Your Very Next Step newsletter for September 2008
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The next adventure begins with your very next step.
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*** In this issue:
*** Travel News
*** Jody Mayo on the state of the airline industry
*** My Adventure: Rich Young and the Grand Canyon
*** My Adventure: Larry Bearfield visits Colorado, Wyoming and Montana
*** Hike Leaders Sought to Guide Tiger on the Trail
*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities
1.) California Communications Director, The Wilderness Society (TWS),
Los Angeles Metropolitan Area
2.) Hospitality Coordinator, Appalachian Mountain Club, Bretton Woods,
New Hampshire
3.) Wilderness Communications/Advocacy Internship, Campaign for
America's Wilderness, Washington, DC
4.) Burton Chill Coordinator (New York City), Chill, New York, New York
5.) Communications & Engagement Campaigner, FNQ WildCountry, The
Wilderness Society, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
6.) Trip Leader, AAVE, Golden, Colorado
7.) Rafting guide, Scenic Floats on the Upper Kenai River, Alaska River
Adventures, Cooper Landing, AK
8.) Executive Editor – P & R Magazine, National Recreation & Park
Association, Ashburn, VA
9.) Media Director, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Albuquerque, New
Mexico
.and much more…and it's all FREE!!!
*** Travel News:
Business Travel News reports that published business class fares from
London to the United States fell sharply in the second quarter of 2008,
following the massive expansion of ex-Heathrow capacity through Open
Skies deregulation, according to American Express.
http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003850875
*** Air Tran and Milwaukee.
Seems Air Tran is horning in on Midwest's hub, Milwaukee's Mitchell
Field. I flew to Milwaukee from DCA with an incredibly low fare. The
competing Midwest flight leaves almost at the same time from the very
next gate in Terminal 1 at Regan National. My company's travel agent
didn't even think you could get there from here on that airline. So,
when I looked at booking another flight into Milwaukee for November,
guess what, Air Tran doesn't fly there. I guess the foray into this new
market was short-lived, and they've since withdrawn from that city-pair.
*** Alitalia:
The venerable Italian national airline is on the verge of collapse. I
flew Alitalia and its domestic subsidiary ATI many times when we lived
in Italy. There were so many quirks about the airline that made you
wonder. The smoking section, for example, was the left side of the
airplane.
*** Air Canada Drops Extra Bag Fee As Fuel Prices Fall
Air Canada has dropped a fee for checking a second piece of baggage on
its flights because fuel prices have moderated from record levels.
http://news.airwise.com/story/view/1221754425.html
*** United doubles second-bag fee to $50
http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/15/news/companies/baggage_fee.ap/index.htm
*** Quantas has taken delivery of the A380 Airbus, becoming the third
carrier (Singapore and Emirates are the other two) to fly the world's
biggest jetliner.
*** From Bernie Wagenblast's Transportation Communications Newsletter:
Traffic light scam stuns Italian motorists
Forget about pickpockets and bag snatchers. For visitors to Italy, the
latest scam is dodgy traffic lights.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/news/worldnews/europe/italy/2983777/Traffic-light-scam-stuns-Italian-motorists.html
*** My thoughts about the airline industry. I'd like to get yours.
Pricing makes no sense. You check the internet one day. It's all
different the next.
The so-called low-cost carriers now offer more than the so-called
full-service carriers.
Frequent flier programs reward loyalty with a virtual inability to take
advantage of miles earned.
Airlines are losing money on full planes.
At least one major international carrier will fail within 12 months
(Hell, maybe within 12 days).
At least one domestic carrier will fail within 12 months.
Ned
*** From Jody Mayo:
It's a complicated business– I was in technology before Delta —
Northrop Grumman, AOL and Verisign. Airline business is about has tough
as it gets in today's economy (barring recent Wall Street and mortgage
crisis). They suffer from self-inflicted and circumstantial issues
effecting:
Heavily unionized industry with seniority vs. performance standard
effecting cost and customer service.
Many senior pilots earn multiple six-figure incomes for flying a few
times a month to Narita. There are flight attendants with 50 years of
seniority earning yearly incremental increases without associated job
changes, and 30 year baggage handlers.
Low cost carriers set wage caps and seniority caps so there is no
incentive to be a “lifer” employee. They also appeal to a younger,
more flexible and less jaded workforce. The result is a more customer
focused, and friendlier experience.
Legacy carriers have (wage) plus fleet complexity. Most major carriers
have 7-12 aircraft type, which means that they have to train pilots,
Flight attendants, mechanics etc greatly impacting cost structure. Older
planes are less fuel efficient. Internet made pricing transparent so
people price shop.
Legacy carrier are still expected to provide more service at the same
price of a LCC although the customer expectation is lower of A Southwest
, Jet Blue or AirTran because they market form day one– no frills, no
extras. There is still an expectation of white glove service from full
service airlines. Remember, the china and champagne?
Airlines price seats according to supply and demand. The price for any
given flight on any given day can change literally thousands of times
depending upon demand. Literally, the price delta between fares can be
significant depending upon the day and time people purchase.
Too much competition in markets force fare wars and dilutes everyone's
earnings. Consolidation as you see with DL and NW will be a trend–
however government scrutiny and perceptions of anti-trade have put the
kibosh on other attempted mergers.
Most cash strapped airlines cannot afford to hedge fuel. SW was
profitable only because they had cash to buy fuel futures. The
business plans for most airlines are based upon fuel prices being
significantly lower. Many airlines are reconfiguring routes to be more
international, which is profitable. That is Delta's strategy.
You will see more takeaways and incremental costs passed on to consumers
to compensate for higher fuel prices e.g. baggage fees, food, perhaps
even passenger weight, peripheral products– food, entertainment,
co-marketing.
Frequent Flyer programs are designed to promote loyalty but inventory of
FF seating is limited due to poor overall economic health. They simply
cannot afford to give away seats. Plan ahead and grab limited seating
or miss out. Also, miles will expire more rapidly, so pay close
attention.
Airlines also are heavily regulated by government, heavily unionized
adding great expenses, and suffer from Mother Nature's whims-hurricanes,
snow storms, etc.
Airlines are overbooking more now due to breakage and no-shows so many
times paid passengers are inconvenienced.
Automation is providing more passenger convenience as well as reducing
labor costs but making the experience less personal.
Have a great day,
Jody
(What are your thoughts about the state of the airline industry? Share
with the YVNS network. Send comments to lundquist989@cs.com.)
*** My Adventure: Rich Young and a different way to look at things,
from the bottom up:
Ned,
Five years ago, I flew from Boston to Oakland, CA to rent a motorcycle
at Cruise America. My goal was to ride from there to the Grand Canyon.
The bike I rented was a six-cylinder Honda Valkyrie Interstate.
My route was to go to Sacramento, down to the Gold Country, through
Yosemite National Park, down through part of Death Valley and over to
the Grand Canyon — riding about 500 miles a day. The return trip to
Oakland was through the Mohave Desert and up the Pacific Coast Highway.
When I arrived at the Grand Canyon, I parked my bike and walked over to
the rim of the Canyon. It was then that I realized my fear of heights
and I could not go over to the railing and look down a mile to the
Colorado River. So, at that point I decided that maybe I should look at
the Grand Canyon from the bottom up!
Recently, I returned to the Canyon and took a raft down the Colorado
River. It was an amazing trip and everything about the Canyon was
beautiful and awesome.
(See the photo at
http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/20/3892886.html.)
*** Footnotes:
Ned:
Having a 13 EEE foot and enjoying hiking led me to have custom boots
made by Peter Limmer & Sons in Intervale NH over 35 years ago. Received
your “footnotes” email just prior to a trip to Baxter Park. The photo
was taken part way up Cathedral Trail on Mt. Katahdin.
Katahdin is the end of the 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail and is one mile
high. The State of Maine strictly restricts the number of people in the
park allowing a true wilderness experience. Cathedral Trail itself was
very steep and it was clear my knees are even older than my boots.
Bob Schechter
(See the photo.)
*** Nobody has answered this question:
What is estate grown coffee?
*** My Adventure: From Larry Bearfield:
WHAT I DID ON MY SUMMER VACATION: Yup, I finally took a for-real
vacation – my first in about 25 years. And man, oh, man did it feel
good. I headed out to Montrose, Colorado to visit Clay Campbell, one of
my best friends. Clay grew up in nearby Lexington and we participated in
a whole lot of Boy Scout events together back in the day. He's been out
in Montrose now for about 30 years and has adapted to the western ways –
although thankfully he doesn't wear a cowboy hat. Not that there's
anything wrong with that. You may also recall that Clay was the second
owner of “Lucille the Ferns Wondertruck.” About 10 years ago when I
first saw her parked in his yard the bed was full of elk legs. I'm not
sure why. Robin has the image forever etched in her mind. But I digress.
I arrived in Montrose (pop. 39,000) on Monday, June 30 – the day after
Old Home Weekend so I was pretty ready. On Tuesday we set up a tipi up
near Telluride at a ranch nearby Darrell Hannah's spread. Clay and his
significant friend Barbara run a tipi service – putting them up, taking
them down, repairs, etc. They are the “official service arm” of Colorado
Yurt Company
http://m1e.net/c?41684721-AzPBK7Z9M4fKQ%403509625-fIXK3HZ2PtFdY (be
sure and check out their yurts as well). On Wednesday we took off on a
1,500 mile week-long road trip. Our travels took us up through Wyoming,
across Montana and back down through Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.
We saw lots of elk, prong horned antelope, bear, bison, eagles,
double-wide trailers, double-wide highways, double-wide mountains and
double-wide cowgirls. But we also saw them purrty cowgirls we often hear
about. And for you female Fernites there were lots of Marlboro-man
cowboys in painted-on jeans. I'm just saying. We got off the
highway onto a
road-less-traveled and followed a gravel byway for about 15 miles that
ran alongside the original Oregon Trail. We had to avoid cattle and sage
brush in the road and oncoming pickups doing 95.
We visited the Medicine Wheel atop Bighorn Mountain, Wyoming.. a verrry
cool and ancient sacred site that has many theories attached to it
http://m1e.net/c?41684721-OXulOBFkJoBwo%403509626-Xo0dAQgpZNyrs and
http://m1e.net/c?41684721-xoKXVLmctGiqA%403509627-HAuevz3SYkJ86
While we were atop the mountain (10,000 ft) we ran into some folks from
Massachusetts. We chatted. They were from nearby Stow. And they knew
Ferns. It's a small world after all.
Part of the trip included a stop up to Lame Dear, Montana where we were
invited to the 40th Annual Chiefs Powwow at the Northern Cheyenne Indian
Reservation.
http://m1e.net/c?41684721-twVloa6BGMV.U%403509628-PdD0t0AK3dp1w It was
a terrific time and a real inside look at ancient customs. We were
walking around and one young woman walked up to me and pointing to my
Ferns shirt asked if I was from Carlisle. Turns out she was from nearby
Lincoln and part of a high school group (Rivers School, Weston) doing
some volunteer work on the rez. And she knew Ferns. A small world gets
even smaller.
We took a run through the Crow Indian Reservation up to Helena,
Montana's capitol, to visit an old Boy Scout friend who is the Budget
Director for the State. I hadn't seen David in about 30+ years. He gave
us a private tour of the building including a look-see at an original
Charles Russell mural in the House Chambers. We met Lt. Gov. John
Bohlinger. John was a gracious host and with his warm western ways
dropped what he was doing and invited us into his office for a visit.
And how's David doing as Budget Director?? Well, according to an
Associated Press release the state has $400 million in the bank. Perhaps
we can get him to move to Carlisle.
We traveled thru some pretty small towns (pop. 13), wide expansive
spaces, over mountains and across the Continental Divide numerous times.
Met all sorts of nice folks. Dealt with skies that had a layer of haze
from the California wildfires. Saw some incredibly amazing country.
All of this rambling is about what's out there beyond the horizon. But
I've got to say that I'm happy to be back in our little town among
friends and family. We've got a pretty nice place here. And apparently,
while I was away, nothing happened.
I do want to thank Robin and the Crew Members who filled in for me while
I was away. I knew everything would be fine. However, I guess it does
prove that I'm replaceable…
Watch for my summer vacation pics to be posted soon at the store.
Larry
*** Ned didn't make it to the Harwich Cranberry Festival this year.
http://www.harwichcranberryfestival.org/
But it's not too late to catch one of the many Harvest Festivals.
Here's a few. Let us know if you have a favorite.
*** National Harvest Festival, Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri
The Home of American Craftsmanship, Silver Dollar City welcomes over 100
visiting craftsmen, over 400 of the nation's finest musicians, and back
by popular demand, our signature stage show Headin' West during the
National Harvest Festival.
September 11 – October 25, 2008
http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=11
*** 2008 Bethlehem Harvest Festival, Historic Downtown Bethlehem, PA
October 4th
From the morning produce market on Main Street to the evening
entertainment in the Beer Garden, under the big tent, Bethlehem comes
alive with something for everyone.
Grape Stomping and a wine making demonstration, or just watch friends
and family as they jump in
Learn how to make beer from Keystone Homebrew Supply
http://www.bethlehemharvestfestival.com/
*** 2008 Heifer International Harvest Festival, Heifer Global Village,
Rutland, VT
October 4 – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
October 5 – 12 – 4 p.m.
Explore the homes in the Heifer Global Village to learn about
traditional harvest celebrations in Peru, Poland, Kenya and more. Take a
horse-drawn hayride to the gardens and enjoy other activities such as
face painting, crafts and a hay maze. Purchase local pumpkins and a
variety of organic produce from Overlook's Farmstand. Browse the
International Gift Shop that features fair trade and unique hand-crafted
items from around the world. Throughout the day, learn about Heifer
International as you meet many of Heifer's animals including a pair of
water buffalo, a yak, llamas and traditional farm animals such as pigs
and goats.
http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.201712/
*** Oktoberfest USA, La Crosse, Wisconsin
In Tune with Tradition
September 26 – October 4
http://www.oktoberfestusa.com/2008/2008.htm
(You got your Oktoberfests, for sure. But did is da big one, dontcha
know, hey?)
(How many aberguts do you gotta knock back to win dis contest, he?
http://www.oktoberfestusa.com/misslacrosse.htm)
*** Scarecrow Contest and Harvest Festival Craft Show, Ida, MI
A Scarecrow Contest and Harvest Festival Craft Show will be held from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Oct. 4 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in
Ida.
http://www.monroetalks.com/events/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=101273&month=10&year=2008
*** The Huron Township Applefest, New Boston, MI
Oct. 4 and 5
*** Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and
Sevierville, Tennessee
From crafts to live entertainment, during the Smoky Mountain Harvest
Festival the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area transforms
itself through fun times, vibrance of the leaves and hospitality of the
locals. Come visit this magical time in Tennessee as you explore the
Smoky Mountain region, taking in all of the special attractions of the
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival.
This county wide celebration, held in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and
Sevierville, features an array of craft shows, a decorating contest and
other “artistic” special events that are sure to keep everyone's energy
level lively. If you're in to knick knacks and friendly faces, then the
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is sure to keep you entertained
throughout your entire stay in the area. Don't miss out, start making
your plans to be part of the celebration today! The Smoky Mountain
Harvest Festival continues on from September 14 – October 31 with many
events to enjoy. For a complete list of activities log on to
www.PigeonForge.com calendar of events and plan your vacation now.
http://www.smokymountainharvestfestival.com/
*** YVNS wants to share volunteer opportunities, especially those that
can get you on the trail. Do you know about any? Send to
lundquist989@cs.com . Here's a few to get us started.
*** Hike Leaders Sought to Guide Tiger on the Trail
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (September 2, 2008) – Harpers Ferry
National Historical Park, in partnership with Harpers Ferry Family
Medicine, Harpers Ferry Middle School, and the Appalachian Trail
Conservancy, is expanding a walking/hiking program for young teens. The
ongoing program, called “Tiger on the Trail,” after the Harpers Ferry
Middle School's mascot, will serve all four middle schools in Jefferson
County, West Virginia, this fall.
The primary goal of the program is to enable kids to get out of doors
and to engage in fitness in a fun way. The program also introduces
students to the extraordinary natural resources and scenery that Harpers
Ferry offers in the three national parks surrounding the town of Harpers
Ferry: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the Appalachian National
Scenic Trail, and the C&O National Historical Park. Hike leaders are
needed to guide teachers and students along the extensive local network
of trails and introduce kids to the wonders of nature.
An information session for prospective hike leaders or anyone interested
in the program is being offered Friday, September 5, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. It will be held at the Curtis Freewill Baptist Church, 47 Storer
College Place in Harpers Ferry, about 50 yards up the hill from the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Headquarters office and visitor center.
To participate, prospective hike leaders need to attend one hike as an
observer, and commit to leading two hikes during the fall.
Hikes can be offered on any of more than half a dozen trails in and
around Harpers Ferry Monday through Friday. Most of the hikes are 2-hour
morning hikes; longer hikes can be scheduled in the afternoon. There are
usually 15-30 participants, including a teacher and a parent chaperone.
Point of Contact: Amber Kraft, Education Specialist, Harpers Ferry
National Historical Park, (304) 535-6293 or Amber_Kraft@nps.gov.
Read The Shepherdstown Observer article “Saving Our Kids with Tigers”:
http://theshepherdstownobserver.com/june08/savingkids0608.html
*** Support the Pacific Crest Trail Association:
Even a national treasure as significant as the Pacific Crest National
Scenic Trail is under constant threat. By joining the PCTA you can help
us protect, preserve, and promote the trail.
http://www.pcta.org/help/join/application.asp
*** Washington Trails Association
Each year hundreds of people join Washington Trails Association as
volunteers – on the trail, in the office and with the public at events.
It's a great way to meet wonderful people, do important work and have
some serious fun.
Washington Trails Association schedules more than 600 work parties each
year, contributing 80,000 hours of trail work to the US Forest Service,
National Park Service, Washington Department of National Resources and
Washington's state and county parks.
http://www.wta.org/volunteer
*** Where to go Snowmobiling in Connecticut:
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325302
*** Travel and Outdoor Employment Opportunities:
*** From Stephanie Tsai:
1.) California Communications Director, The Wilderness Society (TWS),
Los Angeles Metropolitan Area
The Wilderness Society (TWS) (www.wilderness.org), founded in 1935, is a
national non-profit conservation organization. The mission of The
Wilderness Society is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to
care for our wild places. With more than 300,000 members and supporters,
170 staff, and an annual budget of $26 million, we are the largest and
most effective public lands conservation group in the country. We seek a
highly creative, skilled, and experienced communications expert to
direct a broad range of regional communications efforts for the
California/Nevada region. The Communications Director will be a key
member of a dynamic, creative, and skilled team working to protect the
wild landscapes of California and Nevada.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate has at least seven to ten years of experience in
advocacy, environmental, and/or political communications work and a
proven record of success with media relations and broader communications
initiatives. He or she must have outstanding strategic instincts,
excellent writing and speaking skills, and an ability to integrate
complex scientific, legal and policy analysis into communications
campaigns. Knowledge of the legislative process and public policy is
helpful; experience with conservation, public lands and/or forestry
issues is desirable. Experience working in California and/or with
Spanish-language media is preferred. A strong conservation ethic and
proven familiarity with the use of new media to move issues is
essential. The ability to lead initiatives, juggle competing priorities
and work effectively within teams and coalitions is important. The
position is fast-paced and challenging, and offers a wealth of
opportunity to diversify skills and experience, exercise leadership, and
pursue creative ideas. Some travel is required. A Bachelor's degree is
required, preferably in communications, political science, environmental
studies, or related fields.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Director is responsible for leading comprehensive
communications efforts that advance The Wilderness Society's national
and regional agendas, including:
. Developing and implementing national and regional
communications strategies and outreach campaigns;
. Crafting messages and media outreach materials including
op-eds, press releases, fact sheets, and briefing packages for print,
electronic and broadcast media;
. Creating or overseeing development of other communications
materials such as web content, brochures, reports, alerts to members,
and paid advertisements;
. Initiating and maintaining excellent working relationships
with key media and effectively reaching out to new media audiences;
. Developing new messengers, through outreach and training, to
effectively deliver conservation messages from diverse constituencies;
. Producing and managing media events such as radio tours,
reporter conference calls, and one-on-one interviews;
. Working closely with local and regional partners on strategic
advice, message work, and general grassroots assistance;
. Working to strategically leverage TWS resources, especially
our original science and policy analysis;
. Translating scientific concepts into understandable material
for a lay audience;
. Coordinating closely with other TWS staff, particularly the
nationwide conservation communications team and the director of
marketing, to fully integrate regional campaign communications efforts
and strategies into nationwide priority campaigns;
. Improving message research, development and discipline;
. Assisting with membership communications as appropriate;
. Assisting regional program staff with media outreach, working
with them to handle breaking news and develop future story concepts;
. Coordinating with TWS staff and outside consultants/vendors in
support of assigned programs; and
. Managing budgets for applicable program communications efforts
This position will be located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, including
health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society
is an equal opportunity employer, and diversity is one of our core
values.
Please submit resume, cover letter, at least two writing samples, and
references to:
Stephanie Tsai
The Wilderness Society
655 Montgomery Street, Suite 1000
San Francisco, CA 94111
CACommDirector@tws.org
No phone calls, please.
www.wilderness.org
2.) Hospitality Coordinator, Appalachian Mountain Club, Bretton Woods,
New Hampshire
The Hospitality Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of
services provided for groups visiting the Appalachian Mountain Club's
Highland Center at Crawford Notch and other AMC Destinations as needed,
and for ensuring that the quality of these services meets the
expectations and standards set forth by management. This position will
report directly to the Highland Center Director and is based in Bretton
Woods, NH. This is a full time, year round exempt position.
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
.Working closely with the Guest Services department to set up, maintain,
and manage all reservations related to groups at the Highland Center
using Maestro software program
.Communicating relevant information (room set-ups, meals, etc.) in
writing to various department heads at the Highland Center on a timely
and accurate basis
.Serving as the point person for all groups and making sure that guests
are properly greeted and attended to during their stay, as well as
following through on all services related to meetings, food service,
programs, etc.
.Planning and executing special events
.Assisting with marketing and promotional efforts, including research
projects, database management, etc.
.Assisting as needed with research, development, and qualification of
sales leads
.Representing AMC Destinations at various trade shows and conferences
.As part of the Highland Center management team, assisting other
departments as needed
.Participating in the Manager-on-Duty (MOD) program, including evening
and weekend support
.Performing other duties as assigned
Additional Qualifications:
.BA in the hospitality field or a related customer service industry or
1-3 years equivalent experience
.Excellent customer service and communication skills
.Strong organizational skills
.Demonstrated commitment to the mission and goals of the AMC – including
conservation, education, and outdoor recreation
.Basic computer skills (MS office, email, Internet usage, etc.)
.Willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and other times as
needed
.Ability to work independently as well as part of a closely knit team
.Ability and willingness to travel to any AMC Destination, including
backcountry huts
Benefits of working with the AMC:
.Competitive starting salary with growth potential based on performance
.Group Health Plan (75% employer paid), Group Life Insurance (100%
employer paid), Long-Term Disability Insurance (100% employer paid),
Paid vacation time, 13 paid holidays per year
.Use of AMC lodges and backcountry facilities, free and discounted rates
.Free AMC membership and White Mountain Guidebook
The Appalachian Mountain Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and
values diversity in the workplace.
How to Apply:
Send resume and letter of intent to:
Vincent C. Spiotti
Highland Center at Crawford Notch
Route 302
Bretton Woods, NH 03575
Email: vspiotti@outdoors.org
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/309805-141
3.) Wilderness Communications/Advocacy Internship, Campaign for
America's Wilderness, Washington, DC
The Campaign for America's Wilderness is seeking a Communications and
Advocacy Intern. This internship will provide the participant with
hands-on experience in an organization working to protect our natural
heritage. The participant will learn the skills needed to become an
effective advocate for the conservation of our last wild places, gain a
greater understanding of federal wilderness policy, learn the ins and
outs of advocacy communications, assist a network of local grassroots
wilderness organizations, and be part of a dedicated team working to
further the protection of our wild public lands.
Qualifications:
Students and non-students are invited to apply, though completion of at
least two years of college coursework is preferred. The applicant should
possess a strong interest in wilderness and in protecting public lands.
Individuals should be self-motivated, willing to seek out new learning
opportunities, and possess excellent verbal communication and writing
skills.
Responsibilities:
The internships can be tailored to the interests and strengths of the
applicant, but will focus on a combination of policy research, media and
communications, legislative work, grassroots organizing and outreach,
and using online technologies to promote wilderness. Responsibilities
will also include research assistance, data entry, developing outreach
materials, calling supporters, and administrative duties.
Length, Location, and Compensation:
The internship will take place in our Washington, DC office, on Capitol
Hill. We are looking for an intern for the fall semester and applicants
must be available at least 15 hours per week. Students may be eligible
to receive college credit; students should inquire of their schools
specific requirements. A small stipend is available.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume, letter of intent, and a one to three page
writing sample to: info@leaveitwild.org.
http://www.leaveitwild.org/about/jobs/1189
4.) Burton Chill Coordinator (New York City), Chill, New York, New York
Chill is a non-profit, after-school, learn-to-snowboard program for
underserved and at-risk inner city youth ages 10-18.
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/309477-300
5.) Communications & Engagement Campaigner, FNQ WildCountry, The
Wilderness Society, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Are you an experienced campaigner and communicator seeking to join a
dynamic team? Do you have the passion and skill to help protect
Queensland's Wild Places? The Wilderness Society is Australia's leading
community based environmental advocacy organisation dedicated to the
protection, promotion and restoration of wilderness and natural
processes throughout Australia.
The Wilderness Society in Queensland is looking for an experienced
campaigner with strong campaign communications and engagement skills to
coordinate campaigning communications and community engagement
activities, and also to undertake relevant environmental and other
research and analysis.
In addition to the primary functions and responsibilities identified
above, all campaigners are expected to undertake a range of other
activities, which contribute to the implementation of the FNQ
Wildcountry Campaign Plan, and support the organisation as a whole.
Essential Selection Criteria:
* Commitment to the protection of the natural environment
* Demonstrated communications expertise and experience, including
previous experience in communications planning and producing
campaign/communications materials
* Previous experience in implementing public outreach campaigns
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Proven research and analytical skills,
* Excellent interpersonal skills, including relationship-building skills
in multi-cultural settings
* Ability to work independently and in small teams
* Ability to systematically plan and organise projects and events
* Well developed time and stress management skills
* Adaptability and responsiveness to changing opportunities and
circumstances
* Web and electronic media development skills
* Publications experience
Desirable Selection Criteria:
* Previous experience working with Indigenous people and organisations
and knowledge of Indigenous rights and interests in the Australian
context and in relation to contemporary conservation
* Previous experience in managing volunteers and organising events
* Demonstrated enthusiasm for environmental campaigns, grass roots
activism and community engagement
* Creative and innovative approaches to problem solving
* Familiarity with, or previous experience working for, non government
organisations
* Tertiary qualifications in the fields of either communications;
environmental sciences or social sciences
Full-time, salary $52,000 pa + super.
For more information and a copy of the position description and other
application details, please check the website
http://www.wilderness.org.au/jobs or contact Christine Zangari, Qld
Business Manager christine.zangari@wilderness.org.au
Applications to Tim Seelig, Qld Campaign Manager c/-
christine.zangari@wilderness.org.au by 29th September 2008.
6.) Trip Leader, AAVE, Golden, Colorado (Leaders are not necessarily
based at Golden)
Amazing trips in amazing places need amazing leaders! AAVE is about
teenagers, adventure travel, community service, leadership and learning.
Venture to the western U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Costa Rica, South America,
Africa, Asia or Europe. Camp, rock climb, mountain bike, sea and river
kayak, raft, backpack, surf, ski/snowboard, horseback ride, ice climb,
sail, windsurf or study a foreign language. As a trip leader you'll
spend 4-9 weeks this summer facilitating group dynamics with 12-16 teens
while teaching a broad range of adventure travel skills along with an
experienced senior leader. Benefits include a starting salary of
$250/week (with substantial monetary increases each year after), paid
staff training, food and housing and pro-deals (North Face, Arcteryx,
Marmot, Dana Design, Chaco, etc.). Applicants must be at least 21, a
college graduate or working towards a degree, CPR and WFR or WFA
certified, organized, energized, patient, flexible and of course have a
passion to teach teenagers about leadership and adventure travel. For
detailed information contact Jenny Turbanic at 800.222.3595 or download
the online application.
http://www.aave.com/leaders.php
7.) Rafting guide, Scenic Floats on the Upper Kenai River, Alaska River
Adventures, Cooper Landing, AK
Experienced rafting guide. Must be proficient with a raft in class III
water, have extensive knowledge of Alaskan Natural History & Wildlife
and be able to be entertaining.
Alaska experience preferred.
Excellent pay plus end of season bonus and tips.
Alaska River Adventures
PO Box 725
Cooper Landing, AK 99572
Fax 907-595-3454
Call : 1-907-595-2000 and ask for George Heim
http://www.alaskariveradventures.com/employment.html
8.) Executive Editor – P & R Magazine, National Recreation & Park
Association, Ashburn, VA
Want to make a mark?
Desire the opportunity to play a key role in an influential national
organization?
Is it time for you to use your talent and vision to really make a
difference?
The National Recreation & Park Association is actively recruiting to
fill the position of Executive Editor for Parks & Recreation magazine,
the official publication of NRPA.
Ideal candidate will be highly motivated and self-directed journalist
with excellent reporting, writing, and editing skills. He or she should
have substantial publishing experience at a management level, preferably
in the magazine world. Candidate should be accomplished at managing
in-house staff and freelancers, as well as directing and developing
solid monthly editorial lineups.
Responsibilities include working with the managing editor to create
strong brand extensions (print and online). The ideal candidate thrives
in a fast-paced environment and is able to juggle writing and editing
responsibilities. The Executive Editor will work with a talented team of
editors and freelance writers.
Duties include development of editorial concepts, generating story
ideas, assigning to experienced freelance journalists who know the
terrain, writing heds and deks, and line editing and copyediting through
revisions until copy is complete and meets in-house style requirements.
NRPA is seeking someone whose demonstrated ability makes him or her the
perfect “voice” of NRPA's flagship publication. The successful candidate
will have a solid understanding of strategic business development and
places high personal value on having a career with an organization that
makes a difference!
Responsibilities include:
Magazine Editorial Management and Development
Online Editorial Development
Magazine Scheduling / Production / Design
Content Strategy and Online Development
Contract Management
Staff and Fiscal Management
DISCOVER the BENEFITS at NRPA!
Conveniently located off the Dulles Greenway, in Brambleton Regional
Park in Ashburn, NRPA boasts a warm professional environment, with a
relaxing and peaceful view of nature at it's finest! All staff have
access to indoor & outdoor eating areas, as well as indoor & outdoor
fitness opportunities. Our facility has a brand new air-conditioned
fitness room with access to showers, as well as foot trails for the
outdoor enthusiast. Staff members at NRPA enjoy a very rich benefit
package which includes 403(b) matched at 6% and fully vested upon hire,
group Health, Dental, and Vision for employee and family paid 80% by the
employer; Life insurance, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
paid 100% by the employer; accrue 26 Paid days off per year plus 13 paid
holidays, eligibility in the first month of employment, Length of
Service Awards and much, much more! NRPA is committed to promoting an
environment of work-life balance. To promote healthy lifestyles, at work
and away, we have established programs like Teleworking, FlexTime
Schedules, 37.5 hour work-week, Employee Assistance Programs,
Educational Assistance Programs, Lunch-and-Learn sessions and more.
Discover what we already know . NRPA … a great place to work!
APPLICATION PROCESS
Position will remain open until filled. Submit resume and salary
requirements & history to HR@nrpa.org or fax to confidential fax
703.858.0297.
PLEASE NOTE: Submissions without salary information will not be
considered.
NRPA is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to Diversity.
Women and ethnic minorities encouraged to apply.
NOTES: Local Residents Preferred (No Relo).
Additional Salary Information: Salary range open. Submissions without
salary requirements and history will not be considered.
Work Experience: Minimum of 7 – 10 years in related field; 4 – 8 years
in supervisor/manager roll; 1 – 3 years at the Director/Leadership level
preferred; 1 – 3 years Association and/or P & R experience preferred
Education / Certification: Bachelors Degree in related field required;
Masters and /or industry certification equivalent preferred
Key Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge – Proofreading; Grammar; Punctuation; Associated Press Style
(AP); Photography; Basic Design and Layout; Association Management
Practices; Production – printing, proofs, scheduling; Online
communications vehicles (traditional Web sites, Weblogs, Wikis, RSS
feeds, social media, multimedia tools).
Skills – Writing articles and abstracts; Writing headlines/captions;
Writing for online use; Fact checking; Taking photographs; Editing;
Scheduling; Organization; skills; Verbal communication;
Management/supervision; Interviewing for multimedia production (audio,
video).
Abilities – Attention to detail; Multi-task; manage competing
priorities; Meet deadlines; Handle pressure of meeting deadlines;
Communicate well with writers.
Technology skills: technical skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook,
online content distribution technologies and online multimedia
development are key! Knowledge of Quark and Photoshop a plus!
http://asi.careerhq.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2980367
9.) Media Director, New Mexico Wildlife Federation, Albuquerque, New
Mexico
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation (NMWF) seeks a skilled, experienced,
and motivated individual to direct a broad range of regional
communications efforts. The Media Director will produce the monthly
online newsletter, quarterly printed newsletter, and a variety of other
communications materials. He or she will participate on the formulation
and execution of the strategic direction of NMWF. The Media Director
will establish and maintain relationships with members, media, and
policymakers and their staff.
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is a nonprofit organization dedicated
to protecting New Mexico's wildlife, public lands, and outdoor way of
life now and for future generations.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The Media Director will be a full-time senior
strategist responsible for NMWF's communications strategy. Specific
duties include:
* Develop and execute a communications plan.
* Produce monthly online and quarterly printed newsletters: Coordinate
writers, establish and enforce deadlines, edit copy, and layout pages.
* Craft messages and media outreach materials including op-eds, press
releases, stories, and fact sheets for print, electronic, and broadcast
media.
* Create and oversee development of other communications materials such
as web content, alerts to members, promotional and informational
materials, new media (blogs, etc.), and paid advertisements.
* Initiate and maintain excellent working relationships with key media.
* In conjunction with non-profit and agency partners, develop
communications plans to support partnership programs.
* Develop new messengers, through outreach and training, to effectively
deliver conservation messages from diverse constituencies.
* Ascertain member concerns by surveys or other methods.
* May require infrequent weekend and evening work and the ability to do
some travel.
Additional Qualifications:
The ideal candidate has substantive experience in outdoor, conservation,
advocacy, and/or political communications work with a proven record of
success in media relations. He or she must have excellent writing and
speaking skills. The ability to edit copy and layout newsletters is
required. Experience conducting press conferences, media events, and
interviews as well as preparing press releases, news articles,
newsletter publications, and promotional pieces for online and print
publication is desired. Knowledge of outdoor issues, public policy, and
the legislative process is essential.
How to Apply:
Submit cover letter, resume, and contact information for three
references from your most recent employment and/or education by October
1, 2008 to nmwildlife@nmwildlife.org. Please write Media Director in the
subject line. Or fax to 866-844-5638.
http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/310434-223
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