Natural Science Education Graduate Fellow - Foley

Description

Organizational Overview: Founded in 1998, Walking Mountains' 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 2-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 lifelong learning. The Graduate Fellows teach natural science programming in the field during our summer science camps, school field programs, and early childhood 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 science topics during 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 occasional pre-classroom visits prior to students participating in a field program.
• 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-9.
• Afterschool Programs: Lead one afterschool 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 preparation, coordination, and teacher/parent communication.
• Contribute to creation and maintenance of teaching materials for school and summer programs.
• Assist with 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 managers 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 blog posts and Curious Nature articles.
• Complete required formal observation/coaching sessions throughout 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.)
• Complete a passion or special project each year of the fellowship, designed to further learning in fellow areas of interest.

Operations & Risk Management:

• Evaluate environmental conditions and make safety decisions that incorporate Walking Mountains’ emergency protocol and current risk management 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 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 practices, 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.  

All other duties as assigned. 

Location: Avon, CO

Duration: May 24, 2027 to July 27 or August 3rd. 2029 (final date TBD) 

Start and end dates tentatively flexible based on school district calendar, graduation and programming needs

Educator Benefits:

• $17,500 annual stipend, plus housing and tuition for duration of employment **Tuition includes the cost of all 30 graduate credits required for a Master of Arts Degree in Science Education 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 $21,000. 
• 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 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 may be 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, 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.
• There is a cost to this application, which is covered by the applicant
• 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 September 1st, 2026
• Application deadline November 15th, 2026
• Interview offers early-mid December 2026
• Interviews take place first week of January 2027
• Positions offered end of January / early February 2027
• Position starts May 24, 2027

Application Requirements: 

You will be required to upload in the Walking Mountains’ online application form (below):

1. Current resume
2. Cover letter – please include the following:

• Identify your graduate education goals
• Identify how this program will support your future career goals
• Identify the scientific knowledge and teaching skills you are looking to strengthen
• Identify topics of interest for an action research project
• Applicants are encouraged to include and describe any pertinent personal and professional experience in their cover letter when applying.

3. Walking Mountains’ application form with a list of three professional references.

4. Copy of undergraduate transcripts from all universities attended (these can be unofficial during application period; official transcripts required of accepted applicants

5. One Letter of Recommendation (you will need 2 for UNC)

6. Academic writing sample (3-5 pages in length)