill in for program staff

Responsibilities of all Gulch Basecamp staff:

• Plan and execute effective outdoor programming in the field and at CGE’s Basecamp. Actively seek out and participate in opportunistic learning opportunities
• Provide leadership and support to outdoor education expeditions across the American Southwest, including in frontcountry and backcountry settings and at CGE’s Basecamp
• Manage risk in line with CGE’s practices and policies; provide medical care within trained scope of practice
• Participate in the maintenance and repair of our gear fleet
• Teach LNT principles and environmental ethics to groups of youth
• Drive large vehicles (pickup trucks, 15-passenger vans) on a variety of roads
• Attend, support, and assist with meals, nightly campfires, games on the field, staff meetings
• Collaborate to create a positive environment conducive to learning, growth, and fun
• Maintain professional relationships with CGE partners & community members including land managers
• Work with Program Director to order supplies and manage a budget
• Facilitate hand-on exploration for small groups of trekkers
• Collaborate with other specialists and staff to create engaging learning projects for trekkers
• Support Basecamp culture by leading chores, providing supervision during “down times,” and fully participating in planning and executing each day

Qualifications: 

• Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the position start date and possess a valid driver’s license. Must have a clean driving history and be able to meet the criteria for CGE vehicle insurance coverage.
• Experience as an educator, leader, risk manager, scientist, and/or adventurer strongly preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or ability to acquire within 30 days of hire; WFR/WEMT preferred.
• Lifeguard Certification or ability to acquire before start date preferred.
• Strong organizational skills; experience with Google Drive preferred.
• During the summer, must be able to live at our Basecamp near Thoreau, NM, or travel “on the road” with a group, practicing community mindfulness.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of audiences (fellow staff, community members, students, etc.).

We believe outdoor education takes many different forms; let us know about your unique skills and experiences!

Dates: Contract dates for Summer season are from June 1st to August 10th. 

Work Location and Schedule: Thoreau, NM, with potential travel throughout the state, including periods of time camping in frontcountry and backcountry settings. Daily schedule is typically from sunup to sundown, with work times between 9am-12pm and 1pm-5pm, with the understanding that the Operations Assistant may also be asked to participate in campfire time and/or join treks for other activities as needed.

Background Check: CGE requires criminal background checks and recent driving records from all employees.   

Physical Requirements: Ability to hike up to 10 miles a day on uneven surfaces and carry a pack up to 50 pounds, sleep in a tent or open-air cabin accessed by stairs, work at a desk, talk on the phone, and use a computer.

Compensation: Salary ranges from $1,750 to $2,500/month based on years of experience, education, and applicable certifications. Room and board provided at Thoreau Basecamp throughout the summer. $250 travel stipend available if traveling more than 500 miles. Various Pro Deals available to all staff. 

Inclusive and Welcoming Environment

CGE is an equal opportunity employer and does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation, mental or physical handicap, serious medical condition, or military status in any of its activities or operations. Moreover, Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions believes in the learning, growth and healing that can take place outdoors.  We also recognize that access to programs like ours—along with access to any green space, clean air and water, and healthy food—continues to be a privilege rather than a right. CGE recognizes that in outdoor spaces, the voices and work of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, Indigenous people, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals have been often overlooked and marginalized. Therefore, we encourage applications from people in these groups, and all people, regardless of background.