Environmental Education Coordinator

Full-time/Non-Exempt: 40 hours/week

Location: Hybrid (Denver Audubon Nature Center, Denver Audubon Office, community organizations, schools, partially remote)

Reports To: Director of Education

Position Summary

Denver Audubon is seeking an adaptable, high-energy Environmental Education Coordinator to join our passionate and dedicated team. This dynamic role combines behind-the-scenes program coordination with direct community instruction. Depending on the season, the time breakdown is approximately 60% direct programming and instruction and 40% program planning and administration. Our staff enjoys a unique working environment, teaching both out in the community and at our beautiful nature center—surrounded by scenic trails, ponds, and meadows.

The Environmental Education Coordinator is responsible for developing, teaching, and coordinating environmental education programs for various audiences, including community groups, adults, schools, and organizations, with a focus on school programs, summer camps, and homeschool programming. This role involves planning, scheduling, and implementing engaging educational initiatives focused on environmental science, conservation, and nature exploration with an emphasis on birds. The coordinator will also manage program logistics, foster partnerships, and ensure programs align with the organization's mission to promote environmental stewardship. 

Essential Functions

The essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed; the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to be completed by the position.

• Program Development & Instruction: Design, develop, and deliver interactive, engaging environmental education programs for diverse audiences, with a primary focus on school programs, summer camps, and homeschool programs. Incorporate live animal ambassadors into programming to enhance student engagement and connection to wildlife. Create and adapt educational materials and curricula, ensuring content is relevant, age-appropriate, and aligned with environmental education best practices and Denver Audubon’s mission and strategic goals.
• Scheduling & Coordination: Coordinate program scheduling, volunteer management, and registrations for youth programming including school programs, summer camps, and family programs. Ensure all materials and resources are prepared for each session. Maintain clear, organized scheduling systems that support efficiency and accessibility for participants and staff.
• Develop New Programs: Research and create new educational programs and outreach strategies to engage underrepresented and diverse communities. Tailor content and delivery methods to meet the unique needs of different groups.
• Partnerships & Outreach: Build and maintain relationships with local schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and other stakeholders to promote environmental programs and increase participation.
• Assessment & Reporting: Monitor program effectiveness through participant feedback and assessments. Track attendance and gather data on program successes and areas for improvement.
• Resource Management: Maintain inventory of educational materials. Ensure resources are effectively managed to support program sustainability and accessibility.
• Communication: Provide professional written and verbal communication to all program participants, staff, and community members in a timely manner.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Frequently oversee the work of 1-3 volunteers during programs to ensure the smooth execution of educational activities and positive experience for the participants, volunteers, and the organization.

Other Duties

Attend/facilitate other programs as needed and perform other duties as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position and further the mission and sustainability of Denver Audubon. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Essential and marginal job duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Materials and Equipment Used Directly

Uses interpretive equipment, books, internet, and other resource materials in planning and conducting programs. Uses a variety of office AV equipment including Windows-based computers, screens, and digital projectors.

Uses aquatic nets, dry-land nets, binoculars, magnifiers.

Must have a working vehicle for transport to and from the Kingery Nature Center, schools, and locations throughout the Denver Metro Area. Mileage reimbursement will be provided.

Required Job Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience with program coordination.
• Minimum one year of experience in environmental education and teaching.
• Minimum high school diploma or GED required.
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking or public demonstrations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficient in Google Suite and database management.
• Initiative to recognize, recommend, and manage projects or programs that meet the Nature Center’s mission. 
• Ability to perform manual duties associated with the programs and facility including arranging tables, chairs, and equipment, leading outdoor activities, etc. with reasonable accommodations.
• Three (3) months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of school-age children (i.e. summer camp, before and after school) for summer camp licensing.
• Must be able to work flexible hours as assigned, which will include occasional evening or weekend programs. 
• Passion and excitement for connecting people with nature.
• Must have the ability to communicate fluently in English, both orally and in writing.
• Must pass a background check.
• Reliable transportation and proof of auto insurance required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Classroom management skills and experience teaching groups of 20+ children.
• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn Colorado’s ecosystems, flora, and fauna.
• Proficiency with educational technology. Willingness to learn and utilize new technologies.
• Because meaningful community engagement is central to this role, Spanish-language fluency or bilingual communication skills are strongly preferred and may qualify candidates for additional compensation consideration.

Environmental Conditions and Requirements

• 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).
• Multiple tasks with differing priorities and objectives, including frequent interruptions.
• 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. 

Denver Audubon is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunities. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants based on age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. 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 and are excited by the mission of Denver Audubon.

Salary: $25–$27/hour (+$1/hour premium for fully bilingual Spanish speakers.)Full-time non-exempt, 40 hours per week.

Benefits: Paid vacation and sick leave. Nine paid holidays and five floating holidays in the months of December and January, employer-sponsored medical coverage, health savings account, comprehensive employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a resume and cover letter to kristen@denveraudubon.org. Application deadline July 15, 2026. The position start date is Sept. 1, 2026. Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, we will only reach out directly to candidates selected for an interview.



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.