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
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. The structure and format of the programs under this position may evolve over time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:      

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
• Collaborate 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 once 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 a for-credit 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

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 data collection for grant reporting to the National Forest Foundation
• Attend professional development workshops
• Collaborate with other programs and projects to achieve mutual goals
• Other duties, as assigned

Work Environment: This position is 60% field-based projects and program instruction with 40% office work and program preparation. The time allotment varies seasonally with the summer season being almost entirely outdoors. Position schedule varies seasonally with some evening and weekend responsibilities. This position works in an open office environment and attends organization-wide meetings. The Environmental Leadership Coordinator often visits high school classrooms to proactively recruit students to participate in the Environmental Leadership Pathways program and the Natural Resource Internship.

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.