• 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
• Summer or Summer/Fall seasonal position
• Housing, stipend, and extensive training provided

Internship Durations: May 21-September 2, 2025 and May 21-October 28, 2025

The 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. 

Naturalist Interns staff nature centers and lead environmental education and interpretive programs in the Vail, Colorado area. This is a full-time, seasonal professional growth position where Naturalists develop skills and knowledge in Rocky Mountain ecology, environmental education, interpretation, public speaking, and conservation efforts throughout their tenure. Naturalist Interns will receive NAI’s Certified Interpretive Guiding course and other professional development opportunities as part of this position.

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 to learn more about what we do.

Compensation and Benefits:

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

See the full job description below.