Backcountry Interpretive Guide

Founded in 1998, Walking Mountains Science Center’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education.  As an employee of our organization, you are a member of an inclusive and dynamic team that values community, professionalism, collaboration, diversity, equity, a positive work environment and a passion for the mission of Walking Mountains and the impact it’s making in the community. For more information, please visit: Why Walking Mountains?

Job Overview

Position Duration: May 24 – September 30*, 2023

*flexible end date, but full duration preferred

Position Overview

The Backcountry Interpretive Guide leads full-day and half-day backcountry treks in the mountain trails surrounding the Vail, Colorado area in the Sawatch and Gore Ranges of the Colorado Rockies. With a focus on nature interpretation, these hikes inspire and encourage conservation and stewardship of public lands. The Backcountry Interpretive Guide works primarily with adults.

Responsibilities Include:

Formal and Informal Interpretation and Instruction

• Plan, prepare, and present a variety of creative high-content-level programs
  • Extended hiking treks and educational outings
  • Contract and special request programs
  • Community science (aka citizen science) field trips and trainings
• Provide high-quality customer service and educational experiences in backcountry settings
• Actively research and expand knowledge of general Rocky Mountain ecology and specialized fields such as botany and ornithology
• Other program planning, teaching responsibilities, and special projects, as assigned

Program Administration

• Work in partnership with Community Science & Hiking Coordinator and Community Programs Director to create program marketing plans
• Use program registration software to monitor and communicate with program participants
• Collect photos and other marketing content and assist in the creation of program and destination-specific marketing materials
• Document and record participation numbers and use data on public lands

See the full job description and apply here.

Special Benefits

• $450/weekly stipend + tips
• Shared housing in Avon, CO
• Professional development trainings

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS in science, interpretation, education, or an environmental science-related field (or equivalent experience);
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications or able to obtain prior to start date;
• At least 1 year of field experience in interpretation and/or environmental education including programs for adult audiences;
• At least 1 year of remote backcountry leadership and adventure experience;
• Excellent public speaking skills;
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, and creative individual who can work independently and as part of a team;
• Dedicated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people;
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive 15-passenger vans in diverse road conditions;
• Ability to hike 10-15 miles on steep, uneven terrain carrying a pack up to 50 pounds several days a week;
• Ability to work a full-time flexible schedule with variable hours and many evening and/or weekend responsibilities

Preferred:

• NAI Certified Interpretive Guide certification;
• General knowledge of the natural and cultural resources of the Rocky Mountains;
• Specialized knowledge or interest in a natural science field, such as botany, mycology, birding, astronomy, meteorology, etc.

Apply here.