Outdoor Education Fellow Rocky Mountain Conservancy

Latino Outdoors; Estes Park (CO); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Stipend for living expenses

On-the-job training

Professional development

Networking opportunities

Job summary

Rocky Mountain Conservancy offers seasonal outdoor education fellowships in Estes Park, CO, near Rocky Mountain National Park. Fellows gain real-world experience in nonprofit and public sectors, with on-the-job training, leadership opportunities, and housing provided at no cost along with a weekly living stipend.

Fellows work 30-40 hours per week for a full 6-month term, supporting educational programming, outreach, and partnerships with RMNP.

Qualifications

• Dedication to environmental and outdoor education; ability to lead programs for diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and spoken communication for diverse audiences and using various media.
• Strong problem-solving skills; the ability to organize ideas and information quickly.
• Ability to independently manage long-term projects and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Experience with Canva and Microsoft Office suite preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead interactive outdoor programs for families, youth, and adults.
• Assist with planning and coordinating logistics of outdoor education programs.
• Assist with development and implementation of Conservancy programs (backpacking, hiking).
• Support RMNP education and interpretation programs (school field trips, Jr. Ranger).
• Create outreach and promotional materials for Conservancy programs.

Skills

Environmental education

Excellent communication

Problem-solving

Independent project work

Team collaboration

Canva

MS Office (Word/Outlook)

Outdoor instruction

Education

Degree in environmental education

Degree in general education

Degree in outdoor recreation

Tools

Canva

MS Office

Outlook

Word

Job description

Rocky Mountain Conservancy is excited to offer seasonal outdoor education fellowships that give current students and recent college graduates the opportunity to serve in a national park while exploring careers in environmental and outdoor education and the nonprofit sector. Each fellowship is unique and tailored to the individual’s skills, interests, and career goals. This is your chance to live and learn in Rocky Mountain National Park, while supporting the Conservancy’s efforts in education, stewardship, and conservation!

2027 Fellowship dates: April 14th, 2027 – October 20th, 2027

First review of applications: December 1, 2026

These fellowships are designed for highly motivated individuals passionate about outreach and education. Successful fellows thrive in a self-directed environment, where there is a balance between Conservancy-assigned and fellow-selected projects.

Each fellowship includes:

• On-the-job training and experience in a variety of environmental and outdoor education programs and settings
• Opportunities to develop and lead programs individually and in partnership with both Rocky Mountain Conservancy (RMC) and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) teams
• Housing and utilities are provided at no cost along with a stipend for living expenses
• Professional development and networking opportunities with park and nonprofit staff

As a fellow, you will have the opportunity to build real-world experience in both the nonprofit and public sectors. Our fellowship will help you develop:

• A deep understanding of the Conservancy’s work and partnerships
• Knowledge of the region’s natural and cultural history
• Skills in program planning and delivery, participant communication, and outreach
• A professional portfolio of education and outreach work products

Required Skills:

• Dedication to environmental and outdoor education, with the ability to lead programs for children, teens, and adults
• Adept communication skills, both written and spoken, for diverse audiences and using various media
• Strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to organize ideas and information quickly
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage long‑term projects and complete assignments on time
• Desire and ability to work both collaboratively and independently
• Computer experience with Canva and the Microsoft Office suite, including Word and Outlook, preferred
• Enthusiasm, a warm disposition, and the ability to handle the stresses of working outdoors with diverse groups of program participants

Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead interactive outdoor programs (i.e. guided hikes, pop‑up table talks, and educational bus tours) for diverse audiences, including families, youth, and adults
• Assist with planning and coordinating the logistics of outdoor education programs.
• Assist with development, planning, and implementation for a range of Conservancy programs, including backpacking and hiking programs
• Support RMNP education and interpretation programs, such as school field trips and Jr. Ranger programs
• Create outreach and promotional materials for Conservancy programs
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with RMNP staff and volunteers, as well as with other Conservancy partners, program participants, and community members
• Assist Conservancy and park staff with outreach events
• Drive and/or ride in Conservancy-owned vehicles, including the Conservancy’s 15‑passenger buses

Each position averages 30-40 hours per week, with schedules that vary throughout the fellowship. A full 6-month commitment is required.

Fellows are provided with housing (including all utilities) for the duration of their fellowship. Shared housing units are located near Conservancy headquarters in Estes Park, CO, in units operated by Rocky Mountain National Park. Fellows also receive a living stipend of $450/week (paid as $900 every two weeks). Fellows must be eligible to work in the USA and must pass a background check.

It is recommended that the candidate be actively pursuing or have recently completed a degree program in environmental education, general education, communication, outdoor recreation/tourism, natural resource management, or similar. In addition, experience volunteering or working with nonprofit organizations and an interest in outdoor programming and conservation is desired.