Job Overview:

Are you a high school or college student passionate about learning outside? Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), a nationally recognized leader in environmental education for people of all ages, is hiring for a paid summer position!

The ACES Trook Apprenticeship is a hands-on learning and training program for those interested in pursuing a career in education or the environment. During the apprenticeship you will support week-long summer camps, be mentored by ACES Education staff, explore field sites, and meet local professionals. You will learn in community about the different aspects of environmental education.

ACES summer camp programs serve children entering grades K-8. Paired with an ACES educator, ACES Trook Apprentices assist with supervision of campers, and daily management of camp activities, including hiking, arts and crafts, science investigations and more. These responsibilities are complemented by additional learning opportunities that may require limited evening obligations. Upon completion of this program, apprentices will feel confident and knowledgeable about a range of education and environmental careers and skill sets. This program is inspired by and in memory of former ACES Education Director Arin Trook.

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 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.

ACES has full-time environmental education classrooms at three elementary schools: Aspen Elementary School, Basalt Elementary School, and Crystal River Elementary School. We teach part-time at Sopris Elementary School in Glenwood Springs. Educators teach K-4/5 students in our partner schools, lead field programs for school groups at sites from Aspen to Rifle, and facilitate winter, spring, and summer camps.

Please visit the ACES website for more information on our youth summer camps and programs.

Not interested in a summer long position but interested in supporting our camps this summer? Check out our Educator-in-Training (EIT) Volunteer position.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (90%)

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

Support and help teach ACES summer camps.
1. Assist ACES Educators in facilitating week-long day camps based at Hallam Lake or Rock Bottom Ranch, and various other off-site locations. Programs may include hikes and overnight camping.
2. Help supervise students, grades K-8, in an outdoor setting. This includes managing youth in a wide range of environments and conditions (e.g. programs at 11,200 feet in elevation, wet and cold weather, etc).
3. Lead activities, games and other learning activities for campers.
Support the development of curriculum and education materials for ACES summer camps.
1. Create, prepare and organize educational resources and materials for ACES youth programs.
2. Document education curriculum for week-long youth programs for various ages.
Attend and participate in weekly organized educational opportunities & experiences.
1. Attend weekly experiences throughout the Roaring Fork Valley for first-hand exposure to careers and topics in sustainability, science, education and the environment.
2. Share experience with ACES staff during weekly staff meetings and/or other informal opportunities
3. Plan a 2-night “Reflecting on Pathways” backpacking trip with fellow Apprentices (6/29/26-7/2/26) in the mountains around Aspen. The focus of this week will be on leadership skills and personal growth.

Secondary Responsibilities (10%)

Assist and become involved with visitor center maintenance.
Maintain site organization and cleanliness.
Other duties as assigned to further the mission of ACES.

Qualifications

Enthusiastic learner and observer
Enjoy working with children in an outdoor setting
Ability to work independently as well as within a team-oriented environment
Strong organizational skills
Must be 16 years of age or older
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
Current First Aid & CPR certification, WFA or WFR preferred

Employment Dates

This is a full-time (40 hrs/week), seasonal position that begins June 8 and ends August 14, 2026. Work hours are typically Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. There is a five-day mandatory training June 8 -12, 2026. Apprentices must be available to work at least seven full weeks of camp from June 15-August 14, 2026.

Reporting Relationships

The ACES Trook Apprentice position reports to the ACES Community Programs Director with additional support and leadership from ACES Education and Community Programs Administrative staff. Coordination with other education staff may be required.

Compensation

This is a non-exempt, full-time, seasonal position. Pay is $18 per hour; apprentices receive additional pay for overnight programs. Discounts on items in the ACES gift shops and on ACES classes.

Housing

Housing is not provided. Applicants that do not already have housing in the Roaring Fork Valley should be aware that securing housing here during the summer can be extremely difficult.

Location

Rock Bottom Ranch (RBR) apprentices are based at ACES’ 113-acre working ranch located in Basalt, Colorado. Hallam Lake (HL) apprentices are based at ACES’ 25-acre nature preserve located in Aspen, Colorado.

Application Process

Hiring will occur on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted through April 3, 2026 or until positions are filled. In your cover letter, please tell us why you are interested in the Trook Apprenticeship. Your resume can include relevant coursework, jobs you have held, extracurricular activities, certifications, etc.

ACES employees work with 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.

About Arin Trook

Arin was a light in our community, an unforgettable educator, and an inspiring force for good throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. He championed environmental and social justice issues, and passionately worked to build community and inclusivity across boundaries through education and kindness. We will all strive to follow in Arin's footsteps and carry forward the spirit with which he led his life.

In the words of Arin, “perhaps the most radical action we can take today is the simple act of walking slowly through this wild world.”

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies

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Trook Apprentice in Environmental Education