ANCA Job Board

Position Overview: This full time, 2 year and 3-month position at Walking Mountains Science Center 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 Science Center 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 Programs Director (YPD). The Graduate Programs Director (GPD) oversees all aspects of the Graduate Fellowship component of the position.



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 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 interest
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 WMSC.
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 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

Duration: May 27, 2025 to July 30, 2027 (2 year and 3 month commitment) start and end dates tentatively flexible based on school district calendar, graduation and programming needs