nedsjotw.com

Your Very Next Step newsletter for February 2009

“I hope to see London once ere I die.”

– William Shakespeare

“London is a modern Babylon.”

– Benjamin Disraeli

“Life is all about making connections, managing expectations, and making the waitress smile.”

– Ned Lundquist

The next adventure begins with your very next step.

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

Send us your comments, questions, and contributions to lundquist989@cs.com.

You are now among 549 subscribers.

Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

*** In this issue:

*** Travel News

*** YVNS “Sport You Must Try” for February:

*** Travel/Outdoors and Adventure jobs (a dozen of them at least)

1.) Glider ride pilot needed, Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, Bar Harbor, ME

2.) California/Nevada Regional Director, The Wilderness Society, San Francisco, CA

3.) President & CEO, Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming, Cheyenne, Wyoming

4.) Ecuador-Country Program Director, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York

5.) Wilderness Field Instructors, Second Nature Entrada, Santa Clara, Utah

*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for February:

*** 2009 Boston Globe Travel Show to offer Industry Conference and Trade Day

http://www.forimmediaterelease.net/pm/2167.html

*** Long-haul destinations 'more accessible than ever'

http://news.opodo.co.uk/articles/2009-02-02/19003875-Long-haul-destinations.php

*** Scotland voted golf destination of the year

http://news.opodo.co.uk/articles/2009-02-03/19005486-Scotland-voted.php

*** Verboten Vacations: 9 Reasons Forbidden is “In” This Year

Cuba, Iran and North Korea — long off-limits to most American visitors — might be added to the “allowed” list under an Obama administration. Other destinations that were considered too dangerous or hostile to Americans are becoming fashionable again, as travelers jettison boring “staycations” for something more exotic.

http://www.frommers.com/articles/5797.html

*** Delta to shed 170 gates at US airports as part of NWA consolidation

http://www.atwonline.com/news/other.html?issueDate=2%2F10%2F2009

*** The UK's so-called “environment czar” last week raised the possibility of rationing air travel, limiting UK citizens to just a few vacation trips abroad by air per year in order to reduce the impact of carbon dioxide emissions.

http://atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=15528

*** 5 Things You Don't Know About London

http://www.frommers.com:80/articles/5804.html

*** Best Hiking in Costa Rica

http://www.vacationscostarica.com/destinations/best-hiking-in-costa-rica

*** From Bernie Wagenblast’s TCN Newsletter:

United Airlines to Unplug Number for Complaints

United Airlines dropping call center for after-flight customer calls; please write instead.

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/United-Airlines-to-unplug-apf-14314175.html

Southwest Airlines to Begin Testing In-Flight Wi-Fi

Link to story in USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-02-10-swa-in-flight-wifi_N.htm

*** The bald eagles at the Norfolk Botanical Garden have laid their first egg of the 2009 season. The egg was laid on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 4:10 p.m. Most bald eagles lay two eggs, although nests with one or even three eggs occur. Eggs may be laid over the course of several days. Bald eagles typically incubate their eggs for 35 days, although this pair averages 37 days. This is the sixth year this pair has nested at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, successfully raising nine young eagles in that time. The public can follow the lives of these eagles through the Eagle Cam, a joint project of VDGIF, the Norfolk Botanical Garden and WVEC.com. This high quality web cam provides 24-hour coverage of the nest with a blog posted by DGIF wildlife biologists explaining what's happening. The eagles can be visited in person (from a distance of course) by visiting the Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Check out the Eagle Cam:

http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

*** Ned’s recent flight to Orlando:

I flew USAirways non-stop from Reagan National Washington Airport to Orlando last week. I am a USAirways frequent flier, but I usually bank my miles with United. I don’t know why, I have not been able to get a really good deal from all those miles I have in years. Reagan is a great airport. It’s two stops away from the Pentagon, and the Metro drops you at the door. I had no bags, so check-in was a breeze. On board, I sort of resent paying a buck for a pretty lousy cup of coffee. In Orlando there was some kind of cheerleading competition, because there were hundreds of kids in groups you could tell apart by their jackets and t-shirts. When the adult became unsure of which way to go, they all stopped, and that means everybody in the airport stopped. I had signed up for a Mears Transport shared ride to the Hilton. Since I had purchased my ticket online, I checked in at the kiosk, and received a ticket that directed me to lane 40 – 41. There was a van loading, and I was almost inside before the driver said I needed to check in with the man over there, and when I did he wrote something down and gave me one of those hockey-puck thingies that lights up when your table is ready at Outback Steakhouse. I sat back and listed to the girls practice their cheers. 15 or 20 minutes later we squeezed into a van which took me and a dozen of my now closest friends to the Hilton in Downtown Disney. I had checked the weather before I left Washington, and it was just as cold in Florida as it was in D.C. I was only in Florida long enough to have a few good meals (at Black Angus and Fulton’s). I was back in D.C. in time to change into my tux and head into town for the watering of the Herd at the 109th Military order of the Carabao “Wallow.”

*** Gun manufacturing in Pakistan:

This gives me an a appreciation of what's going on near the Khyber Pass in Pakistan.

http://www.vbs.tv/full_screen.php?s=DGFE2305DC&sc=1363196

*** Dropped call:

Hi Ned –

A tip I recently learned the hard way:

Today–not tomorrow, or next week–you need to make sure that your cell phone is easily returnable to you if lost. Take a moment right now to find one of those self-addressed stickers that you probably have by the thousands in your desk drawer and never use, and put it onto the back of your phone.

Why? Because I lost my BlackBerry earlier this week. Gone. No warning. No backup. I was S.O.L. Out of touch and of sorts. Very unhappy.

Lucky for me a nice, honest local lady found it and took the time to call a few numbers I'd recently dialed. A fiend she reached told her how to get in touch with me, and she was nice enough to return the phone less than 24 hours later.

But what if she hadn't? Or hadn't been able to…? Eesh. So don't wait, it can happen to you!

– Bruce Blake

*** From Beth King:

When thinking about travel and next steps, some desire the exotic. Others look forward to the adventure. Then there are those of us who wish for nothing more than a chance to relax and escape the confines of corporate America.

Don’t misunderstand. I love my job as a media relations manager for a national life insurance company. Likewise, I’m not saying I don’t enjoy seeing places I’ve never been or having the opportunity to experience the thrill of a lifetime. But sometimes, I just value what’s familiar and what I know will always bring a smile to my face upon arrival and a tear to my eye at departure. In other words, I love spending time with my best friend, which is exactly what I did over my holiday break.

Before I get into this wild adventure, there’s a lot of catching up to do. First, my best friend’s name is Christy Harrell and she’s an identical twin. We both were born in Fort Wayne, Ind., met in middle school, went to a year of high school together before her father was transferred out of state for a job. However, we remained friends even after she and her family moved and long after graduation from high school. Christy attended Indiana University to study Hospital Administration and I went to Ball State University for journalism. After graduation in 1996, Christy moved to Charlotte with her twin sister Cathy and took a job working in a retirement home and eventually for the Duke University Medical Center. Wanting to be close to family, I went to work for a monthly newspaper and women’s magazine in Indianapolis as an associate editor before jumping ship to what many journalists refer to as “the dark side,” a.k.a. public relations.

Throughout our adult lives, Christy and I have shared many emotional moments. She was there for me when I lost both grandparents and made sure my family and I were not alone. I was in her wedding. She cheered the loudest when I was admitted to a prestigious graduate school and I gave her encouragement when she went back to school to become a teacher two years ago. After telling family, I was one of the first people she called to tell she was expecting both times. After a tough break-up in 2004, Christy was the one I called first, as well as the one who made sure I realized life was only beginning. Yet through it all and states away, we have remained close. Our mothers even joke that when we’re in our 80’s and can barely function, we’ll still be best friends. They’re right – and that is why this year for my holiday break, I chose to spend it with Christy in Hickory, N.C. instead of going somewhere unfamiliar with pictures to prove it.

Whenever we’re together and no matter the location, we always have fun hitting the malls, trying new restaurants, talking about the past and future and finding many reasons to laugh. However, this trip was meaningful for reasons beyond merely catching up or hitting the jackpot of sales. Christy’s husband Greg is a world away serving in Iraq where he’s flying planes and helicopters and keeping our nation safe from enemy forces. Second, my being there helped take Christy’s mind off her husband’s deployment and third, Christy’s daughters, Sydney, 7, and Savannah, 2 are a joy to observe and their honesty alone is worth traveling out of state. So this brings me to my report of what I did on my holiday vacation and why this trip truly was my adventure of a lifetime.

I landed the day after Christmas at Charlotte-Douglass International Airport. Sensing the excitement in her mother, Sydney asked if they were going to get her Daddy. When Christy said no, Sydney solemnly asked, “Why does everyone else have their daddy, but I don’t have mine?”

Although I can’t take the place of her father, nor would I want to anyway, I think Sydney was happy to see me and even more eager to break into the presents I brought for her and Savannah. The following day, I slept in and when I finally decided get moving, Sydney remarked that it was about time — as if to imply it was odd that anyone would dare sleep past 7 a.m. Oh the nerve. After a workout on the treadmill, she looked at the artificial highlights in my hair and said, “I don’t understand how your hair can go from brown when it’s wet to yellow when it’s dry.”

“You will when you’re older, sweetie. Give it time,” I said.

The following days were spent hanging out with Christy, taking pictures of the girls, watching and going to movies, scoping out sales and checking in with home. One night while talking to my mom, Savannah decided to engage herself in the conversation where she proudly announced that her favorite color was green and that she ate chips for dinner. Ah, to be young again and unconcerned about fat, salt and excess calories. Later that night, around 3 a.m., trauma struck.

Savannah’s go-everywhere, stuffed animal leopard-bear combination named Chester went missing. Could we have left poor Chester at the movie theatre where we had been earlier in the day? Did she file him away for safekeeping or was he just taking a break from a rowdy toddler? Regardless, it didn’t matter because when the tears started falling in the middle of the night, it was heart wrenching. As Christy searched high and low throughout the house and even on the Internet for a replacement, I worked to calm Savannah.

“Honey, Chester is taking a walk in the jungle, drinking lots of ‘jungle juice’ and picking up women,” I told her. “He’ll be back. And you know what we’ll do tomorrow? We’ll draw a picture of Chester, take it to the grocery store and ask the manager to put it on the back of a milk carton. Would that make it all better?”

As Christy stood in the door trying not to laugh at her single best friend without children, between the sobs, Savannah nodded and dozed off into the wee hours of the morning. Little did Christy or I know that the next day would not only be New Year’s Eve and Sydney’s birthday, but also thoughts of Chester would be fleeting, in exchange for a table dance sans clothes or a diaper – and in front of the picturesque window. We were saddened that we didn’t have our cameras ready faster, but the memory of a dancing, cackling two-year-old head of blonde will always be there in our minds.

What seemed like such a short trip or at first ordinary turned out to be the best week of 2008. After a tumultuous year ups and downs for both Christy and me, it was good to be reminded of the special people that help us recognize that some things will always remain strong, despite a temporary, albeit perfect storm – best friends, beautiful children, clever imaginations and good times spent in the company of familiar faces will always provide a healthy mix of adventure, relaxation, smiles and lasting, priceless memories that will last. I’ve often heard that if you can rely on one or two friends to always be there, consider yourself lucky. Having spent a week with my one true friend and her precious little ones, I know I have more than I could ever imagine.

Beth King

*** From David Super:

Hello Ned,

Thanks for the invite to prepare something for your travel blog. As I wrote in an earlier message, Carol and I enjoyed a family vacation last fall, a weather-perfect week in mid-September, touring all the customary spots in Glacier Park. We're ready to return, and for those who have spent time visiting that part of our great nation, I think many will agree.

But have you been to Polebridge, Montana? Polebridge, permanent population undetermined but not enough to fill out much more than a cowboy/logger bar band, is on the northwest border of the park, about 35 miles northwest of Columbia Falls. It's one of those way-out-there places that presents visitors with events, people, flavors and scenery that makes it all the more intriguing.

We spent just one night there in the North Fork Hostel, a rambling structure built in the 1970s that has been host to thousands of mostly young and adventurous travelers. Five of us were snug and all alone in the big house, except for the innkeeper's frisky cat. When we arrived, there was a note explaining that Oliver, the owner, was hiking with friends and would not return for three days. We were to make ourselves at home and take care to ensure that the not-yet-mountain-wise kitty would remain indoors. You can learn more about the hostel and what I presume could be its bridal suites at: www.nfhostel.com.

The highlight of our evening's stay was a short ride to Polebridge's Main (and only) Street, where we sat for supper at the Northern Lights Saloon. For about $20 each we dined outdoors on some pretty fancy grub, including buffalo tips, elk burgers and wild salmon. Nearby was the town's “recreation department,” a volleyball court that mostly served as a sleeping area for a couple of lazy hounds. Once our meals were served, the dogs awoke and VERY politely stood vigil near our table. We offered no scraps, and they didn't beg. But they stood by, just in case.

My wife, daughter and daughter-in-law then went next door to the Polebridge Mercantile to visit its just-about-to-close bakery. They purchased a plump bag of dessert cookies (apparently by some agreement the restaurant doesn't sell many desserts, and the bakery doesn't sell full meals). Unashamedly, we ate them all.

About the same time, another saloon patron showed up with a young female dog (about college age in dog years). That broke the black lab's vigil from our table, along with a quartet of his buddies who came out from beneath various shrubs and pickup trucks. For the rest of our time in downtown Polebridge, entertainment centered on watching these young and old men make fools of themselves in an effort to win the new gal's attention.

The Mercantile’s artisan bakery is another other big drawing card for Polebridge. Over breakfast coffee and pastries there the next morning, we were pleased to chat with a few of the locals. Our son is a graduate of the University of Montana in Missoula. For a kid who mostly grew up in the don't-get-hurt suburbs of Fairfax County, Virginia, he's become a fully converted Montanan. When I expressed my appreciation to him for arranging a visit to such an interesting place, he reminded me that Montana is full of characters, from the often-loathed-by-locals rich folks who have over-built the mountains and valleys with lavish vacation homes, to die-hard keepers of very lean and green outdoor ethics. For good measure, throw in hard-working timber people, ranchers, and ordinary townsfolk, and you've got a place worth visiting both for the people and the geography.

Time did not permit a return to Polebridge the following week when the locals gathered at the Northern Lights for the town’s “prom,” a tastefully promoted formal event. Stylish posters announcing details of the prom were displayed in many locations, including the saloon’s distinctive outhouse. Along with listing the musical entertainment, ticket price, starting time and location, a bit of text at the bottom of the poster reminded prom goers that fancy dresses and other formal wear were available for rent from nearby sources.

My wife and I were raised in small western towns. While Polebridge certainly offers sights, sounds and even flavors a good bit different from our South Dakota and Wyoming starting points in life, it was comforting to spend even a little time there and feel so instantly connected with unpretentious people and their rich-by-different-measure way of life.

David

The photos are pretty standard tourist snapshots of the hostel, the Polebridge Merc, the Northern Lights Saloon's outdoor dining area and one of the dogs who kept a careful eye on my supper meal. We didn't try our cell phones while there, but I'm going to presume the Helipad 6 sign gives some comfort to skeptical tourists who might worry about being far away from 911-style assistance.

We're ready to return but have missed not only the fall prom but probably this winter's sled dog races.

(See Dave’s photos at www.yourverynextstep.com)

*** From Heather Murphy:

Ned,

I came across this and thought it might be a fun thread or link for YVNS.

http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2009/01/done_something_stupid_on_a_tri.html?wpisrc=newsletter

Heather Murphy

*** The February YVNS sport Ned has never heard of:

The Royal Shrovetide Football Match (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Shrovetide_Football) occurs annually on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday in the town of Ashbourne in Derbyshire, England (http://www.bambooweb.com/articles/r/o/Royal_Shrovetide_Football.html). It has been played since at least the 12th century, though sadly the exact origins of the game are unknown due to a fire at the Royal Shrovetide Committee office in the 1890s which destroyed the earliest records. However, one of the most popular origin theories suggests the macabre notion that the 'ball' was originally a severed head tossed into the waiting crowd following an execution.

Where: The small village of Ashbourne, England.

What is it?

Two soccer matches are held every year at the beginning of Lent in Ashbourne, with teams consisting of almost every single man, woman and child in the village–and some tourists–all playing at the same time

Like all the best sports, Royal Shrovetide Football doesn't concern itself with rules — indeed, the only official regulation seems to be “no murder.” The game begins at 2 p.m., when a local dignitary tosses a ball into a swirling mass of hundreds of terrifyingly large men and screaming women and children. The mobs then try and move the ball toward their goal areas. Essentially, it' a rolling, 8-hour fist fight between the Up'Ards and Down'Ards (people born north or south of the town river).

The 'pitch' is the entire town and the goal posts are the sites of old mills, three miles apart and a goal is scored by someone banging the ball against a post three times. Though called football, the ball can be kicked or thrown, and possession can, and does, change hands by the virtue of simple, honest violence.

Visitors to Ashbourne can view the full list at The Green Man Hotel where it is displayed on a series of wooden plaques that are updated yearly. (http://www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk/peak-district-hotel-the-green-man-royal-hotel-ashbourne/l153.html)

There are very few rules in existence. The main ones are:

• Committing murder or manslaughter is prohibited. Unnecessary violence is frowned upon.

• The ball may not be carried in a motorised vehicle.

• The ball may not be hidden in a bag, coat or rucksack etc.

• Cemeteries, churchyards and the town memorial gardens are strictly out of bounds.

• Playing after 10 pm is forbidden.

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors employment opportunities:

*** From Pat Valadata:

1.) Glider ride pilot needed, Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport, Bar Harbor, ME

Where: Maine, KBHB

When: May 15 to October 15

Fly daily, weather permitting, estimated 400-600 rides

Alcohol and drug testing required

Commercial glider rating and 2-32 proficiency

Compensation plus tips

Free room and use of kitchen, bath, and laundry

Email: governor@coloradosoaring.org for complete information.

Pat

Pat Valdata

author of The Other Sister , now on YouTube and wikispaces

*** From Vicki Ting:

To Whom It May Concern:

Good day. My name is Vicki Ting, and on behalf of The Wilderness Society, we would appreciate it if the Ned’s Job of the Week could circulate a job posting for our organization. We currently have 2 positions available, one for the California/Nevada Regional Director and one for California Communications Director. Both positions are available immediately, and the application closing date is Feb 16th, 2009.

Please see the attached job descriptions. We appreciate all of your efforts within this process.

Thank you very much and have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Vicki Ting

(Note: The communications Director position is posted in JOTW 04-2009 at www.nedsjotw.com.)

2.) California/Nevada Regional Director, The Wilderness Society, San Francisco, CA

For over 70 years The Wilderness Society, a national non-profit conservation organization, has been at the forefront of nationwide efforts to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. The Society’s California/Nevada Regional Office has a long, proud history of successfully protecting the forests, deserts, mountains, and other wild places critical to the well-being of the people of California and Nevada.

The Regional Director is responsible for leading, managing, and inspiring a skilled and diverse regional team of 15 staff in the conception, development, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at achieving statutory and administrative protections for high priority wild lands in the region. The Regional Director will oversee strategic planning efforts and provide the necessary creativity and vision to ensure the region grows and adapts to new conservation challenges while remaining effectively integrated with the rest of the organization. The Regional Director must also play a pivotal role in cultivating and managing relationships with key partners in other leading environmental organizations and advocacy communities, as well as Members of Congress, state and federal government officials, regulatory agencies, and the media to maintain The Society’s strong and respected presence in the region. Substantial fundraising efforts are required of the position.

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, manage, and inspire the California/Nevada regional team and promote its integration with The Wilderness Society's broader, multidisciplinary environment.

• Provide day-to-day supervision to regional staff, including: defining expectations, setting priorities, assessing results, encouraging professional growth, and cultivating a supportive, collegial team atmosphere.

• Provide the vision and strategic leadership to develop and implement an overall strategic plan for the region that allows for necessary growth, diversification of expertise, and new approaches to conservation.

• Guide regional staff in establishing and maintaining well-designed, effective advocacy campaigns for The Wilderness Society's priority work in the region.

• Play a leadership role in initiating, building, and maintaining collaborative relationships with key partner organizations as well as Members of Congress, state and federal government officials, and regulatory agencies.

• Working with Membership and Development staff, contribute significantly to fundraising efforts with philanthropic foundations, individual donors and other sources.

• Maintain a deep and thorough understanding of land conservation efforts in the region, as well as key national efforts. Ensure that the region’s perspective and concerns are understood by the rest of the organization.

• Travel as needed to ensure current knowledge of the region’s wild lands, develop relationships with partners and key players throughout the region, and maintain close coordination with regional staff in remote, field offices.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate should possess the following skills and experience:

• A substantial record of success directing advocacy campaign work in a highly complex, multi-layered, fast-paced environment.

• Extensive experience in environmental advocacy, public policy, grassroots organizing and/or public land conservation issues.

• Proven managerial excellence, including a track record for cultivating and retaining outstanding personnel and managing large, complex budgets.

• A history of successfully developing collaborations, alliances, and partnerships with key leaders among diverse ethnic and racial groups as well as other interests.

• A strong background in and familiarity with federal, state and local governments –both executive and legislative branches – and in public policy processes and institutions.

• Deep knowledge and understanding of environmental and political issues, environmental organizations, key government decision-makers, media outlets and significant funders in California and Nevada.

• Excellent writing skills and the ability to speak effectively in public.

• Successful experience working with donors, foundations and corporations to raise money.

• Extensive experience in effectively representing issues and positions to the media.

• Strong organizational and management skills and the ability to maintain an effective working environment while working under pressure.

INTERPERSONAL:

The ideal candidate would have one or more of the following leadership characteristics:

• The vision to lead and inspire a staff of outstanding professionals.

• A solid professional presence combined with proven management ability.

• In depth knowledge of public land conservation issues and a personal commitment to protect wilderness.

• Strong intellect, creativity, drive, and initiative.

• Superb organizational and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to diplomatically prioritize sometimes conflicting demands.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree, or its demonstrated equivalent, required. Relevant graduate work will be highly regarded.

We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a generous pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: February 16, 2009.

Please send resume and cover letter to Sara Barth, The Wilderness Society, re: Regional Director position, 655 Montgomery Street, Suite 1000, San Francisco, CA 94133, or email to CANV_Regional_Director@tws.org.

3.) President & CEO, Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Organization Overview: The mission of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming is to generate and provide financial support for wildlife conservation in Wyoming. Founded in 2000, the Foundation is an independent, apolitical, charitable, nonprofit corporation whose vision is to sustain an enduring natural legacy for future generations through stewardship of all wildlife in Wyoming.

The Foundation directs its efforts and resources into three major areas:

Species conservation.

Habitat protection.

Enhancement and conservation education for the general public.

Because insufficient funding is a problem common among many state fish and wildlife agencies across the country, the development of private foundations has become an important vehicle to bridge the gap. The Foundation is committed to supporting the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and its governing body, the Game and Fish Commission by raising and administering money for Wyoming conservation needs and helping to solve problems in order to protect the state’s more than 800 species of game and non-game wildlife.

The Board of Directors of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming is made up of highly committed individuals with close ties to Wyoming and interests that span the spectrum of wildlife concerns. The Board has responsibility for directing the funding priorities of the Foundation and overseeing its operations in coordination with the President & CEO.

Duties: The President & CEO of the Foundation is responsible for the development and execution of comprehensive strategic, annual work plans, and a fundraising strategy to significantly enhance the operating and endowed financial resources of the this independent organization. The President & CEO reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with the chair of the Board, members of the Board, and the leadership of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Game and Fish Commission.

Specific responsibilities include:

Fundraising — The President & CEO develops comprehensive fundraising plans and leads all fundraising efforts to meet the goals established for the Foundation’s programs. The President & CEO cultivates a portfolio of major donors, develops appropriate relationships with corporate and foundation sponsors, and maintains highly collaborative relationships with the Game and Fish Department and Commission representatives. The President & CEO also develops a highly efficient and effective fundraising infrastructure and donor acknowledgement program.

Strategic Leadership — The President & CEO gives direction and leadership toward the achievement of the Foundation’s mission, vision, goals and objectives. The President & CEO is responsible for development and implementation of the annual budget adopted by the Board, managing all activities of the Foundation, and providing strategic leadership for all areas of the Foundation and its advancement program, including programmatic, financial, and administrative operations.

Staff and Volunteer Management — The President & CEO is responsible for educating and engaging staff and volunteers in the advancement process and directing their activities appropriately.

Board Management — The President & CEO reports monthly to the Board on the action and status of the Foundation. He/she works with the chair of the Board to fulfill the board’s governance responsibilities.

Communications and Community Outreach — The President & CEO is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing plan and being the public face of the Foundation in a variety of situations. He/she represents the Foundation consistently, enthusiastically, and professionally with public and private constituents, elected officials, business leaders, agency representatives, donors, and members of the public.

Operations Management — The President & CEO provides leadership and direction to a broad-based program including fundraising, grant-making, communications, and administration. The President & CEO is responsible for leading all the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, including employment and supervision of such staff as necessary to efficiently conduct the affairs of the Foundation.

The President & CEO provides strategic leadership to the Foundation, its staff, its Board, and other volunteers. He/she collaborates with and actively supports the efforts of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate for this position will be a seasoned executive with a demonstrated track record of success in fundraising and in managing and working within nonprofit organizations. Other skills that we seek in a new leader include:

Leadership abilities, mastery of modern business administration and a vision for the future.

Proven major gift fundraising abilities and accomplishments including the development of multi-dimensional fundraising activities and an efficient, solid fundraising infrastructure.

A strong interest in and enthusiasm for conserving Wyoming’s wildlife.

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

Strong diplomatic and negotiating skills and the ability to collaborate and build networks and coalitions.

Politically astute and able to work collaboratively across partnering organizations.

Ability to build trust and effective working relationships with the Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Game and Fish Department, and the Game and Fish Commission.

Ability to represent the Foundation in multiple venues and with a wide variety of constituents.

Experience in recruiting, coaching and developing people and a team orientation toward managing staff and volunteers.

The successful candidate’s managerial style will demonstrate creativity, flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor. The ideal candidate must be able to clearly interpret the philosophy and mission of the Foundation and define personal goals and plans. Outstanding fundraising credentials are required; the highest ethical standards are assumed.

Successful candidates must be willing to travel Wyoming as needed and should have an undergraduate degree; advanced degrees are preferred. Knowledge of and experience in wildlife conservation and management are also preferred.

Salary and Benefits: The salary and benefits are negotiable and commensurate with the experience and proven ability of the successful applicant.

The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

To Apply: All applications are to be submitted via e-mail. To apply for this position, please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to:

Carolyn McCormick

Peak HR Consulting, LLC

E-mail: Carolyn.McCormick@peakhrconsulting.com

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=241100017

4.) Ecuador-Country Program Director, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=241900029

5.) Wilderness Field Instructors, Second Nature Entrada, Santa Clara, Utah

Second Nature Entrada is a licensed treatment program that uses the wilderness setting as a clinically focused intervention to teach students and adults about accountability, communication skills, and healthy emotional and behavioral habits. Treatment plans are individualized for each student and include flexible lengths of stay, group sessions, and individualized weekly therapy with doctorate level therapists.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Wilderness Field Instructors facilitate a clinically-focused wilderness experience that allows clients to actualize their potential. Field Instructors teach and role-model healthy expressions of emotion and appropriate behavior patterns while keeping the clients safe backpacking in the desert of southwestern Utah.

At Entrada, doctorate level therapists work together with Field Instructors as a treatment team. Instructors work in a team of three to four staff with a group of eight to ten clients. Treatment plans are individualized for each client, and include flexible lengths of stay, daily group therapy sessions, and individual therapy sessions.

The wilderness provides immediate natural consequences for client's choices. The treatment team is available to process this cause and effect relationship and facilitate the client making new choices in the future. Entrada focuses on teaching clients how to communicate assertively and be accountable for their choices.

In addition to the clinical approach, Field Instructors teach primitive skills, backpacking skills, and Leave No Trace ethics. Entrada clients and instructors backpack five days a week between two to ten miles a day. Instructors work an eight day shift in the backcountry with six days off to mountain bike, rock climb, travel, or simply relax.

LOCATION

Entrada is the name of the beautiful red rock sandstone of southern Utah; it also means entrance or gateway. The field area, comprising of the Mojave Desert, the Sonoran Desert and the Great Basin eco-system, form a diverse and beautiful place to work. Amazing National Parks such as Zion, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon are nearby waiting to be explored on your week off.

The elevation in this area ranges anywhere from 4,000 to 8,000 feet. Temperatures in the summer range from the mid-sixties to the upper nineties; while winter temps are fairly mild, with the average low of the season reaching twenty-five degrees.

TIME COMMITMENT

All prospective Field Instructors will attend a seven day training period where you'll experience first-hand how the Entrada program works while enjoying a week in the amazing wilderness of Southern Utah. Trainees will learn to maintain client safety, role-model assertive communication skills and teach clients how to be accountable for their choices.

Participation in the training period does not guarantee you a job, although Entrada does have high hopes for you based on its requirements. At the end of the training period, you will be notified of your employment status.

Upcoming 2009 Training Date Openings:

May 22nd—28th

June 12th—18th

July 24th—30th

August 14th—20th

New instructors begin by participating in an internship period. This consists of three, eight-day shifts. During the internship, new instructors have the chance to learn the program by watching, doing, and listening to the experiences of experienced staff. After this period, Field Instructors move through Second Nature's Level system (Levels I-V).

The Field Instructor position requires a one-year commitment

PERKS & REWARDS

Pay starts at $115/day and progresses up to $195/day with scheduled bonuses ($23,920 to $40,560 per year). Prior experience is recognized. Benefits include full health and dental insurance and a variety of professional gear deals. Entrada also provides training stipends for WFR, professional conferences, hard-skills workshops and other professional development.

Although housing is not provided, many people find living arrangements with other field instructors, sharing apartments with a person on your opposite schedule or renting a house together.

THE ESSENTIALS

Applicants must be 19 years of age. CPR and first aid certification is required, although Wilderness First Responder, EMT or WEMT certification is preferred. A Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent amount of relevant experience is preferred. In order to be promoted to Level III, you must be at least 21 years of age.

Since you will be backpacking and hiking most of your shift (2-10 miles per day), professional or personal wilderness and backpacking experience is a definite plus. Energetic, fun and creative individuals who love the outdoors are encouraged to apply.

YOUR FIRST MOVE

Mail, email or fax your resume, cover letter, three professional letters of recommendation and a completed application.

CONNECTIONS

Sara Carroll

Recruiter

Second Nature Entrada

2711 Santa Clara Dr.

Santa Clara, UT 85765

435.669.3580

435.674.9309 fax

entradarecruiter@snwp.com

www.2nentrada.com

http://www.backdoorjobs.com/entrada.html

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC

© 2009 The Job of the Week Network LLC

Edward Lundquist, ABC

Editor and Publisher

Your Very Next Step

7813 Richfield Road

Springfield, VA 22153

Home office phone: (703) 455-7661

lundquist989@cs.com

www.nedsjotw.com

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

“Stress is the trash of modern life – we all generate it but if you don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake your life.”

~Danzae Pace

“You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”

– Samuel Johnson

“In London, love and scandal are considered the best sweeteners of tea.”

– John Osborne