Youth Programs Educator

This full-time, temporary position at Walking Mountains requires an experienced educator prepared to teach a variety of programs within the Youth Programs Department. The Youth Programs Educator prepares and teaches natural science programming in the field (and occasionally in the classroom) during our summer science camps, school field science programs, and after-school or early childhood programs. This is an 8-month position with potential for an additional year-long extension. The Youth Programs Educator reports directly to the Youth Programs Director. 

Essential Duties and 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.
• Conduct occasional pre-classroom visits prior to students participating in a field program.
• Teach occasional overnight school programs at our Sweetwater Campus or backcountry huts, including some meal preparation, evening programming, and on-call support overnight.
• Summer Programs: Co-teach weeklong day camps, 2-day camps, and occasional 2-night overnight camps focused on natural science topics, exploration, and fun for up to 13 campers in grades K-9.
• Teach occasional 3-day, 2-night overnight camps in a backcountry hut or yurts, which include meal preparation, evening activities, and overnight supervision. 
• Afterschool/Early Childhood Programs: Lead one afterschool or Early Childhood Education program throughout the school year as program schedules require.

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. There are opportunities to be involved in creating marketing and social media as well.

Learning Community:

• Work as a productive team member with other educators/fellows 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 larger youth programs department.
• Be a collaborative member of a supportive teaching and 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.

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, Next Generation Science Standards, and various pedagogies.
• Participate in development and revision of existing summer camp or school field curricula during curriculum work days and special project assignments. 

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, EdVentures, etc.).
• Complete a passion or special project designed to further learning and support ongoing projects.

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 Walking Mountains 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 as required by program schedule.
• Participate in rotating campus security duties per housing guidelines.
• Maintain required medical certifications.

Professional Development:

• 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 Walking Mountains.
• Engage in ongoing reflective teaching practices, including regular discussion, exploration of interesting topics, and sharing of new ideas and insights. 
• Attend scheduled professional development sessions organized by the Youth Programs Team.

All other duties as assigned. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, activities, and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications & Expectations

• A minimum of 1 year of outdoor and/or classroom teaching experience or equivalent
• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must have a valid US driver’s license
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications (can be secured prior to start date)
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, flexible, and creative individual who is willing to learn and can work independently or as part of a team
• BA/BS in science, education, or an environmental science-related field or equivalent work and life experience
• Spanish Language Skills (desired, but not required)
• Working knowledge of conservation issues, ecology, and natural history
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion

Location: Avon, CO  

Work Environment: This position includes both office and field work, with the primary duties requiring the Educator to be outdoors teaching a group of 10-13 students regardless of the weather.

Duration: December 1, 2026-August 13, 2027, with potential to extend the position for an additional year through ~August 11, 2028

Instructor/Educator Benefits:

• $28,000 annual salary prorated for the term of employment, plus housing (living accommodations come with one parking space, communal gear storage, your own bedroom and bathroom, plus a shared kitchen and living room area)
• Four weeks paid vacation correlated with the Eagle County School District calendar (includes paid holidays that occur during these weeks, such as Christmas, Spring Break, etc.): December 21-January 1, April 19-23 and May 31-June 4
• Paid organizational holidays (some of these occur within the above 4 weeks)
• 2 Floating Holidays
• 9 sick days
• 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
• Discounted Vail Resorts ski pass
• Professional Development Opportunities (Examples include, but are not limited to: Snow Science/Avalanche Training, Nature Center Site Visits)

Application Deadline: October 27th 2026

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.