Urban Ranger Program Assistant

Environmental Learning for Kids                                       

Job Title: Urban Ranger Program Assistant                                   

Location: ELK Office

Status: Full- time seasonal (May 18-August 14, 2026)               

Reports To: Program Manager & Urban Ranger Coordinator

Compensation:  $22-$25 per hour, based on experience 

Background

Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) is a local Denver nonprofit that creates a sense of belonging, self-discovery, and adventure in the outdoors for underrepresented young people of color and their families, transforming youth into environmental stewards and trailblazers that promote equitable outdoor access, sustainable practices, and community uplift. ELK programs introduce, immerse, educate, and mentor youth ages 5-25 and their families to Colorado’s natural resources and science-related careers. Most return year after year to join ELK’s community of learners. ELK offers a mosaic of programs that serve as stepping-stones for young leaders and engaged environmental stewards of today and tomorrow.

Job Summary

Urban Rangers began as an employment program created through a partnership between Environmental Learning for Kids, the National Park Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Denver Parks and Recreation. Urban Rangers began as an employment program created through a partnership between Environmental Learning Kids, the National Park Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Denver Parks and Recreation. The Urban Ranger Program Assistant will assist the Urban Rangers in gaining valuable experience in teaching science-based curriculum, conducting fishing clinics, assisting with the prep of educational programs, introducing careers in natural resources, exposing youth to partner organizations work and will participate fully in ELK’s summer programming.  This position is directly related to ELK’s core mission of cultivating a passion for science, leadership, and service in a diverse community of learners.  Regular evening, overnight, and weekend work is required in meeting the position responsibilities.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Programs – 100% of employee’s time (95% Urban Ranger Program, varied by position; 5% Admin)

• Supervises Urban Ranger Summer Youth Employment Program participants during summer months including orientation, training, work plans, and work schedule management. Specific responsibilities include managing field projects at State Parks and USFS and leading the crew.
• Assists with inventory, maintenance, and cleaning of all ELK program equipment, 15 passenger vans, detailed inventory, and report any discrepancies to appropriate staff to rectify the issue.
• Contributes to a positive, productive workplace through open communication, problem solving, sense of humor, and dedication to achieving ELK’s goals and missions.
• Manage conflict, recognize achievements, support Urban Rangers’ development of skills, challenge Urban Rangers to critically think about their career paths, ensure they become ELK/Urban Ranger ambassadors by the end of the Summer, and ensure Urban Rangers are prepared and set up for success.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Zoology, Wildlife/Aquatic Biology, or Nature Resource Management or equivalent science-based degree; OR
• Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with 1-2 years of experience in environmental or science education; OR
• Experience:  Two or more years’ related experience or training, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering informal education programs through in-school, after-school, environmental education, or summer camp programs.
• Experience working with diverse, multicultural youth and families.
• Experience instructing outdoor recreation I urban and/or wilderness settings.

Other Requirements:

• CBI/FBI Background check required.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs. occasionally.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Regular overnight and weekend work is required.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to build genuine relationships with diverse, multicultural youth and families.
• Experience delivering informal education programs through in-school, after-school, environmental education, or summer camp programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and written and oral communication skills Team Player who is open minded and flexible
• Interest in the outdoors- no previous experience required Interest in working with youth
• Reliable transportation Spanish speaking is a plus
• Willingness to be outdoors for extended periods of time
• Experience instructing outdoor recreation in urban and/or wilderness settings.
• Interest in outdoor recreation programs, field-based projects, and camping.
• Excellent presentation and communications (written and oral) skills to effectively communicate with diverse audiences; proficiently read, write and converse in Spanish a plus.
• Must be able to proficiently use Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
  • Ability to work within a team and develop good team relationships with coworkers, Board, volunteers, and key stakeholder groups.
• The ability to be flexible, adaptable, to learn quickly, and function effectively in a fast-paced and time-sensitive environment.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and commitment to maintain confidentiality.

Benefits: 

• Cellphone stipend
• WFA/CPR Certification

To Apply: Email resume & cover letter to:  ehertz@elkkids.org

Application Deadline:  March 29, 2026

Anticipated Start Date:  May 18, 2026