Naturalist Internship (Summer and Summer/Fall)

Walking Mountains Science Center’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. At Walking Mountains, you will feel a sense of belonging to something bigger. The work you do will make a difference, creating positive impact in our community, the lives of our participants and the world around us. Come connect with nature and be a champion for natural science and sustainability education. You will inspire the hearts and minds of our youth and adult program participants and the community by helping to create meaningful and purposeful experiences and change. At Walking Mountains, we value stewardship, community, innovation, learning and leadership. These values help to shape a strong culture of collaboration, respect, professional development, creativity, celebration and fun!

Job Overview

Internship Durations: May 22-September 3, 2024 and May 22-October 29, 2024

Start date is mandatory for training. Preference in hiring will be given to people who are available for the entire duration of the summer or fall term. 

Position Overview:

Naturalist Interns gain hands-on training and experience in environmental education and nature interpretation, developing skills for teaching, outdoor guiding, program planning, and professional experience. Through unique partnerships, Walking Mountains Science Center works with a broad audience at multiple locations in the Vail, Colorado area. Naturalists will be exposed to a variety of programming types, work with all ages, and learn about nonprofit organizations.

Naturalists will develop skills and knowledge in Rocky Mountain ecology, environmental education, interpretation, public speaking, and 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.

Naturalists are integral to our work and bring our mission to thousands of people each summer and fall.

Naturalist Interns staff 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 Ranger Station in Minturn

Additionally, Naturalists plan and present public programs at 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, and early childhood programs.

Outside of work, naturalists live and play surrounded by breathtaking mountain views near Vail, Colorado in the Rocky Mountains. This area is known for its vibrant summer music scene, stunning natural landscapes, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities.

See the full job description and apply here.

Special Benefits

Compensation and Benefits:

• $350 weekly stipend
• Shared housing with individual bedroom in Avon, CO for the duration of the internship
• Naturalists also receive NAI Certified Interpretive Guide training and receive credit toward the Public Land Corps certification program for federal employment.

Minimum Requirements

• Age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license and able to drive organizational vehicles to offsite locations;
• Completed at least three years of education towards a BA/BS degree in natural science, education, or an environmentally-related field or equivalent experience;
• 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;
• Ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Walking Mountains Science Center hires friendly, energetic and professional people;
• Commitment to work through the stated seasonal end dates;
• Preferred: Completed undergraduate degree in related field or equivalent experience;
• Preferred: Speaks Spanish;
• Preferred: knowledge of the natural history of Colorado or the Rocky Mountains (flora, fauna, geology, etc.)