This multi-faceted graduate fellowship is a full-time, 2 year and 3 month professional development program that focuses on K-12 field science education, leadership, and helping to grow a reputable nonprofit organization.  

Over the course of the first summer, Natural Science Educators are mentored by the outgoing cohort of educators, and together are responsible for preparing and teaching week-long youth natural science camps to students primarily in 1st-6th grade. There are a few middle and high school programs offered as well. Most summer camps are day camps, but some are residential and based out of backcountry huts.

By fall, Natural Science Educators are fully responsible for planning, preparing and teaching K-12 students in a variety of field science topics such as geology, sustainable energy, biodiversity research, weather, ecosystems, snow science and winter ecology. Ranging from one to three days, and sometimes residential, field programs are a vital supplement to traditional classroom learning. The majority of school programs are one day in length. There are opportunities for curriculum development during the fellowship as well.

During their second year, educators continue teaching summer camp, field programs, facilitate an after school program, mentor the incoming cohort of Natural Science Educators, conduct an action research project, and thereby round out their professional experience by providing critical leadership and program coordination.

In addition to teaching responsibilities, Natural Science Educators simultaneously participate in a Master of Arts graduate program through University of Northern Colorado’s School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences and Extended Campus. Natural Science Educators are enrolled in courses taught at Walking Mountains Science Center and online. Upon successful completion of all required coursework and responsibilities of the 2 year and 3 month position, Natural Science Educators will earn a Master of Arts Degree in Science Education from the University of Northern Colorado. This is a newly forged partnership that is providing Natural Science Educators the opportunity to complete their Master’s degree in its entirety throughout the duration of the fellowship. Applicants for this first cohort must be flexible, able to communicate about and manage challenges, and willing to provide feedback to help improve the program as it grows.

For additional information, a full job description, and to apply please visit our website at: www.walkingmountains.org/employment/graduate-fellowship

Qualifications & Expectations

• BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science-related field (coursework in biology, chemistry, and other hard sciences is a plus)
• 2 years of outdoor and/or classroom teaching experience
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications (by start date)
• Working knowledge of conservation issues, ecology and natural history of the Rocky Mountains
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, flexible, and creative individual who can work independently and as part of a team.
• 3.0 GPA  in undergraduate work (required)
• Fluency in Spanish (desired, but not required)

Location: Avon, CO 

Duration: May 31, 2016 to August 17, 2018 (2 year and 3 month commitment)

Educator Benefits:                 

• $225/weekly stipend + housing May 31, 2016 through August 31, 2016
• $22,000 annual stipend (no housing) for September 1, 2016 through August 17, 2018
• Coursework and tuition for 30 graduate credits at University of Northern Colorado
• Master of Arts Degree in Science Education (upon completion with B or higher grades in each course)
• 4 weeks paid vacation per year to correlate with school district calendar
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 1 sick day/month
• Health and dental benefits
• Simple IRA matching program
• Ski pass (Vail and Beaver Creek resorts)
• Avalanche Safety training