Overview
Position Overview: This full time, 2 year and 3-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 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 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).
Location: Avon, CO
Position Duration: May 26, 2026 to July 28, 2028 (2 year and 3 month commitment) start and end dates tentatively
flexible based on school district calendar, graduation and programming needs
Educator Benefits:
$17,000 annual stipend, plus housing and tuition* May 26, 2026 – July 28, 2028 *Tuition includes the cost of all 30 graduate credits required for a Master of Arts Degree in Science Education (upon completion with a grade of B or higher in each course) 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 $18,000.
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 and short-term disability insurance
Ski pass
Professional Development Opportunities (Examples Include: Graduate Coursework, CAEE Conference Attendance, Snow Science/Avalanche Training, Nature Center Site Visits)
Qualifications:
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 is a possibility if this is a barrier to participation)
Positive, self-mot
About Walking Mountains Science Center
Organizational Overview: Founded in 1998, Walking Mountains Science Center’s 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.
