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The Friends of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (Friends of CAIC) is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to promote avalanche safety in Colorado. The Friends work with the CAIC to promote avalanche safety and education.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) is a program within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources tasked with reducing the impact of snow avalanches on recreation, industry, and transportation. The program receives funding from the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado Severance Tax Fund, and cash funding via contracts, grants, and donations, most of which come from the users of the forecasting and educational services. The CAIC depends on a successful fundraising effort in order to carry out its mission.

There are not currently any open positions with Friends of CAIC

Trailhead Outreach Coordinator - Dillon Ranger District (Summit County)

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The Friends of CAIC is seeking a Trailhead Outreach Program Coordinator to join our team. This is a full time, seasonal position from November - April.

The Trailhead Outreach Program Coordinator will be responsible for executing our Trailhead Outreach Program in the Dillon Ranger District, which is being further developed to provide avalanche information and education to foster an inclusive culture of safe, responsible winter recreation within the State of Colorado. With our partners at the USFS - Dillon Ranger District and funding from the NFF Ski Conservation Fund, this position will continue our trailhead outreach program with a focus on trailheads in the Summit County area, home to some of the most popular backcountry access points in the state. They will also conduct 5-10 free avalanche awareness session days using the new Friends of CAIC mobile classroom. The role will also work with Friends of CAIC staff on stewardship and education events.

During trailhead days, you will be offering general information about the Friends of CAIC/CAIC, where avalanche safety information can be accessed, and how to support via memberships, donations, and merchandise. During trailer classroom days, you will be utilizing a new curriculum/presentation to increase awareness of avalanche danger to public participants. In addition, this role will play a key part in developing the procedures and operations of the first year of the mobile trailer. This position requires a strong passion for avalanche safety and the desire to work for an organization that seeks to grow the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s program of avalanche forecasting and education. It’s an opportunity to help expand a program that has a direct impact on the safety of the backcountry community. This is not an avalanche forecasting position. You will not be teaching Level 1+ classes, traveling in the backcountry, or making snowpack safety judgements as part of your job.

Specific Responsibilities include:
● Set and reach goals, stay engaged and motivated, and communicate effectively while working remotely
● Schedules, maintains calendar, and spends 3/4 days per week (Thursday – Sunday, busy use holidays such as President’s Day Weekend) at different trailheads throughout the Dillon Ranger District/Summit County
● Interacts with all user groups and demographics during trailhead events, documenting 2,000+ conversations
● Represent Friends of CAIC and/or deliver avalanche awareness talks at small events as needed
● Work with Friends of CAIC Program Manager to create and manage trailhead materials and physical on site presence (tents, tables, branding, etc)
● Maintain accurate data including but not limited to: trailhead contacts, volunteer information, and visit information for program tracking
● Assisting with other events throughout Colorado
● Travel throughout Summit County Colorado during the winter months using a Friends of CAIC branded vehicle and towing a 20 foot trailer to and from mobile classroom days
● Other duties as assigned Qualifications:
● Wide variety of relevant experiences exist for this position - application encouraged!
● Organized, good at planning, and self motivated
● Ability to take direction and work independently with minimal supervision
● Enjoy communicating with a variety of user groups both in person and via email
● Comfortable creating positive interactions with a wide variety of user groups
● Valid drivers license and clean driving record
● Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, GSuite
● Must be able to lift 40 pounds
● Interest in the mission of the Friends of CAIC and outdoor/winter rec industry experience ● Must have taken a level 1 avalanche course (Taken an avalanche rescue course in the past 3 years a plus)
● Must be comfortable driving and working in winter conditions and comfortable pulling a trailer
● Based in Colorado in or near Summit County

Working Conditions
This is a hybrid in field/ virtual position as the Friends of CAIC has no central office. You will need to be able to work both independently while collaborating virtually, thus be comfortable communicating using a variety of modern technologies and web-based platforms. This person is expected to be at trailheads each Thursday/Friday – Sunday in the Dillon Ranger District and will need to schedule admin work and check ins with the rest of the team in an organized, documented manner. To manage travel costs and time, the Trailhead Outreach Coordinator will ideally be based in Summit County and will be able to park/use the Friends of CAIC branded pickup truck from their residence.

Compensation
● Pay: $20-$24/hour DOE
● Flexible, remote work schedule
● Company vehicle provided for travel
● Health insurance stipend
● Monthly cell phone reimbursement
● Ski Pass reimbursement
● Opportunity for continuing avalanche education

Anti-Discrimination Friends of CAIC is committed to an anti-discrimination policy in all of its programs and services. Friends of CAIC is consciously and proactively inclusive of all areas of diversity including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, socioeconomic status, marital status, language, disability, or immigration status.

How to Apply Interested applicants can send a cover letter and resume in PDF format via email to: info@friendsofcaic.org. Please write “Trailhead Program Coordinator” in the subject of your email. Applications will be accepted through August 15, 2023.