In some families, parents find themselves unable to enter helpful conversations with a son or daughter. Attempts to talk about concerns result in a conversation of blame through words or silence. The times for teaching and learning together are few and far between, if not at all. For these families, we offer an opportunity to significantly improve their relationship through a “walking” in the wilderness.
Trailwalkers
UPCOMING TRAINING DATES: Feb. 19-26, 2024 | May 13-20, 2024 |
Aug. 5-13, 2024
Applications must be received by Jan.12, 2024 to be considered for Feb. 2024.
Job Overview
As a TrailWalker you stay with one group (band) for a period of eight days at a time, the entire time in the backcountry, what we call “The Trail.” You oversee and are responsible for the personal safety and well-being of the clients (YoungWalkers) as you journey through rugged terrain together. TrailWalkers work with 12-17 year-olds who are struggling with a myriad of difficulties, including: substance abuse, depression, difficult family dynamics, emotional and behavioral concerns. TrailWalkers act as role models and support systems for those trusted in our care.
Qualifications
Responsibilities
Employee Standards
Considerations for Applicants
Qualifications
- 21 years of age or older
- High-school or college diploma
- Be able to pass a drug screen and fingerprint clearance check
- Be able to hike 15 miles a day of rugged terrain with a 50lb pack
- Be willing to develop survival skills, relationship skills, and further learn to enhance their personal leadership capabilities by participation in the training
- Willing to meet Employee Standards
- Possess critical thinking skills necessary for solving complex situations.
- Punctuality
- Be able to spend 8 days continuous in the backcountry and work 8 days-6 off.
- Commit to a minimum of 6 months.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and be responsible for personal growth and safety of clients in the field.
- Ability to maintain complete confidentiality of clients in Anasazi program
- Communicate with the field back up (Ridgewalker) three times a day. Report location and status of group
- Meet weekly with therapists to assess needs of clients
- Be knowledgeable and comfortable with Anasazi Way interventions (steppings, sittings and makings)
- Read and be able to teach Anasazi Curriculum from The Seven Paths, TrailWalker Guide, The Anatomy of Peace, and The Five Legends, and The Path Books
- Teach and pass off skills associated with wilderness survival, health and hygiene, nutrition and hydration contained in Path Books
- Be competent in care of self and others in the wilderness in extreme weather conditions
Employee Standards
In the 1960s, the founders of Anasazi Foundation learned that one’s lifestyle and “way of being” in their personal lives directly impacts an employee’s ability to facilitate positive change in the hearts of youth. At Anasazi it is impossible to work and put on a different persona than you carry with you during your non-work life. We invite all of our staff, employees, and volunteers to live by high personal standards of conduct. Part of our philosophy is to never ask anything of our YoungWalkers that we wouldn’t require of ourselves. Therefore if we are to invite growth and progress in the YoungWalkers lives we must be doing it our own. This helps us bring a positive and uplifting persona to our interactions with others, enables us to make powerful connections, and communicate trust, love, and friendship. In addition, many that come through our program struggle with addiction and as a support to them we ask that all our employees abstain from tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, drugs, and pornography.
“I love that the TrailWalkers are such great role models–and I love how humble they are because they let the kids know they are learning things right along with them out on the trail. I love that they are willing to sacrifice the comforts of modern life to make a difference in our kids’ lives. I think the magic and power of a TrailWalker exists because they really BELIEVE in what they are doing–because they are really LIVING the ANASAZI Way and the YoungWalkers KNOW it. The kids can pick out a fake in a heartbeat and these kids know the TrailWalkers ARE NOT FAKING. My heart will be forever full of gratitude to the TrailWalkers who walked with and loved my daughter on the trail.” — Anasazi Parent
Considerations for Applicants
Process
After your application is received, we will make a date to interview you. You will know within the first two weeks after we receive the application if you will be interviewed. Those selected will participate in a virtual interview. After the interview you will receive a letter of acceptance or rejection within a week. If invited to orientation more details will be provided regarding required documents at that time. The decision whether to hire those invited to training isn’t until they complete the 8 day training and a trial week on the ANASAZI Trail. Terms of hire will then be discussed in a hiring interview.
Training
The initial 8 day orientation consists of 5-6 days in the backcountry and 2-3 in the office. Food will be provided for the time in the backcountry, as well as lodging (the ground!) All necessary gear will be provided besides clothing, boots, and particular personal necessities. During that time you will learn the Anasazi Way, emergency response, communications devices, medical training, policies and procedures. Applicants will provide for their own lodging and food for the days in the office. Orientation is unpaid. The trial week with the clients is paid. Also required the week before or after the trial week is attendance at the two day Arbinger Seminar where you will join the parents of the YoungWalkers, so that you may better understand the overall goal of our program.
Costs
Potential Trailwalkers must be aware of the costs associated with the application and relocating to Arizona. Those selected to come to training must provide documents that often times require money; such as: a physical, TB test, proof of tetanus shots, state driving records, official transcripts, and an Arizona fingerprint clearance. These costs alone can reach $200 in some situations.
Compensation
Starting pay is $13.85/hr, with time and a half for over time. It equals about roughly $2000/ a pay period. Due to overtime and how many hours are worked the average daily rate for a Trailwalker working a regular shift from Wednesday to Wednesday is around $240 a day. Trailwalkers are also certified in WFA and all gear from initial training is gifted to them.
Health and Safety
Because of the raw exposure to Arizona weather, physically demanding aspects of the job, and remote location of our area of operation we must be careful and wise in our selection of TrailWalkers. If you have questions or concerns about your health history or current condition, please feel free to call and ask to speak with the ANASAZI nurse before applying.
All this being resolved and understood, know that being a Trailwalker is one of the most unique, fulfilling, and unforgettable experiences anyone can have. We will do everything in our power to prepare you for the work, and expect you to match that effort.
