Nathan G. Bricker, M.S.
Faculty Position
Associate Coordinator, Natural Resources Learning Program
Contact Information
Office: Annex 1060
Phone: 585-5560
E-mail: nate.bricker@hsc.utah.edu
About Nate Bricker
Nate is currently involved in the Parks, Recreation ,and Tourism department as the co-coordinator of the Natural Resources Learning Program as well as teaching and assisting with other classes as needed.
Prior to his arrival here at the “U” he was the General Manager for O.A.R.S. Inc. Nate was responsible for the overall operations of one of the largest outfitters in the world. His responsibilities included, but were not limited to, human resource management, regional operations, teaching, reservations, marketing, and customer service.
During his time at O.A.R.S. Nate was able to develop the W.I.L.D.U. program, for universities, which is an educationally focused 18 credit hour semester in the field. The program provides students interested in adventure travel, resource management, leadership, nature-based tourism, and interpretation, the opportunity to learn directly from experts in the field, gain valuable work experience, and earn certifications that provide them with the tools necessary to pursue employment in the competitive outdoor industry.
Nate completed his Masters Degree at West Virginia University in 2003 where his educational efforts focused on the continued development of the Upper Navua Conservation Area (UNCA) in Fiji, and the creation of West Virginia’s T.R.A.I.L.S. program, the prototype for the current W.I.L.D.U. semester in the field initiative.
The UNCA was established as the first of its kind, sustainable tourism funded conservation area in Fiji. In addition to numerous tourism awards, the UNCA also became Fiji’s first nationally and internationally recognized protected wetlands Ramsar site. In conjunction with the establishment of the UNCA, Nate also developed Rivers Fiji, a commercial whitewater rafting and sea kayaking company that has become the primary economic contributor to the UNCA through its commercial river trips, which provide funding and employment opportunities to the indigenous community, as well as a strong foundation for protecting the area.Nate’s commercial guiding experiences with OARS, World Heritage, Australian Hymalayan Expeditions, and Sobek have provided him with numerous first hand experiences in the adventure and sustainable travel arenas as well as a solid background in the skills required to lead groups safely.
Nate has led groups in over 18 different countries and holds instructor certifications with the Wilderness Education Association (WEA), Leave No Trace (LNT), Special Rescue Services (Swiftwater Rescue), Wilderness Medical Assosiates (WFR) and the American Canoe Association (ACA), that provide him with a solid instructional background in wilderness-related travel.
During this time frame Nate was able to develop and lead adventure travel programs to Tanzania, Kenya, Ecuador, Belize, Guatamela, Honduras, Portugal, Yougoslavia, Thailand, Bali, Sumatra, Borneo, Fiji, new Zealand, Australia, Nepal, Galapagos, India, and Tibet.