Graduate Fellow in Natural Science Education

Description

Organizational Overview: 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.

Position Overview: This full time, 2 year and 3-month position at Walking Mountains is responsible for serving the organization with a personal commitment to awakening a sense of wonder and inspiring environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. The Graduate Fellow position requires dedication to experiential learning, environmental education, natural science education, and life-long learning. The Graduate Fellows teach natural science programming both in the classroom and in the field during our summer science camps, school field programs, and afterschool programs. In addition to teaching responsibilities, Graduate Fellows simultaneously participate in a fully funded Master’s program and are enrolled in courses taught at Walking Mountains and online through the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). Upon successful completion of all required coursework and job responsibilities of the position, Fellows will earn a Master of Arts Degree in Science Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Foley Graduate Fellows report directly to the Youth & Graduate Programs Director (Y&GPD). 

Responsibilities

Teaching:

• School Programs: Teach standards-based natural science topics during mostly one-day field programs to a group of 10-13 students in grades K-8, in all weather conditions, utilizing inquiry-based, hands-on teaching methods.
• Teach occasional residential programs, including some meal preparation, evening programming, and overnight supervision. 
• Conduct virtual pre-classroom visits prior to students participating in a field science program for all age groups.
• Summer Programs: Co-Teach weeklong day camps and occasional 2-night residential camps focused on science topics, exploration, and fun for up to 13 campers in grades K-8.
• Afterschool Programs: Lead one afterschool Girls in Science or High School Green Team program each week throughout the second school year of the fellowship.

Program Preparation and Logistics:

• Engage in reflective teaching practices, including regular preparation and review of curriculum, development of science content knowledge, and ongoing adaptation of teaching techniques following field experiences and feedback.
• Rotate ‘Lead Educator’ responsibilities and assist with program logistics, coordination, and teacher/parent communication.
• Contribute to creation and maintenance of teaching materials for school and summer programs.
• Assist database management, including student participation data, assessment data, and evaluations.
• Take program photos and collect student work to be used for website updates and development efforts.
• Attend or conduct occasional evening and weekend programs and events.

Learning Community:

• Work as a productive team member with other educator/fellows, instructors, and coordinators in the office to organize, develop, and improve curriculum and materials utilizing an ongoing program evaluation, curriculum review, and revision process. 
• Contribute to a positive team dynamic within the graduate cohort and larger youth programs department.
• Be a productive member of a supportive learning community by sharing your knowledge and expertise and being willing to learn from others.
• Be a positive, responsible, and respectful member of the on-campus housing community and follow all housing policies. 
• Contribute to the local community through researching, writing, and submitting one Curious Nature article.
• Complete five required formal observation/coaching sessions in first year of fellowship.

Curriculum Development:

• Assist in ongoing program evaluation, curriculum review, and revision based on Walking Mountains’ program goals and objectives, Eagle County Schools’ needs, Colorado Academic Standards, and Next Generation Science Standards.
• Develop or revise existing summer camp or school field curricula as part of graduate coursework. 

Special Events & Assignments:

• Participate in organization-wide fundraising and special events outside of normal work hours (i.e. A Taste of Nature, Fright at the Museum, etc.)
• Participate in community events outside of normal work hours (i.e. Wild West Days, etc.)
• Write at least one blog post for the Youth Programs blog annually
• Complete a passion or special project each year of the fellowship, designed to further learning with fellow areas of interes

Operations & Risk Management:

• Evaluate environmental conditions and make safety decisions that incorporate Walking Mountains’ emergency protocol and current wilderness emergency medical procedures.
• Maintain a clean workspace and fulfill facility cleaning responsibilities.
• Assist with upkeep and maintenance of WMSC vehicles and program resources, including first aid supplies, teaching supplies and equipment, field gear, specimens, and library books.
• Safely transport students in 15-passenger vehicles during summer months.
• Responsible for financially covering and maintaining required medical certifications.
• Participate in rotating campus security duties per housing guidelines.

Professional Development and Graduate Fellowship:

• Participate in a combination of face-to-face and online courses in science and environmental education, leading to 30 graduate credits and a Master of Arts Degree in Science Education.* 
• Participate in all classes and complete your coursework outside of your 40-hour work week teaching school, afterschool, and summer camp programs. 
• Participate in five to seven weeks of staff training and professional development opportunities. 
• Attend the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education annual conference, paid for and coordinated by WM.
• Engage in ongoing reflective teaching practice,s including regular discussion, exploration of interesting topics, and sharing of new ideas and insights. 
• Conduct an action research project as part of the degree program that is in line with the goals and mission of Walking Mountains Science Center. 

*Fellows must earn grades of B or better in all coursework in order to earn their degree. 

All other duties as assigned. 

Location: Avon, CO

Position Duration: May 26, 2026 to July 28, 2028 (2 year and 3 month commitment) start and end dates tentatively

flexible based on school district calendar, graduation and programming needs

Educator Benefits:

• $17,000 annual stipend, plus housing and tuition* May 26, 2026 – July 28, 2028 *Tuition includes the cost of all 30 graduate credits required for a Master of Arts Degree in Science Education (upon completion with a grade of B or higher in each course) and access to all course books and resources. Some courses are taken online through UNC’s Extended Campus and others are taken in person at Walking Mountains. Tuition valued at approximately $18,000. 
• Five weeks paid vacation per year correlated with school district calendar (Includes paid holidays that occur during these weeks such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break etc.) 
• Ten paid organizational holidays per year (some of these occur within the above 5 weeks)
• Two Floating Holidays
• Twelve sick days per year
• Eligibility for company supplemented health insurance, including dental, as well as group vision insurance on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment
• Flexible Spending and Healthcare Savings Account options 
• Company provided life and short-term disability insurance
• Ski pass 
• Professional Development Opportunities (Examples Include: Graduate Coursework, CAEE Conference Attendance, Snow Science/Avalanche Training, Nature Center Site Visits)

Requirements

Qualifications & Expectations

• BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science-related field (coursework in biology, chemistry, and other hard sciences is a plus, but those with other degrees should not hesitate to apply)
• A minimum of 1 year of outdoor and/or classroom teaching experience or equivalent
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications (Can be secured upon acceptance and prior to start date; need-based financial support is a possibility if this is a barrier to participation)
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, flexible, and creative individual who can work independently and as part of a team. 
• Spanish Language Skills (desired, but not required)
• 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work (required by UNC, special circumstances may be considered)
• Working knowledge of conservation issues, ecology, and natural history

Important Application Notes:

Those who have had historical and systemic barriers to the field of outdoor education, and consequently the workforce, are encouraged to apply. 

Once accepted by Walking Mountains Science Center, and in order to finalize the application process, chosen applicants will need to submit a formal application to UNC as well. 

• You will need to send official transcripts to UNC. 
• UNC will require 2 letters of recommendation.
• If you want to apply for financial aid to help offset living costs, be sure to apply for your FAFSA by the deadline.   

Application Deadline and Hiring Timeline:

• Application opens early September 2025
• Application deadline November 14, 2025
• Interviews offered in early December 2025
• Positions offered end of January / early February 2026
• Position starts May 26, 2026