Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration.
Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act's impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.
CBF has a staff of approximately 230 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.
Context of the Position
The Potomac River Environmental Education Program Manager/Educator engages students, teachers and other participants on day long explorations learning about the history, beauty and ecology of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. The Program Manager/Educator will co-design and co-lead experiences on a floating classroom, the 50-foot workboat, Bea Hayman Clark. Using hands-on investigations, participants discover how the health of the rivers is intimately linked to daily urban life in DC. The Program Manager/Educator will work as part of a two-person team with the Captain/Educator. The boat primarily operates out of The Wharf Marina in Southeast Washington D.C. with occasional travel to other ports.
Essential Functions
- Professionally serve as an Educator on the Potomac River Environmental Education Program, and other CBF field programs.
- Develop and teach one-day inquiry-based field programs using multiple field-based methods such as conducting biological sampling and water quality testing for middle and high school students, teachers, and other participants.
- Continually adapt program content based upon grade/age level of the group, weather, group dynamics, and feedback/evaluations from teachers/supervisors.
- Ability to communicate ecosystem and watershed concepts to a wide range of audiences.
- Plan & execute summer courses for Chesapeake Classrooms Teacher Professional Development and/or Student Leadership Program.
- Safely and professionally serve as a first mate on the Bea Hayman Clark for the Potomac River Environmental Education Program.
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- Work collaboratively with the Captain/Educator of the Bea Hayman Clark to ensure that all vessel checklists and maintenance are completed on a timely basis.
- Program staff are responsible for the safety of all field participants, ensure that all safety protocols are rigorously followed, and are required to respond to medical emergencies that may arise.
- Program staff are responsible and accountable for performing maintenance to keep all education-related equipment and gear in proper working order.
- Consistent ability to perform programmatic administrative duties which include:
- Complete & submit timesheets, personal expense reports, credit card reports, and all other relevant administrative tasks in a timely manner.
- Provide timely communication and updates to supervisors and other CBF departments.
- Develop and implement one-year program plan that is in alignment with CBF’s strategic plan.
- Attend all safety and professional development trainings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
Successful Candidate should possess the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, environmental studies, or related field.
Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- 3-5 years’ experience teaching in either a formal or non-formal setting
- Experience working on a boat, preferred.
- A strong desire to teach in the field/outdoors (under all weather conditions) and work with students.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Collaborative work style.
- Creativity, humor, and self-confidence.
- Knowledge of environmental issues facing the Bay and of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a plus.
Physical Requirements:
- Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects-at least 45 pounds (canoes and other equipment).
- Ability to become a First Mate according to CBF’s required skills checklist.
- This physically demanding position involves year-round exposure to the elements.
- Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
- Ability to work away from home for multiple-day periods to attend trainings & meetings throughout the year.
- Ability to have access to reliable transportation to travel to other CBF field programs & locations as needed.
Salary Range: $42,600
