AmeriCorps Environmental Educator

Program Overview: Led by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), the Environmental Education Corps (eeCorps) AmeriCorps Program places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Colorado to focus on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals outlined in the Colorado Environmental Education Plan. eeCorps works directly with teachers, schools, and environmental education providers to support them in expanding reach and increasing impact of EE programming, while providing access to equitable learning experiences for all PreK-12 students. AmeriCorps members serving with the eeCorps provide direct service to improve outcomes in Environmental Stewardship and Education. AmeriCorps provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country.

Service Site Overview: This position will be located at Denver Audubon in Littleton, CO. Denver Audubon inspires actions that protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, conservation, and research. We connect people to nature with programs in schools, local parks, libraries, and at our Nature Center.

Service Position Summary: The Environmental Educator will teach science, environmental education, and conservation to students in grades pre-K-12 both in classrooms and our Nature Center. They will collaborate with the education team to develop and enhance curriculum, develop interpretive displays, and implement program evaluation. They will facilitate programs including nature-based preschool, bird banding, owl programs, nature hikes, and pond explorations.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

eeCorps members engage with their Host Site organizations to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that will create progress towards eeCorps’ and Denver Audubon’s goals. These duties include:

• Instruct hands-on science, environmental education, and conservation classes for K-12 school groups, youth programs, and community programs 2-3 days per week throughout the school year
• Facilitate learning, exploration, and play for outdoor, nature-based preschool 2-3 days per week throughout the school year
• Collaborate with the education team to develop, enhance, and implement curricula, interpretive displays, and educational materials
• Teach week-long summer camps for elementary students focused on wildlife, watersheds, birds, and nature
• Develop and teach winter and spring break camp programs for elementary students
• Encourage stewardship through enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for birds, other wildlife, and habitats
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship
• Inspire connections to nature and the outdoors in young people
• Track progress and collect evaluation data for the program’s performance measures
• Attend all required eeCorps/AmeriCorps orientations, meetings, and trainings
• Complete and submit all necessary eeCorps paperwork and reports by predetermined deadlines
• Some local travel required and occasional statewide travel possible

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

Support large public events hosted by Denver Audubon

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands: 

• Extensive public contact including individuals, small groups, and large groups. 
• Multiple service settings may exist (inside offices or buildings, outdoors on trails, adjacent to ponds/rivers, in classrooms)
• Extensive outdoor service (up to 8 hours at a time) in possibly adverse weather conditions including rain, snow, heat, and high winds.
• At times strenuous outdoor service includes hiking, walking, carrying, and kneeling
• Maneuver supplies weighing up to 30 pounds in and out of vehicles, and over uneven terrain at program sites
• Must be able to navigate trails with uneven terrain and present programs (which may involve periods of standing, crouching, bending, wading in water up to 12” deep, etc.) for up to 4 hours at a time; accommodation needs may be discussed on an individual basis
• Occasional weekend and evening work will be required, may include unlit night-time activities 

Qualifications:

• Passionate commitment to youth development and environmental / conservation / science education
• Experience or strong interest in teaching in informal settings such as nature centers and camps
• Preferred: Three (3) months of verified experience in the care and supervision of school-age children (i.e. summer camp, before and after school)
• Experience or interest in working with ages 3-5 in informal, outdoor settings
• Commitment to continuous growth
• Team player: fun, outgoing, passionate, organized, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated
• Passionate about Denver Audubon's mission
• Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate
• High school diploma or GED required
• At least 18 years old at start of service
• Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance required
• Must pass National Service Criminal History Checks (NSOPW, State, and FBI)
• U.S. Citizen, National, or Lawful Permanent Resident status required 

Term of Service: This is a full-time national and community service position requiring a minimum of 1,700 hours during the year (approximately 35-40 hours/week). Typical schedule is Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening, early morning, and weekend commitments. The position begins 9/1/26 and ends 8/15/27. 

Training and Support Provided: eeCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved training and professional development. Members will be supervised and supported by Kristen Peterka (Kristen@denveraudubon.org), Denver Audubon Director of Education, as well as by Erin Dreps (americorps@caee.org), eeCorps Program Coordinator. The 2026-27 cohort of eeCorps members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.

Location and Service Conditions: This position will be based at the Denver Audubon Kingery Nature Center at 11280 Waterton Rd, Littleton, CO 80125 and at the Denver Audubon offices at 11338 Waterton Rd, Littleton, CO 80125 (across the street from the Nature Center). Service will be performed at the Nature Center and at other partner schools, parks, community centers, and libraries in Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe, and Denver counties.

Benefits:

• Biweekly (two times per month) living allowance of $956.52. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account.
• $325/month housing stipend
• Health insurance
• Child care assistance, if eligible
• An education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of term of service. 
• It is possible to defer student loans while serving as an AmeriCorps member.
• Loan forbearance for eligible student loans.
• Mileage reimbursement for eeCorps-required travel.
• Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need.
• Ability to participate in regional EE leadership councils; option to obtain CAEE’s nationally-recognized Professional Environmental Educator Certification.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity: This program is available to all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), religion, age, national origin, genetic information, disability, military status, familial status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed for applications, interviews, and service. 

How to Apply: To apply, please complete the application form at https://tinyurl.com/eeCorpsApply26-27, and be prepared to 1) upload a resume, 2) upload a list of three references, and 3) answer short-answer questions related to the position. Applicants may also choose to submit an optional cover letter. 

Note: Position will be filled pending grant award.

Nature Detectives Guide

Job Title: Nature Detectives Guide (Independent Contractor) 

Location: On-site at Kingery Nature Center, 11280 Waterton Rd, Littleton, CO 80125

Reports To: Preschool Director

About Denver Audubon

Denver Audubon is a conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire actions that protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through education, conservation, and research. We connect people to nature in the metro Denver community and conduct formal and informal programs in schools, local parks, libraries, and in partnership with other organizations.

Position Summary

The Nature Detectives Guide plans and leads engaging, developmentally appropriate outdoor nature-based classes for young children (ages 1–4) and their caregivers. Each session begins with a short circle time—songs, stories, and movement—and continues with guided exploration of the natural areas surrounding the Kingery Nature Center.

This role balances active supervision with observation and facilitation, models respectful engagement with nature, and supports caregivers as partners in their child’s learning. The Guide works with a consistent volunteer support person and collaborates with Denver Audubon staff to ensure safe, joyful, and meaningful experiences for participating families.

Essential Functions

The following illustrate the types of work performed; similar duties may be assigned.

Provide a safe, nurturing environment:
Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe learning space for young children and caregivers. Conduct ongoing assessments of weather, terrain, and group dynamics, and clearly communicate expectations for boundaries and movement.

Engage children and caregivers in nature:
Lead playful, age-appropriate activities that encourage curiosity, movement, sensory exploration, and connection with the natural world. Model calm, responsive interactions and positive guidance strategies.

Facilitate learning through nature:
Plan and implement simple, engaging curriculum elements—including songs, stories, materials, and invitations—that support early development and reflect seasonal and environmental themes.

Program preparation and coordination:
Plan and prepare basic materials and activities for each class session. Coordinate with a supporting volunteer to ensure smooth transitions and adequate supervision.

Safety and protocols:
Follow all Denver Audubon safety, health, and operational policies, including emergency procedures and weather protocols. Maintain clear supervision, headcounts, and group awareness at all times.

Communication and collaboration:
Communicate professionally with families during class sessions and collaborate with Denver Audubon staff regarding scheduling, logistics, and program needs.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in early childhood, environmental education, or informal education settings
• Comfort leading groups outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults
• Ability to manage group safety and maintain clear boundaries
• Willingness to complete orientation, training, and background check
• Ability to work as an independent contractor

Schedule & Compensation

• $75 per class, or $375 for each 5-week session 
• 2 mornings/week, 8:30-10:30 a.m. (class held from 9:00-10:15 a.m.)
• Consistent days scheduled based on Guide availability and program needs
• September 2026 - May 2027 

What Makes This Opportunity Special

• Lead a beloved early childhood nature program with strong caregiver engagement
• Work in a beautiful outdoor setting with small group sizes
• Enjoy a consistent, predictable schedule during the school year, with the flexibility to work two mornings per week 
• Be part of Denver Audubon’s growing early childhood and family education programs

Application Instructions

Please email a resume and brief cover letter outlining your experience with young children and outdoor learning to caroline@denveraudubon.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled.

Denver Audubon values diversity of thought, experience, and background. Even if you don’t meet every preferred qualification, we encourage you to apply if you are passionate about connecting children with nature, believe in the power of outdoor learning, and are excited by the mission of Denver Audubon Nature Preschool.

Denver Audubon is dedicated to equal employment opportunity and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on any protected status under applicable law.