The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) offers two rewarding and challenging Volunteer Leadership Positions. As this program increases, CFI hopes to complete most of its Fourteener route and restoration work by utilizing the expertise and knowledge of Volunteer Leaders. Participants in the Volunteer Leadership program must be at least 18 years of age. If you would like more information on these opportunities, please contact Jessica Evett.

Crew Leader

CFI wishes to empower Crew Leaders with leadership responsibilities and create a more positive social aspect for them through peer-to-peer contact.

Responsibilities:

Supervise small (2-5 person) volunteer crews.
Oversee implementation of prepared construction, maintenance, restoration or seed collection plans.
Ensure that approved safety practices are followed by all crew members.

Prerequisites:

  • Must have participated in at least one CFI weekend volunteer project.
  • Interest in leadership, volunteerism, Fourteener trail construction, restoration and/or botany and seed collection.
  • Recommendation to the program by a CFI or Forest Service professional staff member.
  • Complete CFI’s Volunteer Crew Leader training on June 26-27 at Mount Elbert, July 26-27 at Mounts Lincoln, Democrat, and Bross, or an Outdoor Stewardship Institute (formerly Colorado Outdoor Training Initiative) Crew Leader Training or approved equivalent.
  • Mentor with CFI professional field staff until you reach certified status. CFI’s staff will provide supervision, assign work, provide instruction, and set mentoring goals on a project-by-project basis.

Commitment required to maintain status:

Participate in a minimum of two CFI Adopt-a-Peak, restoration, seed collection or weekend volunteer projects each year. Attend one training or acquire one new trail skill per season.

Supervision:

CFI’s professional staff will provide supervision, assign work, provide instruction, and set project goals on a project-by-project basis.

Skills Training:

Additional training is provided each year by CFI and its partner organizations to increase your skill level in areas you enjoy to work in. 2008 trainings will be held on June 28-29 at Mt. Elbert and on June 24-25 at Mounts Lincoln, Democrat, and Bross

Crew Leader Areas of Emphasis:

Certified Crew Leaders have the option to focus in any of the following areas:

Adopt-a-Peak Projects:

  • Lead Adopt-a-Peak group volunteer crews (2-4 people).
  • Provide technical expertise for Fourteener route maintenance activities on adopted peaks.
  • Moderate to Difficult level of work.
  • Restoration or Seed Collection projects:
  • Lead restoration or seed collection project volunteers (up to 5 people).
  • Highly recommended to attend CFI botany and seed collection training.
  • Provide technical expertise for Fourteener restoration and seed collection activities.
  • Easy to Moderate work.

Weekend Volunteer Projects:

  • Lead weekend project volunteers (2-4 people).
  • Provide technical expertise for Fourteener construction or maintenance activities.
  • Moderate to Most Difficult work.

Design Assistant

CFI wishes to encourage Design Assistants to participate in decision-making and techniques/standards revisions for route design. Becoming a Design Assistant is a great career-building opportunity, as you will learn skills that are beneficial to Landscaping Design, Recreation Management, and Natural Resource Management.

Responsibilities:

Assist professional CFI and Forest Service staff members with trail/route project design activities.

Prerequisites:

  • Must have participated in a minimum of one CFI weekend volunteer project.
  • Interest in volunteerism and Fourteener route design.
  • Recommendation by a CFI or Forest Service professional staff member.
  • Completion of CFI’s Design Assistant Training (no training offered in 2008).
  • Mentor with professional CFI Field Staff, CFI Design Assistant or Forest Service staff member.

Supervision:

Design Assistants will work under direct supervision of the CFI Design Assistant or Forest Service Peak Manager.

Commitment Required to Maintain Status:

Design Assistants must commit to a minimum of four design days per year.