Naturalist Intern (Summer and Summer/Fall)

Position Overview:

Naturalist Interns staff nature centers and lead environmental education and interpretive programs in the Vail, Colorado area. This is a full-time, seasonal position during which Naturalists develop skills and knowledge in Rocky Mountain ecology, environmental education, nature interpretation, public speaking, and conservation efforts. Naturalist Interns will take part in NAI’s Certified Interpretive Guiding course and other extensive training throughout their experience.

Naturalist Interns operate and maintain a variety of nature centers:

• Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon
• Vail Nature Center in Vail’s Ford Park
• Nature Discovery Center atop Vail Mountain

Additionally, Naturalists plan and present public programs at these and several other partner locations, through programs such as:

• Nature walks and hikes
• Campfire talks
• Early childhood programs
• US Forest Service outreach

Walking Mountains is a nonprofit whose mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship and sustainability through natural science education. Visit www.walkingmountains.org for information about Walking Mountains.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in on-site, paid training prior to beginning internship responsibilities
• Research, plan and facilitate lesson plans for all assigned programs
• Provide visitors and programs participants with high-quality and positive educational experiences
• Operate a variety of nature centers, including visitor services, exhibit maintenance, trail maintenance, program registration, and gift shop sales
• Work with other staff to complete special projects that further the organization’s mission

Qualifications:

• Age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license and able to drive organizational vehicles to offsite locations;
• Completed at least three years of education towards a BA/BS degree in natural science, education, or an environmentally-related field, or equivalent experience;
• Enthusiasm for educating others about the natural environment and sustainability while expanding personal knowledge of Rocky Mountain ecology;
• Experience with formal or informal education of children and/or adults;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Current First Aid and CPR certifications;
• Able to work flexible hours (including evenings and weekends);
• Able to hike up to 3 miles, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and lift up to 50 pounds;
• Positive, self-motivated, organized, and creative individual who can work independently; 
• Ability to effectively work on diverse teams or with a diverse range of people;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion;
• Walking Mountains hires friendly, energetic and professional people;
• Commitment to work through the stated seasonal end dates;
• Preferred: Completed undergraduate degree in related field or equivalent experience;
• Preferred: Speaks Spanish; 
• Preferred: has knowledge in the natural history of Colorado or the Rocky Mountains (flora, fauna, geology, etc.)

Work Environment:

Naturalist Interns work primarily indoors at various nature centers with a significant amount of outdoor responsibilities. Outdoor responsibilities average 1-3 hours per day and include leading and planning programs, roving interpretation, trail maintenance, and invasive species removal. Naturalist Interns are given time to plan programs in our open office environment but programs are held both on- and offsite throughout Eagle County. Naturalists work within an average team size of 12. Each Naturalist Intern is given a different program schedule and works varied hours, and are given a 5-day work week of up to 40 hours per week. 

Compensation and Benefits:

• $450 weekly stipend 
• Shared housing with individual bedroom in Avon, Colorado
• Interpretive guide training and credit toward the Public Land Corps certification program for federal employment
• Opportunity to apply for Winter Naturalist internship

Internship Durations: May 20-September 1, 2026 and May 20-October 27, 2026

Start date is mandatory for training. Preference in hiring will be given to people who are available for the entire duration of the summer or fall term.  

Application Deadlines:

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with review deadlines of February 1 & March 1, 2026 until positions are filled.