Part Time Environmental Educator

The Alice Ferguson Foundation is seeking a Part-Time Environmental Educator in Fort Washington, MD. The role involves leading hands-on environmental education programs for students and adults, promoting stewardship of natural resources. Responsibilities include planning and delivering tailored programming, managing participant safety, and engaging in community events. The position requires flexibility for weekday, evening, and weekend work, and is primarily in-person, with some off-site activities in the DMV region.
JOB TITLE: Environmental Educator

ORGANIZATION: Alice Ferguson Foundation, Accokeek, MD

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time, In-Person

REGULAR or TEMPORARY: Regular

REPORTS TO: Director of Programs

COMPENSATION: $17-$19 (commensurate on experience)

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.

Position Summary

Join our team of Environmental Educators to lead engaging, hands-on field studies for elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as adult groups. Programs are conducted on-site at the Alice Ferguson Foundation, at parks throughout the DMV region, and virtually. Our environmental education experiences are designed to promote stewardship of natural resources through NGSS-aligned lessons and Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE). Topics include watersheds, habitats, farms, water quality, climate change, invasive species, and team-building, all while highlighting the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Potomac River watershed.

In addition to teaching, the Environmental Educator may support other Foundation-led initiatives, such as litter cleanups, invasive plant workshops, summer camps, and community events.

Programs are scheduled year-round, primarily on weekdays, with occasional weekend opportunities and rotating evening programs. Off-site work may occur throughout Southern Maryland, Central Maryland, Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, and surrounding areas.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

● Independently lead groups of all ages on habitat hikes, farm exploration, STEM activities, and camp programs

● 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

● Actively participate in the team community by participating in meetings, support activities, and training as assigned

● Engage in evaluations and assessments of program success to promote personal growth and learning

● Assist with data collection and administrative tasks as assigned.

● Flexibility to work throughout the week, some evenings, and some weekend programs

● Opportunities to participate and represent the Foundation at events (Examples include litter cleanups, educational workshops, fundraising events, and outreach events)

● Opportunities to assist with the farm animals, trail maintenance, and the children’s garden

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 & 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 1-2 years of relevant teaching experience and classroom management (preferably outdoors)

● 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 variable terrain

● Ability to perform physical work in the outdoors and in all weather conditions

● Commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity within your teaching and our community

● A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback

● Effective communication and interpersonal skills

● Flexibility and enthusiasm, problem-solving skills, and excellent work ethic

● Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends

● Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire

● Proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred

● Valid driver’s license with access to vehicle for travel

● Employment is contingent upon employee background check

Physical Requirements

● Ability to work outdoors in all weather types

● Ability to lead hikes on different terrain

● Ability to lift 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.