Your Very Next Step newsletter for June 2014

Your Very Next Step newsletter for June 2014

 

By Ned Lundquist
www.yourverynextstep.com
“Memories are hunting horns whose sound dies on the wind.”

– Guillaume Apollinaire

 

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
– Lao Tzu
This edition of Your Very Next Step comes to you from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

 

“Your Very Next Step” adventure/outdoors/conservation newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.   Share your adventures with the network today!  Send to lundquist989@cs.com.
***  To subscribe for free:  http://bit.ly/JOTWSubscribe

 

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

Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

 

*** In this issue:
***  Ned’s upcoming travel

***  The Singapore Girls

***  The Dos and Don’ts of Visiting India

***  Test Your Survival Skills

***  Travel Secrets of a Flight Attendant

***  Great photos from Royal Navy photojournalists.

***  35 Most Amazing Places To Travel Before You Die

***  World’s Most Amazing Elevators

***  Travel crossword for June 2014 from International Travel News

***  The British Royal Legion Remembrance Travel

***  10 natural wonders to see before they disappear

***  Casual Float Trip Essentials

***  The Molokini all-transparent two-passenger kayak

***  Festivals of the world: where to go in June

***  Ten months of amazing travel, recorded one second a day at a time (VIDEO)

***  The Complete Guide to Surviving Long-Haul Flights

***  The Great Eastern Trail

***  What is the Finger Lakes Trail System?

***  More Airports Adopt Free Wi-Fi

***  First Atlas of Inuit Arctic Trails Launched

 

*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:

 

1.)  Carnivore track survey, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin (volunteer opportunities throughout Wisconsin)

2.)  Campground Host Service, Florida Forest Service, Various locations in Florida

3.)  Trail Section Adopter, Finger Lakes Trail, Finger Lakes Trail Conference Service Center, Mt. Morris, NY

4.)  The Cumberland Trail Adopt-a-trail program, The Cumberland Trail Conference, Crossville, Tennessee

5.)  Invasive plant control, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin (opportunities throughout the state)

 

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:
2.)  Communications Director (full-time), Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance,  Jackson Hole, WY

3.)  Outreach and Events Manager, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Flint, Michigan

4.)  Communications Manager, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties, New York

5.)  Social Media Coordinator, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Anaheim, California

6.)  Canopy Course Tour Guide, Empower Adventure Operations LLC, Middleburg, VA

7.)  PARK RANGER SPECIALIST (Temporary/Seasonal Position), Oracle State Park, Arizona State Parks, State of Arizona, Oracle, AZ

8.)  Biological Science Technician (Fire Effects Monitor), National Park Service, Sanford, TX

9.)  Disc Jockey, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., United States

10.)  Manager, Public Relations – Travel, AAA, Heathrow, Florid

11.)  Senior Program Officer, Private Sector Engagement, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC

 

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!
*** Do you have a travel adventure, conservation or outdoor update  to share?

Send me your stories and I’ll post in the “Your Very Next Step” and on the YVNS website (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/).

 

***  Ned’s upcoming travel, maybe, perhaps:

 

 

August 1-3, Auburndale, Mass.

 

August 18-19-22, Tacoma, Wash.

 

August 22, 23, 24, San Diego, Calif.

 

September 12-14, Charleston, S.C.

 

September 19-26, Florence, Italy

 

October  28-29, Nassau, Bahamas

 

***  The Singapore Girls

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/gsingaporegirls/flash.htm

 

***  The Dos and Don’ts of Visiting India

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2014/5/16/16256/1284/travel/Jon+Hamm+Shares+the+Dos+and+Don%27ts+of+Visiting+India+

 

***  Test Your Survival Skills

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/outdoor-skills/survival/Test-Your-Survival-Skills.html

 

***  Travel Secrets of a Flight Attendant:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-chesnut/rocko-galvez-on-jetsetting_b_5425229.html

 

***  Thanks to Jennifer Wah for turning me on to these great photos from Royal Navy

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/05/29/24-stunning-images-from-royal-navy-photographers-competition_n_5411844.html?utm_hp_ref=uk

 

***  35 Most Amazing Places To Travel Before You Die

http://dailynewsdig.com/travel/

 

***  World’s Most Amazing Elevators

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/photos/photos-worlds-amazing-elevators-11569212/image-11649406

 

***  Travel crossword for June 2014 from International Travel News

http://www.intltravelnews.com/2014/06/travel-crossword-june-2014

 

***  The British Royal Legion Remembrance Travel

http://www.remembrancetravel.org.uk/news/anniversaries

 

***  10 natural wonders to see before they disappear

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/42723289/ns/travel-destination_travel/

 

***  Casual Float Trip Essentials

From the coolest kayak we’ve ever seen to a super grippy water shoe, this is the gear you need for those quiet days on the river.

By: Michael Malone

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/gear-shed/pro-shop/Casual-Float-Essentials.html

 

***  The Molokini is an all-transparent two-passenger kayak made out of the same durable polycarbonate material used in the production of bulletproof glass and fighter jet canopies

http://clearbluehawaii.com/

 

***  Festivals of the world: where to go in June

From Lonely Planet

This is an excerpt from Lonely Planet’s A Year of Festivals.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/77205#ixzz33FkujlAc

 

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travel-tips-and-articles/77205#ixzz33Fjt7or6

 

***  Ten months of amazing travel, recorded one second a day at a time (VIDEO)

http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2013/11/12/ten-months-of-amazing-travel-recorded-one-second-at-a-time-video

 

***  The Complete Guide to Surviving Long-Haul Flights

Qantas and Emirates airlines have some of the longest routes in the world. Here’s how to stay sane during hour 13 of your journey.

By ANNA CODREA-RADO

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/03/the-complete-guide-to-surviving-long-haul-flights/274456/

 

***  The Great Eastern Trail:

 

A project of the Great Eastern Trail Association, working with American Hiking Society and local trail partners, to create America’s newest long distance trail for hikers from Alabama to New York!

 

The Great Eastern Trail (GET) provides a premier hiking experience on a series of existing trails that are being linked to each other into a long-distance footpath in the Appalachian Mountains stretching from Alabama to the Finger Lakes Trail in New York.

 

http://greateasterntrail.net/about_us.html

 

***  What is the Finger Lakes Trail System?

 

The Finger Lakes Trail System includes the main Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) from the Pennsylvania-New York border in Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Forest Preserve. The main FLT is 558 miles long. There are six branch trails and 29 loop trails and spur trails that extend from the main FLT. These branch, loop and spur trails currently total 400 miles. Including the Main Trail and all branch, loop, and side trails, the Finger Lakes Trail System offers 958 miles of hiking.

 

The Trail System has been and continues to be built and maintained by 15 organizational and approximately 60 individual and family trail sponsors.  (See volunteer adopt-a-trail opportunities below.)

 

http://www.fltconference.org/trail/go-hiking/about-trail/

 

***  From Bernie Wagenblast’s Transportation Communications Newsletter:

 

***  More Airports Adopt Free Wi-Fi

The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/10/business/more-airports-adopt-free-wi-fi.html

 

***  First Atlas of Inuit Arctic Trails Launched

Link to article from the University of Cambridge:

http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/first-atlas-of-inuit-arctic-trails-launched

 

*** Trail/Outdoor/Conservation volunteer opportunities:

 

1.)  Carnivore track survey, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin (volunteer opportunities throughout Wisconsin)

 

Become a tracker!

 

Help Wisconsin track and survey (or determine the existence of) wolves, Canada lynx, cougar, wolverine, fisher, bobcat.

 

Because carnivores are often secretive and occupy very large home ranges, it is difficult to monitor them by direct observation. However, we can still estimate the abundance and distribution of carnivores by observing the number and location of their tracks. Volunteers have been conducting snow track surveys for wolves and other carnivores since 1995. To participate, trackers are expected to attend a wolf ecology course, attend a track training course, take a mammal track test and agree to complete three surveys following DNR guidelines

 

Learn tracking skills and assist in wildlife surveys

 

Researchers from the Department of Natural Resources have conducted track surveys of fur-bearing mammals since 1977. In 1979, the DNR began conducting formal wolf track surveys as part of the state wolf monitoring program. A separate survey program for American marten began in 1981. Snow track surveys have also been used to determine distribution and abundance of fisher, bobcat and other forest carnivores in Wisconsin. Since 1995, the Wisconsin DNR has used volunteers to conduct snow track surveys for wolves and other carnivores.

 

The goals of the survey are to:

 

  • determine the number, distribution, breeding status and territories of wolves in Wisconsin;
  • develop a sense of the abundance and distribution of other medium-sized and large carnivores in the state; and
  • determine the existence of rare carnivores such as Canada lynx, cougar and possibly wolverine.

 

Become a tracker!

 

Help monitor Wisconsin’s wolf population by conducting winter track surveys

 

To participate, you will be expected to:

  • attend a wolf ecology course sponsored by DNR, Timber Wolf Alliance or Timber Wolf Information Network;
  • attend a track training course sponsored by the WI DNR;
  • take a mammal track test; and
  • agree to complete three surveys following DNR guidelines [PDF] and submit their findings.

Data received from this program is used to supplement DNR surveys and provide the public with opportunity to be involved in determining the status of our forest carnivores.

Carnivore tracker forms

 

Forms are available as online forms or PDF

 

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/volunteer.html

 

2.)  Campground Host Service, Florida Forest Service, Various locations in Florida

 

Campground Hosts stay on-site at one of the Florida Forest Service recreation areas and assist managing the campground. Hosts answer camper’s questions, give directions, pass out literature, help with light maintenance and make themselves available for late-night emergencies. In return, campground hosts get a free campsite for the time they volunteer and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping folks fully enjoy their forest experience. For more information on how to volunteer as a campground host, please contact Blackwater Forestry Center, Withlacoochee Forestry Center, Lake Talquin State Forest, or Tate’s Hell State Forest.

http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/For-Communities/Programs/Volunteer-Opportunities#host

 

3.)  Trail Section Adopter, Finger Lakes Trail, Finger Lakes Trail Conference Service Center, Mt. Morris, NY

 

As a trail section adopter you assume responsibility for a section of the Finger Lakes Trail, generally 1 or 2 miles in length. Working for your club or trail sponsoring organization, or as an individual trail sponsor under one of the FLTC’s volunteer Regional Trail Coordinators, you agree to visit your section three times per year. You perform routine inspection and maintenance: clear vegetation and fallen branches, pickup litter, refresh blazes and signs as needed, check up on trail infrastructure such as register boxes, benches, bridges, lean-tos, etc.

 

To access the services of a roving certified chainsaw operator or for anything else you can’t handle yourself, you will contact your club or organization’s trails chairperson, or the FLTC’s Regional Trail Coordinator who oversees your area. They will help you organize a work day with a local work crew.

 

You will keep a log of your activities and report total hours of trail work, drive time, and administrative work, and report it to your trails chairperson or sponsor.

 

You will also be invited to attend occasional training meetings in your region.

http://www.fltconference.org/trail/members1/volunteer-trail-workers/trail-section-adopter/

 

4.)  The Cumberland Trail Adopt-a-trail program, The Cumberland Trail Conference, Crossville, Tennessee

 

Adoptees are individuals or organizations who have committed

to assist in the maintenance of a particular portion of the Cumberland Trail.

http://cumberlandtrail.org/website/get-involved/adopt-a-trailsegment/

 

5.)  Invasive plant control, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin (opportunities throughout the state)

 

Invasive plants, animals and pests are taking a toll on Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers and landscapes. The DNR is working with citizens and partners to slow the spread of invasive species. Through educational outreach, strategic planning and active management we are protecting our environment and economy from invasives.

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Invasives/?utm_source=Banner&utm_medium=Homepage&utm_campaign=20140601_ISAM

 

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors/Conservation employment opportunities:
1.)  Manager, Public Relations – Travel, AAA, Heathrow, Florida

http://www.jobtarget.com/c/job.cfm?job=18438222

 

***  From Heather Murphy:

 

Good afternoon, Ned,

 

Here is a submission that might be apropos for YVNS and JOTW.  The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is seeking a full-time Communications Director.  The deadline for applications is June 20, 2014.

 

Hope all is well with you and your travels,

Heather

 

2.)  Communications Director (full-time), Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance,  Jackson Hole, WY

http://jhalliance.org/About/Jobs/201405-Comm_Director-Position.pdf.

 

3.)  Outreach and Events Manager, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Flint, Michigan

http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/jobs/9429-outreach-and-events-manager

 

4.)  Communications Manager, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Saugerties, New York

http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/jobs/9427-communications-manager

 

5.)  Social Media Coordinator, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, Anaheim, California

http://jobs.prsa.org/jobseeker/job/18515602/

 

6.)  Canopy Course Tour Guide, Empower Adventure Operations LLC, Middleburg, VA

 

EMPOWER Leadership Sports and Adventure Center

 

Job Title: Seasonal Adventure/Zip Line Canopy Tour Guide

 

EMPOWER Mission: EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center is committed to delivering extraordinary customer experiences that promote self and team development. By creating a unique and stimulating environment, we provide the opportunity for individuals and groups to embark on a one of a kind adventure that will enhance their mental and physical fortitude. Coupled with the towering experimental learning elements, our curriculum-based programming will help people better manage the way they communicate and interact with others in team situations. EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center will help equip individuals with the life skills necessary to transform the way people interact at work, school, home and in all walks of life.

 

Job Qualifications:

 

– Contribute to a positive, supportive team atmosphere and model a “can do” attitude

– Responsible, reliable, punctual and committed to job

– Family friendly, pleasant and courteous in all interactions with guests

– Able to make risk management decisions

– In alignment with EMPOWER mission

– Communicates well with co-workers and managers

– Safe and responsible use of all EMPOWER gear and equipment; including but not limited to:

o Zip line canopy tour gear (i.e. harnesses, carabiners, trolleys, tethers, helmets)

o Rescue equipment (i.e. static ropes, carabiners, figure 8 friction devices, throw bags)

o Tree climb equipment (i.e. dynamic climbing ropes, carabiners, ATC belay devices, harnesses, helmets)

o Four wheel all-terrain vehicle

o Grounds equipment (i.e. lawnmower, shovels, pole saw, chain saw)

– Experience working in varied weather conditions

– Experience working with diverse clientele

– Flexible Schedule

– Must successfully complete EMPOWER training; to include various physical and written examinations and evaluations

– Must be committed to work entire season (April through November)

– Participate in regular staff development workshops and meetings and maintain proficiency in all technical skills

– Ability to walk, stand, and/or hang in a harness for long periods of time

– Able to lift and carry 50lbs. of weight and hike 3 miles per day

– Able to handle demanding work schedule with long work weeks in a multi-task environment

– Strong self-care skills

– Drug Free

 

 

Job Descriptions/Responsibilities:

 

– The Seasonal Adventure Guide is an “at will” position and works under the General Manager. The responsibilities include but are not limited to:

o Arriving ready to work for scheduled guide responsibilities as assigned on the EMPOWER staff schedule

o Meet and great EMPOWER guests and assist in customer registration and payment

o Maintain a professional sense of humor and a cooperative attitude in dealing with all EMPOWER guests. Treat guests in a manner that makes them feel respected, valued, and cared for

o Inspection of zip line canopy tour equipment prior to each use; including appropriate completion of evaluation form

o Leading pre-trip briefing and equipment outfitting for EMPOWER adventure activities

o Acting as sending and/or receiving guide for zip line canopy tours

o Management of risky behavior and maintaining control of the tour group at all times

o Responsible for personal safety and safety of others

o Use and protection of digital camera in various adventure situations

o Break down and appropriate storage of zip line canopy tour equipment after use

o Set up and break down of zip line canopy tour course

o Assisting in maintenance of grounds/property related to check in area, equipment shed, and trails/forest

o General customer services

 

Interested parties should send resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Dan Jaskot, General Manager EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center (dan@leadershipsports.com or Dan Jaskot, 2011 South Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457). Feel free to contact the EMPOWER office (860-638-4754) with any questions regarding potential employment.

http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Empower-Adventure-Operations-LLC/jobs/Canopy-Course-Tour-Guide-35740d7613ce8e47

 

7.)  PARK RANGER SPECIALIST (Temporary/Seasonal Position), Oracle State Park, Arizona State Parks, State of Arizona, Oracle, AZ

http://bit.ly/Us9jdS

 

***  From Mark Sofman:

 

8.)  Biological Science Technician (Fire Effects Monitor), National Park Service, Sanford, TX

http://1.usa.gov/1myZGBJ

 

9.)  Disc Jockey, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., United States

http://bit.ly/1myZjXY

 

10.)  Manager, Public Relations – Travel, AAA, Heathrow, Florid

http://www.jobtarget.com/c/job.cfm?job=18438222

 

11.)  Senior Program Officer, Private Sector Engagement, World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC

 

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks a Senior Program Officer (SPO), to support the Private Sector Engagement (PSE) unit. The SPO will lead, manage, and coordinate communications with select corporate partners including WWF’s global partnership with The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC). This includes developing a strategic approach, identifying key areas for collaboration, working closely with the company and its representatives to develop mutual objectives and project manage the shared work plan. The SPO serves as a key bridge between Program areas and PSE, while working closely with program leadership at WWF-US and the broader WWF international network to position and grow WWF’s work.

 

Major Duties & Responsibilities

 

  • Leads the TCCC-WWF partnership communications work stream, helping to establish the partnership as a global model for environmental sustainability and cross-sector collaboration. This includes: programmatic execution, such as developing the communications work plan, supervision of material development, and stakeholder outreach; preparing briefing materials; message development; website materials; and public speaking at a variety of internal and external events. Develops and manages crisis communications plans and outreach as needed.

 

  • In cooperation with PSE staff and the Marketing/Communications team at WWF-US and throughout the WWF Network, develops the foundation for communication strategies to guide the roll-out of locally relevant communications tactics. These strategies may include communications goals, audiences, messengers, key messages and challenges/ opportunities associated with reaching goals. Anticipates communication conflicts, as well as risks to our reputation and brand, that may arise through our engagements with external stakeholders. Mitigates these risks by coordinating with key audiences, providing a proven step-wise approach to problem solving.

 

  • Engages with agencies and research organizations, partner organizations and consultants as necessary. Maintains regular contact with representatives from peer organizations, WWF offices and professional networks.
  • Manages the Communications work stream partnership budget by working with Manager, PSE and Program Administration.

Supports the PSE team as time allows and as is appropriate in efforts such as general capacity building and tools and materials development.

 

Minimum Requirements

 

Education/Experience:

 

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, journalism, communications, environmental studies or a related degree is required. A working knowledge of general business and sustainable business practices is preferred. Minimum of five years private sector, agency or non-profit experience is required. Experience with mission-oriented, strategic communications or brand marketing, and success as a creative and effective communicator are essential.

 

Skills and Abilities

 

Proven success in conceptualizing, developing, implementing and managing communication strategies that support an entity’s goals, using creative and strategic thinking.

 

  • Strong project and relationship management skills and demonstrated ability to work as part of a high-level, multi-dimensional, international team.

 

  • Tech savvy, with experience in producing communication materials for a variety of channels, including digital and multimedia.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) that can be used internally and externally to persuade others towards an idea or goal.

 

  • Ability to effectively prioritize and work skillfully under time constraints

 

  • Involvement with budgetary oversight is a plus.

 

  • Must be willing to travel up to 25% both nationally and internationally

 

  • Knowledge of other languages is an advantage

 

To Apply:

 

Please visit our careers page and submit an online application.

 

Submit cover letter and resume to http://worldwildlife.org/about/careers/jobs, job #14049

The most compatible browser that supports the application process is Internet Explorer 7, or version 8 and 9 in “compatibility mode”

Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

 

http://worldwildlife.org/about/careers/jobs

 

*** Send your job opportunities to share with the YVNS network to lundquist989@cs.com.

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC
© 2014 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

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