Allegany County Environmental Educator and Coordinator

The Alice Ferguson Foundation is seeking a part-time, seasonal Environmental Educator and Coordinator for Allegany County, MD. The role involves leading hands-on environmental education programs for 7th-grade students at Rocky Gap Park and local schools, focusing on stewardship and NGSS-aligned lessons. The position requires coordination with schools and is active primarily in September, with a need for on-site presence in Allegany County.
Our Statement of Values

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to every aspect of our work and all levels of staff and governance.

We honor and respect the beliefs, attitudes, languages, interpersonal styles, and values of all individuals.

Our efforts focus on enhancing opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to collaborate and achieve the mission of the Alice Ferguson Foundation.

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Please send all inquiries to apply@fergusonfoundation.org

Allegany County Environmental Educator and Coordinator

Job Title: Allegany County Environmental Educator and Coordinator
Organization: Alice Ferguson Foundation, Accokeek, MD
Job Location: Rocky Gap Park, Allegany County, Maryland
Classification: Part-Time, Seasonal
Regular or Temporary: Temporary
Reports to: Director of Programs
Compensation: $18-$22 (commensurate with experience) + Housing stipend negotiable

About the Alice Ferguson Foundation
The Alice Ferguson Foundation is celebrating 71 years as an environmentally driven non-profit, 501c3 organization. Our mission is to inspire environmental stewardship by giving people the tools to
understand, appreciate, and protect nature. Located on 330 acres of emergent wetlands, forests, meadows, farmland, and the longest, freshwater Living Shoreline in the nation, our team has provided transformative environmental education experiences for over 1 million area students since 1954.

The Foundation offers a variety of Environmental Programs throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. This includes day and overnight programs at Hard Bargain Farm, Summer and Spring Adventure Camps, educational litter initiatives, and the Foundation’s Bridging the Watershed (BTW) curriculum. As an ongoing yearly partnership, the Foundation provides the BTW curriculum to the 7th-grade students of Allegany County in September and October.

Position Summary
Join our team of Environmental Educators to lead and teach engaging, hands-on field studies in Allegany County. Programs are conducted at Rocky Gap Park and Allegany Public Schools for all 7th-grade students in September.

Our environmental education experiences are designed to promote stewardship of natural resources through NGSS-aligned lessons and Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE). The curriculum provided is the Foundation’s Bridging the Watershed curriculum. The activities will focus on water chemistry, invasive plant species, macroinvertebrates, sedimentation/land use, and litter.

In addition to leading educational programs, the Coordinator will coordinate with Allegany Public Schools and the Foundation’s Director of Programs to finalize the program schedule for September 2025. This will include confirmation of student numbers, staffing educators, and organizing the necessary supplies.

This Allegany Partnership usually runs for four weeks in September. Programs at Rocky Gap are offered Monday to Thursday, usually 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. On Friday, the Coordinator will visit the schools to provide in-school Litter education.

The Coordinator MUST be available throughout September and early October.

The Coordinator MUST be able to reside in Allegany County from Monday to Friday in September. If needed, housing stipend negotiable.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

As an Environmental Educator:
• Educate the 7th-grade students of Allegany County through the Foundation’s Bridging the Watershed curriculum
• Educate students on water chemistry, invasive plant species, macroinvertebrates, sedimentation/land use, and litter.
• Programs are typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Independently lead student groups on hikes and through STEM activities.
• Plan and deliver environmental education programming tailored to the needs of each group
• Provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning.
• Lead by example to demonstrate positive and responsible behavior.
• Manage participant safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and application of risk management policies and guidelines; administer and document first aid as needed.

As the Environmental Coordinator:
• Collaborate with our Allegany County Partner and the Director of Programs to plan the September 2025 schedule, which includes school details, staff scheduling, and program supplies.
• Lead contact with participating schools for oversight of programming and address issues and requests as needed.
• Lead onsite educator. Provides leadership, training, and guidance for other environmental educators.
• Inventory, gather, and order supplies and equipment as necessary for programming.
• Maintain equipment (i.e., drying boots and waders, sharpening pencils)
• Input and track data collection, and feedback.
• Other administrative tasks as assigned.

In Preparation for the Position:
• Completion of a background check and fingerprints.
• Completion of online compliance training.

Professional Standards of Conduct
• Environmental Education & Curriculum Delivery
• Deliver engaging, age-appropriate programs aligned with the Alice Ferguson Foundation (AFF) curriculum and the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) framework.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Potomac River Watershed and effectively communicate the importance of environmental stewardship.
• Encourage participants to connect with and feel comfortable in nature.
• Classroom Management
• Create inclusive learning environments that engage all participants and encourage them to ask questions.
• Provide balanced hands-on activities and verbal education
• Adjust programs to meet age-appropriate standards and learning needs.
• Teamwork and Professionalism
• Work collaboratively with other educators and staff to achieve program goals.
• Show flexibility and adaptability in various teaching environments and conditions.
• Meet attendance and punctuality requirements consistently.
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and sensitive information.
• Outdoor Techniques & Safety
• Utilize the environmental campus as a natural classroom to enhance learning experiences.
• Ensure participant safety by following established safety procedures and communicating concerns effectively.
• Set appropriate boundaries for activities to ensure safety and enjoyment.
• Dress appropriately for outdoor programming (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc)
• Customer Service and Relationship Building
• Provide high-quality customer service to participants, educators, chaperones, parents, and administrators.
• Promote a positive and enthusiastic attitude while delivering programs.
• Effectively communicate the mission and values of the Alice Ferguson Foundation.

Qualifications and Skills
• A High School degree is required. A Bachelor’s degree in science, environmental or interdisciplinary studies, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum 1-3 years of relevant teaching experience and classroom management (preferably outdoors)
• Minimum 2–4 years of experience collaborating with off-site partners, coordinating schedules, and collaborating with local schools.
• A working knowledge of natural history, science, ecology, and the watershed
• Ability to implement and model excellent risk management practices and maintain a safe environment for all students and participants in various terrains
• Ability to perform physical work in the outdoors and all weather conditions
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity within your teaching and our community
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills are required
• Flexibility and enthusiasm, problem-solving skills, and excellent work ethic
• Valid driver’s license with access to a vehicle for travel
• Current First Aid and CPR certification is preferred
• Employment is contingent upon an employee background check
• MUST be available throughout September and early October.
• MUST be able to reside in Allegany County at least Monday to Friday in September and early October.

Physical Requirements
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather types
• Ability to lead hikes on different terrains up to 2 miles
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Ability to speak, hear, and use a computer for standard business communications

HOW TO APPLY:
Send a cover letter and resume to apply@fergusonfoundation.org
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Questions? Contact Michelle Hickerson at mhickerson@fergusonfoundation.org

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.