Summer Naturalist
Every year, Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) offers an intensive Summer Naturalist program based at Hallam Lake, our visitor center and 25-acre nature preserve in the heart of Aspen. Summer Naturalists receive valuable training and experience while leading guided hikes and conducting environmental education programs at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, the Maroon Bells, ACES sites, and other iconic locations around Aspen. The Summer Naturalist program has a dual purpose. First, ACES aims to provide the best possible education and workplace experience to Naturalists. The second goal is to provide informative and inspiring environmental education to a broad audience through ACES’ daily guided tours.
Since 1985, over 400 Naturalists have participated in this respected program, moving on to meaningful careers as teachers, wildlife biologists, university professors, environmental lawyers, veterinarians, non-profit administrators, sustainability experts, and more. More than 80% of all ACES employees first join the organization through the Summer Naturalist position, including many of our junior administrative staff who focus on community programs, public relations, development, and finance.
Responsibilities
- Lead interpretive nature walks at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and the Maroon Bells in the White River National Forest
- Assist with management of the Hallam Lake visitor center and 25-acre nature preserve, and the Toklat Wilderness Retreat site
- Build the knowledge and confidence to teach others about Rocky Mountain ecology
- Teach environmental education programs for children including bird of prey programs featuring ACES’ resident injured raptors
- Educate the public on ACES’ renewable energy and sustainability initiatives
- Opportunities for special projects in plant and animal care, trout rearing, garden and trail maintenance, and the bird of prey program
Qualifications
- Degree or specialization in the natural sciences, environmental education, or related field
- Excellent communication skills
- Self-motivated with a sincere interest in environmental education
- Experience working with the public
- First Aid & CPR certification (completed by June 1, 2026)
- Must be a U.S. citizen
Dates of Employment
June 1 – September 1, 2026 (June 1 – 12 mandatory staff training)
Compensation
- $590 weekly stipend
- Shared housing provided in Aspen
- Weekly produce from ACES Rock Bottom Ranch
- Tuition-free participation in ACES Naturalist Field School courses
Naturalist Summer Assistance Program
- Hired Summer Naturalists will be eligible for an additional $200-$2500 of funding to help with expenses associated with the position.
- “It can certainly feel daunting to move to a corner of the world where cost of living is high, especially as a fresh college graduate. The Naturalist Assistance Program helped ease some of my financial anxiety and let me sink into the amazing work at hand.”
Check out photos from the program here!
Application Deadline
An online application will be available starting November 15, 2025. The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
Aspen Center for Environmental Studies 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.