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 brand new 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.

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. Plan a 4-day “Reflecting on Pathways” backpacking trip with fellow Apprentices (dates TBD) 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 at least 16 years of age
Current First Aid & CPR certification

Physical Requirements

Ability to independently travel over and navigate through varied terrain
Ability to lift and transport boxes weighing 25 pounds

Employment Dates

This is a full-time (40 hrs/week), seasonal position that begins June 12 and ends August 11, 2023. Work hours are typically Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm. There is a week of mandatory training June 12 - 16, 2023. Apprentices must be available to work at least six full weeks of camp from June 19 - August 11, 2023.

Reporting Relationships

The ACES Trook Apprentice position reports to the ACES Community Programs Senior Manager with additional support and leadership from the ACES Field Programs Coordinator.

Compensation

Pay is $120 per day; apprentices receive additional pay for overnight programs. Housing is not provided.

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 21, 2023 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