The High School Environmental Leadership Coordinator will coordinate and teach an eight-week field-based high school Natural Resource Internship during the summer and spring semester Environmental Leadership course with a local public high school. Primary responsibilities include: 1) partnering with the U.S. Forest Service on field conservation projects that engage high school students in hands-on experience and field data collection integrated with teaching a Colorado Mountain College course as part of the summer internship; 2) partnering with local outdoor organizations to create hands-on experiences and career-focused opportunities for high school students in environmental leadership; 3) working in the field on conservation projects with Forest Service staff August-October; 4) teaching K-12 field science programs part-time during winter and spring seasons.

Organizational Overview

Founded in 1998 with their base in Avon, Colorado, Walking Mountains Science Center’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. As part of a dynamic organization, you will join a team of like-minded, spirited colleagues who are passionate about the mission of Walking Mountains and the impact it’s making in the community. For more information, please visit our website at www.walkingmountains.org.

Responsibilities Include:
Program Coordination

• Serve as the primary contact with the U.S. Forest Service to implement the summer Natural Resource Internship for high school students
• Coordinate with the Forest Service project manager to ensure the goals of the summer internship align with the goals of the Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation
• Partner with Forest Service to ensure accurate implementation of field data collection protocols
• Recruit diverse teams of high school students for the Environmental Leadership Pathways Program and the Natural Resource Internships that are representative of school and community demographics
• Serve as the primary contact with community partners to provide support and resources for the Environmental Leadership Pathways Program and coordinate opportunities for students to learn about environmental leadership
• Develop and implement a spring semester Environmental Leadership course to be taught two-days per week at a local high school
• Organize and maintain curriculum and lesson plan files and materials for high school programs, research, and community projects
• Host student presentations for program partners and family members
• Annually evaluate success and impacts of internships and related projects through the development of a system to track longitudinal data
• Recruit, hire, and supervise a seasonal Environmental Stewardship Associate

Field and Classroom Instruction

• Teach the summer Natural Resource Internship for high school students, including backcountry field days and overnights
• Integrate the Colorado Mountain College course within the summer internship
• Prepare students to provide an end of summer presentation to community partners and family members
• Teach classroom and field sessions during spring semester Environmental Leadership course
• Support students in implementing community service projects
• Teach K-12 field science programs on a part-time basis during school year

Program Development

• Develop structure and framework for Environmental Leadership Pathways Program
• Establish relationships with outdoor partners in the community to identify opportunities for youth
• Continue to develop and expand upon the summer Natural Resource Internship structure as U.S. Forest Service conservation and land stewardship priorities shift with time
• Create and implement projects and curriculum that meet Walking Mountains’ program goals and objectives

Additional Responsibilities

• Work in the field on conservation projects with Forest Service staff during August-October
• Assist with grant reporting to the National Forest Foundation and Great Outdoors Colorado
• Maintain required certifications and incorporate Walking Mountains’ risk management procedures
• Attend professional development workshops
• Collaborate with other programs and projects to achieve mutual goals
• Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in science, education, or an environmental science related field, graduate degree preferred
• 3-5 years of outdoor teaching experience, including high school students and developing field science curricula
• Demonstrated experience and enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring high school students
• Working knowledge of Rocky Mountain ecology, land management, and stewardship issues
• Excellent public speaking skills and willingness to teach a variety of audiences
• Outdoor program administration and risk management experience
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications
• Self-motivated, team oriented, creative, and organized
• Current driver’s license and safe driving record for the past 5 years
• Ability to carry a 40 lb. pack, hike up to 10 miles, and perform physical labor in the backcountry setting
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills

Compensation and Benefits: Salary of $32,000; health, dental, and vision insurance; 15 days paid vacation; 12 federal holidays; matching 401K program; discounted ski pass; and professional development opportunities.

Contact: Lara Carlson, Community Programs Director, larac@walkingmountains.org; (970) 827 9725 x129.

Application deadline in March 12, 2018. Ideal start date is April 30, 2018.