Job Overview: Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) seeks a Field Programs Coordinator to develop, refine, schedule, and teach engaging, high-quality, outdoor environmental education programs for grades K-12 in alignment with science standards and classroom curriculum, both at existing sites and new sites throughout our service area. 

ACES is a nonprofit environmental science education organization. Since 1968, ACES has inspired a lifelong commitment to the Earth by providing innovative and immersive programming for all ages. We have three locations in the Roaring Fork Valley: Hallam Lake, Rock Bottom Ranch, and Catto Center at Toklat. Our programs reach more than 140,000 individuals every year, and focus on ecological literacy, regenerative agriculture, forest and ecosystem health, land restoration, and environmental leadership.

ACES teaches in schools throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, and provides youth camps, field trips, adult classes, and guided hikes. ACES works diligently to directly affect environmental and climate change education, awareness, and action. We also engage our community by hosting public lectures and events. ACES collaborates with land trusts, public agencies, and other nonprofits to achieve our mission.

Ideal candidates are self-starters, take initiative, extremely organized, and are eager to collaborate with co-workers and other stakeholders. They are driven to make an impact in the environmental education field, and committed to giving youth meaningful experiences and equitable access to the outdoors. They have demonstrated leadership and have sought out opportunities for developing programs and working on special projects. Good candidates will be adventurous, enjoy teaching kids, and have a solid understanding of how to manage risk. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Develop and refine field science program curriculum for grades K-12 and manage program materials.
   1. Develop, refine, and revise ACES field programs, in collaboration with ACES Educators and ACES School Programs Manager, that are aligned with ACES classroom programs and the Next Generation Science Standards.
   2. Create, purchase, and manage teaching materials for field programs.
   3. Maintain first aid kits and field gear for school and community programs. 
   4. Coordinate ACES’ Experiential Education (Ex Ed) partnerships with local schools, including scheduling staff. Lead Ex Ed trips.
   5. Acquire necessary permits from USFS, BLM, and other government agencies for field programs.
2. Coordinate and schedule school field programs.
   1. Schedule field programs with schools and organizations, and keep the field programs calendar current.
   2. Oversee the ACES Education calendar, including the scheduling of Education staff for in-school teaching, field programs, and onsite duties. Coordinate with the ACES Naturalist Director to schedule 2-3 ACES Naturalists for fall and spring field programs.
   3. Promptly respond to field program inquiries and communicate program information with teachers, administrators, etc. Market programs to schools and districts, as needed.
   4. Invoice schools and partners for ACES Education programs and manage scholarship applications and awards.
   5. Collect and analyze teacher feedback on programs.
   6. Track program and participant numbers, and assist with data collection for grant proposals and reports.
3. Teach field science programs and community programs.
   1. Teach weekly non-residential environmental science field programs at various sites throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and Garfield County. 
   2. Teach and support children’s day and weeklong camps during winter, spring, and summer breaks, as needed. Weeklong summer camps are based at Hallam Lake and Rock Bottom Ranch, and include hikes off site and overnight camping/backpacking.
   3. Lead and safely manage students (K-12) in a wide range of environments and seasons (e.g. programs at 11,200 feet in elevation in winter conditions).
   4. In collaboration with ACES Community Programs staff, plan, implement, and lead the Trook Apprenticeship in Education & Environmental Careers for high school and college students, which takes place over the summer.
   5. Assist with additional programs, including the Youth in Nature program, and other partnerships.
4. Assist Education Director, Community Programs Director, and School Programs Manager in training summer and year-round education staff.
   1. Help plan, organize, and implement summer and fall training for ACES Educators.
   2. Plan and implement seasonal field program training for ACES Educators and Naturalists.
   3. Train education staff on field program procedures and safety, including school-year field programs, summer camps, and camping and backpacking programs.
   4. Observe ACES Educators on field programs and provide feedback.
   5. With ACES Community Programs Director, assist in the recruitment and hiring of Trook Apprentices.
5. Lead the ACES Risk Management Team and implement risk management policies and standards.
   1. Stay current on risk management policies.
   2. Lead the ACES Risk Management Team, including scheduling and facilitating quarterly meetings.
   3. Keep ACES’ risk management guidelines and manual up to date.
   4. Train education staff on risk management best practices and provide relevant professional development throughout the year.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Maintain an understanding of best practices in environmental and outdoor education, and knowledge of local ecology.
2. Communicate with teachers, administrators, parents, etc.
3. Assist with other ACES Education activities, as needed.
4. Perform on-site visitor center hosting responsibilities. This includes greeting and engaging guests, answering telephone calls, informal visitor education, selling merchandise and fielding questions.
5. Other duties as assigned to further the mission of ACES. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, plus minimum 2 years experience coordinating, leading, and teaching outdoor programs for children.
• Experience planning and leading backpacking programs. 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including community partners, parents, and youth.
• Strong administrative and organization skills; demonstrated attention to detail.
• Experience with curriculum writing and development of educational teaching materials.
• Knowledge of western Colorado ecology.
• Familiarity with Next Generation Science Standards.
• Ability to inspire and encourage others.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Current Wilderness First Responder and CPR certifications.
• Fluency in Spanish is desired, but not required.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the ACES Education Director.

Location

This position is based at both our Hallam Lake and Rock Bottom Ranch sites. Travel throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and Garfield County is required.

Benefits and Compensation

This is an exempt, full-time, salaried position. Salary is commensurate with experience and begins at $32,000 with employee housing and utilities provided. If housing is not provided, additional compensation will be offered. ACES’ benefit package includes a medical insurance plan, dental insurance plan, matching retirement savings plan, health reimbursement account, flexible spending account, paid time off, a recreation benefit, and a discount on items in the ACES gift shops and on ACES classes.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through May 24, 2024 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

Start Date

August 5, 2024 or as negotiated.

ACES employees work with school children, therefore ACES conducts background checks for criminal history and motor vehicle records.

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, genetic information, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need.