Naturalist (Summer and Summer/Fall)

Live, work, and explore in the heart of the Rocky Mountains! Staff nature centers and teach interpretive environmental education programs for visitors of all ages during this Summer or Summer/Fall seasonal position. Housing, stipend, and extensive training are all provided. 

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

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.

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.)

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