Community Science & Hiking Coordinator

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

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Instruction

• Primary guide and planner of the organization’s backcountry hiking program
  • Plan and prepare daytime hiking and snowshoe trips in accordance with risk management procedures
  • Create engaging interpretive opportunities for both visitors and residents
  • Coordinate logistics and communicate details with program participants
• Plan, prepare, and present a variety of creative high-level educational programs
  • Workshops, presentations, and seminars
  • Custom programs
• Develop and manage a robust menu of community science opportunities for a diverse audience
  • Provide community science trainings for volunteers
  • Guide trips or lead events to gather community science data, e.g. Christmas Bird Count, Front Range Pika Project
  • Ongoing data collection and creation of education resources, e.g. field guides, website content
  • Partner with academic and scientific institutions
• Fill in for other Community Programs staff as needed
• Collaborate with Community Programs Director and other Coordinators to create educational programming for special events and fundraisers such as the monthly Edventure series
• Present or write nature education segments for media outlets as needed
• Contribute to overall curriculum database development and quality control

Program Administration

• Coordinate program logistics and registration systems
  • Schedule, contract, and promote programs
  • Perform quality control for backcountry and community science programs
• Maintain consistent communication with program participants and volunteers
• Assist in planning the budget, and maintain and track a variety of Community Programs budgets
• Develop relationships with concierge, businesses, and other partners to expand the scope of audiences served
• Assist with establishing unique and targeted program opportunities within the Community Programs department.
• Implement and manage program evaluation systems.

Personnel Management

• Collaborate in the hiring process of Backcountry Interpretive Guides on a seasonal basis
• Supervise the Backcountry Interpretive Guide each summer, providing support through training, observations, professional development, staff meetings, and evaluations
• Serve as a mentor and role model to Naturalist Interns in the development and design of educationally relevant and mission-driven interpretive and environmental education lessons

Special Benefits

Compensation and Benefits:

• $39,000-43,000 starting annual salary
• Employer-supplemented health, dental, and vision insurance on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 15 days of PTO (starting), 12 paid holidays, and 12 days sick leave
• Flexible Spending Account and Healthcare Savings Account options
• Life insurance and short-term disability insurance
• Ski pass (Vail and Beaver Creek resorts)
• Professional Development opportunities

Minimum Requirements

Required:

• BA/BS in science, interpretation, education, or an environmental science-related field or equivalent experience
• Excellent public speaking skills and willingness to present to a variety of audiences
• Enthusiasm for the natural world and outdoor recreation
• General knowledge of the natural and cultural resources of the Rocky Mountains highly desired
• At least 2 years of field experience in environmental education, interpretation, or outdoor leadership
• Ability to hike 10-15 miles on steep, uneven terrain carrying a pack up to 50 pounds several days a week
• Walking Mountains Science Center hires positive, energetic, friendly people
• Self-motivated and works well both independently and within a team
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive 15-passenger vans
• Ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• 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 qualifying exemptions from the vaccination mandate will be considered with proper documentation.

Preferred:

• Current Wilderness First Responder, CPR certifications
• Current Certified Interpretive Guide certifications or knowledge of the tools and techniques of interpretation
• Experience leading or participating in community science projects and working with volunteers
• Specialized knowledge or interest in a natural science topic or field
• Ability to work a variable schedule with weekend and/or evening responsibilities
• Reading, writing, and speaking competency in Spanish language