OPEN SKY WILDERNESS THERAPY - FIELD GUIDE

Open Sky assists adolescents and young adults struggling with difficult challenges and life circumstances. Nestled in the mountains of southwest Colorado, Open Sky approach transcends traditional wilderness therapy by emphasizing treatment for the whole family. Our clinical approach integrates the latest in evidence-based treatments with innovative and research-driven holistic healing practices. We provide a life-changing opportunity for our students to discover and create a healthy life that is an intelligent and authentic expression of one’s true nature. Learn more about Open Sky here.

This posting is for our March Field Guide Orientation taking place from 3/20 - 3/31 in Durango, CO.

Field Guide Schedule:

Guides generally work 15-day shifts followed by 13 days off, with occasional 8-day shifts available.

We prioritize candidates looking for year-round employment. We have a limited number of spots for seasonal guides able to work for 6-7 months. Our next hiring for short-term seasonal guides will take place in May.

Field Guide Essential Duties:

• Embrace a risk management mindset
• Manage the physical and emotional safety of students in an outdoor setting
• Live outdoors with students
• Teach a wide range of skills, including camp craft, hygiene, meal preparation, mindfulness, emotion regulation, and effective communication
• Embody and model these skills to both students and co-workers
• Maintain healthy working relationships with students, their families, and co-workers
• Collaborate with other departments to serve and support student treatment plans
• Support other program departments such as transport, medical, operations, and administrative when needed

Key Qualities:

• Resilience
• Patience
• Flexibility
• Capacity to live outdoors

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive daily wages range from $191 to $293 a day.
• $300 travel stipend and $1,000 hiring stipend after an offer of employment and completion of first shift.
• Periodic bonuses.
• Paid sick leave.
• Professional certification and development funding
• Health, dental, and vision insurance after six months of full-time employment.
• 401k plan with matching contributions after one year of full-time employment.
• Employee assistance plan.
• Pro-deals with multiple outdoor gear and apparel companies.

• Applications are reviewed as submitted. Application closes February 13th.

Education/Training

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.

Experience

• Professional leadership in outdoor/backcountry settings.
• Professional experience working with adolescents and/or young adults in therapeutic, educational, or outdoor settings.
• Previous exposure to yoga, meditation, or other mindfulness practices.

Special Skills, Licenses, or Certifications

• First Aid and CPR certification (In-person training within the last year) before the start of orientation.
• Be at least 19 years old for Apprentice and Assistant Field Guide positions, 20 years old for Field Guide positions, and 21 years old for Senior Field Guide positions.
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) required in the first 3 months.
• Have an acceptable driving record and a valid driver’s license.
• Pass pre-employment physical and drug screening.
• Pass Colorado, Utah, and FBI background checks.

Physical Demands

Must be able to hear and talk with other people in person and using phone and radio. Must be able to operate office technology, including a computer and related equipment. This position frequently requires strenuous physical activity, including, but not limited to, walking on uneven terrain, hiking up to 15 miles per day, carrying a 55+ pound backpack, and hiking at high altitudes (above 5000 feet). Employee must be able to perform these activities despite severe temperatures and adverse weather conditions. Must be able to run at a fast pace for short to extended periods and must be able to apply benevolent holds.

Work Environment

Work involves providing direct care in a backcountry setting to clients with acute mental, emotional, and behavioral healthcare needs. Employee will live with a group of program participants and co-workers in the wilderness, leading activities such as backpacking, hiking, camping, daily living, cooking, and shared meals. Employees will sleep outdoors in various weather conditions, with regular exposure to natural sounds like wind and rain and human sounds such as snoring, sleep talking, and restlessness. Employee will drive and ride in Open Sky vehicles supporting program activities. While at work, Employee may be exposed to environmental conditions such as extreme weather, noise, and vibration. Employee may be exposed to infectious diseases. Work involves functioning in narrow aisles or passageways.

A Culture of Respect: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

As an organization and as individuals, we are committed to fostering a respectful, welcoming, and equitable environment for people of all backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and other diverse backgrounds and experiences. We understand that a culture of respect, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just words but actions, requires ongoing learning and development, to which we are wholeheartedly committed.