About Sandia Mountain Natural History Center

The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center (SMNHC) is an environmental education center outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, owned by Albuquerque Public Schools and jointly operated with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, a state-owned museum.

The SMNHC is situated on 128 acres of mixed conifer forest in the mountains east of Albuquerque, with about 8 miles of trails. Area students have been engaged in outdoor science programming here since 1967. The primary program is our Ecology Field Program for 5th graders throughout the Albuquerque area.

Staff also teach outdoor programs in the region and statewide, classroom programs, public events, teacher workshops, and design curriculum, lessons and activities.

Why Work here

We are a great place to work if you love being outside and hiking in the mountains, and teaching and learning about the local ecosystem with 5th grade students, as well as kids and people of all ages. We are in a beautiful spot in the east mountains of the Sandias with pinyon-juniper, Ponderosa, and mixed conifer forests, canyons, meadows, and great scenery. We are a casual work environment where everyone is able to contribute, get creative, and continually help shape our educational programs and other projects.  No day is the same, and you have the freedom to teach everyday somewhat differently, design new activities, and find other projects and partnerships to be part of when not teaching.

We are close to Albuquerque, so you can maintain a good mix of rural and urban between your working and personal life. You'll find lots to do in the city, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails close by.