Environmental Educator Jobs

JOB TITLE: Environmental Educator

ORGANIZATION: Alice Ferguson Foundation, Accokeek, MD

CLASSIFICATION: Part Time

REGULAR or TEMPORARY: Regular

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Join our team of Environmental Educators to facilitate student field studies on site at the Alice Ferguson Foundation, at parks in the DMV, and/or virtually for elementary, middle school and high school students. Education programs share joy in nature, promote stewardship of natural resources, provide NGSS based lessons, and embrace the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the Potomac River watershed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Primary Role(s):

• Help with education program administrative needs.
• Educators may also teach, support and/or lead summer camp programs and other education programs provided through AFF.
• Perform data entry of education program surveys.
• Help to maintain inventory of equipment and supplies, keeping them organized and in good working order.
• Teach students environmental education programs on-site or in parks/schools in the DMV area. These programs teach about the natural environment and agriculture through the lens of our historic farm. Focus is on understanding the human impact on the environment as well as helping students develop a love and appreciation for nature. Most programs are in-person.
• Maintains safety of visitors and animals.
• Follow AFF protocols and safety guidelines for COVID-19.

Secondary role(s):

• Assist supervisor, other teams/programs or Executive Director as needed.
• Participate in staff development, including staff meetings and training.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Assist with animal care, haying, and other farm maintenance chores.
• Participate in special events: member events and other AFF-sponsored events as needed.
• Represent AFF at meetings, networking and outreach
• Help with facility needs as requested, including the garden.

SCOPE OF WORK

Work is highly physical and active, conducted mainly outdoors in all types of weather. Must possess the ability to lift upwards of 50 lbs.

AFF FUNCTIONS

• Exhibit teamwork and cooperation by sharing knowledge, coordinating duties with other staff, and demonstrating the willingness to assist others as needed.
• Dress appropriately, use time wisely and meet deadlines.
• Maintain AFF facilities and educational equipment, including inventories and equipment stored offsite in parks or elsewhere.
• Exhibit leadership by taking initiative, mentoring and problem-solving.
• Treat staff members, students, teachers, partners and visitors with courtesy and respect.
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
• Promote and support the values and mission of AFF in all outreach and visitor contact.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing, including field study reports, data collection, newsletter articles, website and other documents. Assist in documenting AFF activities via digital images and video.
• Initiate and respond positively to suggestions for improving service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Demonstrate skill in handling groups of children and adults by engaging and keeping their interest while effectively managing group logistics.
• Understand and teach ecological concepts. Exhibit knowledge of local flora and fauna.
• Ability to use a variety of online tools and platforms including Zoom, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, Schoology, Google Drive, etc..
• Use all equipment safely and proficiently.
• May be asked to travel locally and/or regionally.
• Impart to children and adults an appreciation of the natural environment and respect for all living things.
• Anticipate safety concerns.
• Take appropriate action in case of injury or illness.
• Ability to speak, hear, see and exhibit physical ability to hike on uneven terrain for up to three hours, and lift objects up to 50 lbs.
• High School degree required. College degree or equivalent is preferred. One full year of relevant work experience is preferred. A BA/BS in education, environmental education, biology or other sciences is a plus. Spanish speakers are also a plus.
• Must be able to work out of doors in all types of weather.
• Demonstrate and enforce safe handling techniques of all animals and plants.
• Know and teach children and adult visitors the history of the Fergusons and Hard Bargain Farm.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Contact Sarah Kempfer with questions. [email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer / Minorities / Female / Disabled / Veteran

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.