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Web Maester

Web Maester

Thursday, 04 April 2013 00:32

Mindful Approach

OLT was founded by Neil and Terry Seitz in 2001, building upon the legacy of the Everson Ranch, Valley View Hot Springs, and the Orient Mine. Its founders, owners of Valley View Hot Springs for thirty-five years, knew that the resources of the northern San Luis Valley and specifically the environs surrounding Valley View were simply too valuable to be owned by any person. They needed to be put into trust for everyone, for all time. In 2009 and 2010, the Seitz' donated Valley View Hot Springs and the Orient Mine to OLT. Thus, they created the foundation for the protection of vast, uninterrupted landscapes against ever-increasing usage and development pressure, while preserving the natural, agricultural and historic values of the lands. With their guidance and member support, OLT increased this open space to thousands of protected acres.

Today, OLT's resources include:

  • Open space shared among wildlife, agricultural livestock, and over 11,000 visitors annually
  • Thousands of acres of protected lands with conservation easements held by The Nature Conservancy and Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife
  • Free flowing natural spring water for soaking, drinking, heating, electricity generation, endangered fish habitat, and natural irrigation for OLT's Everson Ranch
  • The Everson Ranch Education and Agriculture Center, a historic ranch homestead being transformed into a community center that models sustainable agriculture, conservation of natural resources, promotion of responsible alternative energy, wildlife habitat, historic preservation, open space, and is dedicated to education of all.
  • Valley View Hot Springs, a beautiful, natural, historic hot springs village that provides a safe and natural place for people to discover nature and active conservation of natural resources, showcasing a thirty-five year history of low-impact, off-grid hydroelectric generation system (today produces 40 ~ 65kW), geothermal heating and cooling
  • Historic Orient Mine and ghost towns showcased by a Colorado Historic Society self guided tour
  • Over 250,000 Mexican Free-tailed bats, Colorado's largest migratory colony
  • A strong community of dedicated members, with little more in common than the nature of being human
  • Over 1500 annual members, donating an average of nearly $100 each and totaling approximately $150,000 per year
  • A vibrant, creative and dedicated volunteer program
  • Late 18th- and 19th-century historic structures with fascinating stories and heritage
  • Flourishing partnerships with local stakeholders including governmental agencies such as Bureau of Land Management, U.S. and Colorado Forest Services, Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Saguache County Commission, local schools; regional higher education institutions including Colorado School of Mines, Regis University, Colorado College, Adams State University, Western State College, Colorado Mountain College; local ranchers and farmers; local businesses; local Valley View Hot Springs enthusiasts

OLT's community is non-exclusive and open to all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. All that is expected of visitors is their commitment to our values of Recognition, Respect, and Responsibility. Membership is not required to visit. Coupled with an active volunteer program, costs are kept to a sustainable minimum, ensuring diverse access and inspiring tremendous charitable support.

Wednesday, 03 April 2013 23:58

Conservation Efforts

Lands [map] Species [photo slides] History [photo slides] History of Success [slides]

Wednesday, 03 April 2013 23:46

People

Tuesday, 02 April 2013 19:42

Staff Openings

Orient Land Trust is a great place to work! We have a dedicated and friendly staff who work year-round to promote the mission of the land trust, maintain this beautiful property, and assist guests with their visit.

Job Openings

Housekeeping

We currently have an opening for a housekeeper. Please email a letter of interest and the completed application to Housekeeping Manager Robin Shumway.


Position Type: Part time, or temporary depending on OLT need and applicant circumstance. This position is an non-exempt, hourly position.
Pay Range: $14.00 to $15 per hour starting wage based on qualifications and experience.
FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Benefits include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage the first of the month after 60 days of employment depending on the hours worked and for Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits after 120 days of employment depending on the hours worked.
Location(s): Any OLT property as required

Job Relationships: Housekeeping Staff cleans, stocks supplies, does laundry, keeps grounds clean and picks up trash and recycling. Works closely with facilities and front desk, as well as volunteers to keep the infrastructure in good shape and ready to provide amenities to visitors.
Position Overview: Under the supervision of the Facilities Manager, Facilities Staff  is responsible for the maintenance of the Visitor Services facilities, including structures, utilities and grounds. The Facilities Manager also supports the construction of improvements on OLT properties.

Responsibilities include:
●    Safety of visitors and employees is a primary concern at all times
●    Be constantly observant of the condition of all facilities and equipment including buildings, pools, ponds, vehicles, trails, electrical generation, plumbing; report any concerns or questions to the ED
●    Clean all public areas daily, including restrooms, pool deck, saunas, and public areas of Oak House and Sunset Rooms
●    Clean private accommodations following visitor departure
●    Work with volunteers as appropriate

As directed by Maintenance staff:
●    Monitor grounds including campsites (both vehicle and tent), pools, ponds, trails, saunas, fire pits, recycling and trash areas
●    Shampoo carpets in cabins and other public use buildings
●    Clean area rugs and mats with pressure washer on pool cleaning days
●    Defrost freezers

Housekeeping Daily Duties   
●    Clean the Sauna (inside and out)
●    Sweep the Swimming pool deck
●    Pick up trash from Parking areas
●    Clean around Ponds
●    Clean the Restroom
●    Clean the Oak House
●    Clean Sunset kitchen and bathroom
●    Clean Cabins/ Sunset Rooms as used
●    Check mousetraps in all buildings
●    Clean around the Campsites & Pavilion
●    Keep Laundry areas clean/neat
●    Bring Lost & Found to the Welcome Center
●    Clean Welcome Center (weekly or as needed) including general office area, public areas and restroom
●    Make sure cleaning items/sheets, etc are restocked DAILY
●    Clean around trash trailer and recycle aluminum, glass, plastic & cardboard
●    

Detailed Cleaning List for Restrooms:
●    Clean:    Sinks / faucets
●            Tub
●            Shower / Shower curtains
●            Mirrors
●            Countertops
●            Soap dishes
●    Floors / Rubber mats
●            Toilets / urinals
●            Baseboard and corners
●    Drinking fountain
●        Change bath mats and towels
●        Install toilet paper (beginning and end of day)
●        Replace soap as needed
●        Empty Wastebaskets
●        Sweep sidewalk
●    Always check that all lights work

Weekly or As Needed
●    Thorough, in-the-corners cleaning of
●     floors, walls, ceiling
●        Wash cabinets and walls
●        Wash light fixtures
●    Stock pads and tampons in
●    "Personal Supplies" cabinet
●        Water plants
●        Wash windows and shower curtains
●        Vacuum ceiling lights
●        Wash skylights (inside)
●        Give rugs to Rick on pool-cleaning day

Detailed list for Cabins, Sunset Rooms and Oak:
Daily
●    Vacuum/mop floor
●    Change sheets
●    Put out clean towel and dishrag
●    Replace napkins and facial tissue as needed
●    Put away dishes
●    Wipe/dust all fixtures including tables, stoves, shelves, base-board heaters, light fixtures,window sills, bed frames, chair rungs, etc.
●    Clean sofas & under cushions on sofas
●    Empty wastebaskets
●    Empty and wash ashtrays
●        Clean out refrigerator
●        Sweep porch and steps
●        Pick up trash around outside
●        Always check:
●         All lights work *
●             Smoke alarms (check at least every Friday)
●             Thermostats (should be left on low)
●             Fire extinguishers present
●             Sunset: Outside light switch on
●          * Outside lights
●             Inside lights with dimmers
●             Inside lights without dimmers

Weekly or As needed
●    Thorough cleaning of    floors, walls, ceiling
●    Wash curtains and all bedding
●        Wash windows
●        Wash wastebaskets
●        Shampoo carpets several times per year
●    Rotate mattresses
 

Required skills and experience:
●    Organization of tools and equipment
●    General use of a computer
●    Employee, workplace and visitor safety
●    Open to learning new skills and knowledge
●    Self-motivated
●    Excellent communication with others
●    Keenly observant
 

Needed skills (to be acquired on the job if not already current):
●    Complete understanding, support and enthusiasm for Orient Land Trust and its mission
●    Knowing emergency procedures and able to instruct others

How to Apply: Contact Orient Land Trust by phone or email for application
Phone: 719-256-4315.
Email: Robin Shumway
Closing Date: July 31, 2023
For information on Orient Land Trust and our company culture, visit our website at www.olt.org.
Orient Land is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Front Desk

Supervisor: Visitor Services Manager

Job Relationships: Visitor Services staff work closely with the Visitor Services Manager, Office Manager, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and the Executive Director

Position Type: Part-time, seasonal or temporary depending on OLT need and applicant circumstances. This position is a non-exempt, hourly position.

Pay Range: $14.00 to $16.00 per hour starting wage based on qualifications and experience.

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Benefits may include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage after 60 depending on the hours worked and for Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits after 120 days of employment depending on the hours worked.

Job Overview: The Visitor Services staff has the important role of being the primary personal connection and first point of contact for most visitors to OLT/Valley View. This includes phone conversations answering questions, establishing memberships, making reservations, canceling reservations, check-ins, and educating visitors.
This is a part-time position, 3-4 days per week,7-hour shifts. You may be asked to fill in on days when needed.

Required Qualities and Skills:

  • Interest and connection to Valley View and  OLT property
  • Committed to the goals and mission of OLT and capable of communicating these clearly
  • Reliability
  • Flexibility in scheduling (we are a small team and need to cover for each other on occasion)
  • Very good communication skills
  • Self Confidence
  • Enjoy working as part of a team and with a diverse clientele, respectful of all
  • Comfortable with nudity
  • Detail-oriented, and able to stay on task under pressure and with lots of distractions
  • Good keyboard and data entry skills
  • Ability to handle face to face challenges with grace and patience
  • Clear communication with your co-workers, volunteers and guests
  • Able to prioritize and organize during busy periods, self-motivated to find work during slow times
  • Comfortable walking steep, rough terrain at 8,600+ ft. elevation


Description of Duties:

  • Answering telephones is our primary contact with most guests, email is secondary. Be available and willing to answer questions, educate and guide guests through the membership, reservation, and cancelation processes. People don’t like surprises, the more you can prepare and direct them the more likely they are to have a good experience.
  • When a guest arrives for check-in you must make sure all required paperwork is completed, scan ID’s, payment is complete and correct, and give a clear comprehensive orientation.
  • Entering and updating guest information accurately.
  • Communicating any pertinent information by leaving clear notes in a reservation, verbal if it pertains to an immediate need or situation  and written and posted on the whiteboard if for the general public.
  • Printing and restocking brochures and educational materials, registration forms, and maps.
  • Valley View has a capacity limit. On days when we have reached capacity, walk-in visitors are turned away. Finding a gracious way of doing this is key.
  • Listening to any complaints or concerns from guests, resolving the issues, or communicating the problem to a manager, housekeeping or maintenance staff.
  • Reconciling all of your financial transactions at the end of each shift.


How to Apply: Contact Orient Land Trust by phone or email for an application
Phone: 719-256-4315.
Email:

Closing Date: July 31, 2023

For information on Orient Land Trust and our company culture, visit our website at www.olt.org.

Orient Land is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Tuesday, 02 April 2013 19:41

Board Openings

APPROVED   2010-01-16, Amended 2010-07-17, 2011-01-15, 2011-04-16, 2012-07-21, 2014-04-19, 2015-07-18

Board of Directors Position Description

Every July, at least three seats open on the Orient Land Trust (OLT) Board of Directors. We solicit applicants with interest and time to fill these positions. Any individual who is interested in serving on the Board of Directors is strongly encouraged to attend at least one board meeting in advance and applicants are usually asked to serve on a committee prior to joining the full board of directors. The Board is legally and fiscally responsible for the organization. It sets policy, establishes goals and budgets, and hires and monitors the performance of the Executive Director. A primary responsibility of each Board member is to carry out the goals, mission and other organizational requirements of OLT. Board member responsibilities include:

  • Linking OLT and its membership
  • Policy and decision-making at the board and committee levels. Members are required to participate in a minimum of one committee which conducts one hour phone conferences 4-8 times per year as well as email discussions.
  • Assuring Executive Director performance
  • Attending day-long quarterly board meetings on the third Saturday of January, April, July, and October. Meetings are currently held at or near OLT. The July meeting is the annual meeting at which the election of officers takes place. Occasional phone conversations and special session meetings may be held by phone or on the Sunday following a regularly-scheduled board meeting.
  • Representing OLT knowledgeably in the community
  • Assisting OLT in gaining community support by exercising personal and professional contacts whenever possible and appropriate
  • Accepting leadership position(s) on the Board and committees as experience and time allow
  • Contributing financially according to ability to give
  • Participating in fundraising efforts
  • Timely communication of board issues via email

 Board members sign the following acknowledgments when elected:

  • Board and Officers Acknowledgment (to be signed at least annually) – pledge to conduct organizational and land protection activities under the highest professional standards and according to LTA Standards and Practices
  • Acknowledgment Concerning Policies Governing Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Disclosure (to be signed at least annually)
  • Acknowledgment Concerning Statement of Values and Code of Ethics (signed once)

 One-third of the directors are elected for terms of three years at the annual meeting each July. Board members are volunteers. Qualifications of competitive directors may include, but are not limited to:

  • Commitment to conservation, land protection
  • Support and promote the mission of OLT
  • Familiarity with Orient Land Trust property and naturism
  • Experience with nonprofit organizations, particularly land trusts or conservation-related organizations
  • Successful fundraising experience
  • Public  and community relations experience
  • Reliable access to email and the Internet
  • Legal expertise
  • Experience or strong interest in biology, ecology, ranching, geology, hydrology
  • Financial management expertise
  • Real estate expertise

 OLT Directors serve on a volunteer basis and receive the following benefits as part of their service to the organization:

  • No admission/overnight fee at OLT is charged for the Board member and one guest when staying on the Friday and Saturday of board meeting weekends. You are charged the accommodation fee only and are responsible for booking your accommodation the weekend of a board meeting for the subsequent meeting.
  • Lunch is provided during board meetings.
  • Reimbursement for mileage and accommodation fees (equivalent of one Oak House room) is available when traveling to board meetings. (Most board members choose not to exercise this option).
  • Travel expenses and registration to relevant educational seminars pre-approved by the Board Chair and Executive Director and within the organization’s budget are paid by OLT.
  • Accommodations at times other than board meetings may be booked three months out (regardless of donor level).

If you're interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to the Governance Committee, Orient Land Trust, PO Box 65, Villa Grove, CO 81155 or email to the Governance Committee. Please highlight your experience with nonprofits (including volunteer boards), fundraising, finance, committee work, volunteerism, familiarity with OLT, your interests and expertise, and why the board would want you as its newest member.

Tuesday, 02 April 2013 18:58

Capital Campaigns

Tuesday, 02 April 2013 18:57

Planned Giving

Thank you for thinking of OLT in your estate planning. There are multiple ways to donate from your estate and this article is a good overview, https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2023/how-to-donate-to-charities-in-your-will.html  

Your attorney and accountant will be able to give you the best advice and implement your wishes in your estate planning documents.

To properly identify OLT in those documents use our legal name and EIN as follows.

Legal Name: Orient Land Trust
EIN: 84-1582988
Street Address: 64393 County Road GG, Moffat, CO 81143

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Monday, 01 April 2013 15:46

Updating OLT's Website

Helpful tips in finding one's way around and updating the content of OLT's website.

Monday, 01 April 2013 13:10

Weather and Climate

 

 

Weather

http://keno.org/vws/default.htm

 

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.19016&lon=-105.8177375793457&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical

 

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.19016461800692&lon=-105.8177375793457

 

 

Monday, 01 April 2013 12:46

Staff

 

Mark Jacobi, Facilities Manager - Doug Bates Oak House Cleaning - Doug Bates Mike O'Donal, Master Craftsman - Oak House Cleaning - Doug Bates Oak House Cleaning - Doug Bates Pool Closed for Cleaning - Doug Bates

For the education, enjoyment, and well-being of current and future generations, Orient Land Trust: 
promotes a positive clothing-optional experience at all properties including Valley View Hot Springs, Orient Mine and Everson Ranch;
preserves the viewshed, including land acquisition; 
protects natural, wild, agricultural, and historic resources, in the northern San Luis Valley.