Naturalist Intern

Job Overview

Internship Durations: May 25-September 3, 2022 and May 25-October 31, 2022 

Application Deadlines: February 6, 2022 and March 6, 2022. Applications will be reviewed after each deadline and interviews will be held on a rolling basis until all positions are filled so apply early.

Position Overview:
Naturalist Interns staff nature centers and lead environmental education and interpretive programs in the Vail, Colorado area. This is a full-time, seasonal professional growth position where Naturalists develop skills and knowledge in Rocky Mountain ecology, environmental education, interpretation, public speaking, and community conservation efforts throughout their tenure. Naturalist Interns will receive NAI’s Certified Interpretive Guide training and other professional development opportunities as part of this position.

Naturalist Interns help to operate and maintain a variety of nature centers, including:

• Mountain Discovery Center at Walking Mountains in Avon
• Vail Nature Center in Vail’s Ford Park
• Nature Discovery Center atop Vail Mountain
• US Forest Service Visitor Information Services in Minturn

Additionally, Naturalists plan and present public programs based out of these and several other partner locations. Naturalists gain experience with a large variety of environmental education programming throughout the Eagle Valley, such as nature walks, campfire talks, early childhood programs, and summer camp activities. 

Visit www.walkingmountains.org for information about Walking Mountains Science Center.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in on-site, paid training prior to beginning internship responsibilities
• Reliably follow given work schedule
• Research, plan and facilitate lesson plans for all assigned programs
• Provide visitors and programs participants with positive, educational experiences
• Operate a variety of nature centers, including building maintenance, trail maintenance, program registration, gift shop sales, and visitor services
• Work with other Naturalist Interns and Walking Mountains Science Center staff to complete assigned projects that further the organization’s mission

Special Benefits

• Shared housing in Avon, CO for the duration of the internship
• Naturalists also receive NAI Certified Interpretive Guide training and receive hours toward the Public Land Corps certification program for federal employment.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications:

• At least two years of education towards a BA/BS degree in natural science, education, or an environmentally-related field;
• Age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license and able to drive organizational vehicles to offsite locations;
• Enthusiasm for educating others about the natural environment and sustainability while expanding personal knowledge of Rocky Mountain ecology;
• Experience with formal or informal education of children and/or adults;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications;
• Able to work flexible hours (including evenings and weekends);
• Able to hike up to 3 miles, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and lift up to 50 pounds;
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, and creative individual who can work independently and as part of a team of up to 15 people;
• Walking Mountains Science Center hires friendly, energetic and professional people;
• Preferred: Completed undergraduate degree in related field or equivalent experience
• Preferred: Speaks Spanish; 
• Preferred: has knowledge in the natural history of Colorado or the Rocky Mountains (flora, fauna, geology, etc.)

Successful candidates must provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19 due to the nature of the work of the Walking Mountains Science Center. Candidates needing exemptions from the vaccination mandate may be considered depending on the essential functions of the job.