Assistant Program Manager
About The Position
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks an Assistant Program Manager/Educator for its Smith Island Environmental Education Center in Tylerton, Maryland. This full-time, year-round position supports the delivery of field-based environmental education for middle and high school students, teachers, and other participants. Staff lead programs during the spring, summer, and fall seasons and must live onsite from March through December. Housing is provided for staff during that period; no housing is provided during the center’s winterized period from December through February. The center has a strict no-pet policy. The Assistant Program Manager works with the Program Manager and Captain to plan and deliver education programs. The position includes teaching inquiry-based field programs, adapting instruction for different audiences and conditions, leading summer teacher professional development and student leadership courses, and helping maintain education equipment. Staff are responsible for participant safety, following safety protocols, and responding to medical emergencies. The work is physically demanding and involves frequent exposure to the elements, lifting and carrying equipment weighing at least 45 pounds, and travel to trainings, meetings, and other CBF locations as needed. The Smith Island Environmental Education Center uses a 40-foot workboat, canoes, and a skiff for water and marsh investigations. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a regional nonprofit conservation organization that works through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration to support a healthy and resilient Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience.
- At least one year of teaching experience in a formal or non-formal setting.
- Strong desire to teach outdoors and inspire students daily.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Collaborative work style.
- Knowledge of environmental issues.
- Ability to live onsite at the Smith Island Education Center for the duration of the field seasons.
- Ability to lift and carry at least 45 pounds.
- Ability to become a First Mate according to CBF’s required skills checklist.
- Ability to travel to trainings and meetings.
- Reliable transportation for travel to other CBF field programs and locations as needed.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
- Valid driver’s license, submission of a driving record, and an acceptable driving record.
- Participation in pre-employment and random drug screening required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Responsibilities
- Serve professionally as an educator for the Smith Island Environmental Education Program and other CBF field programs.
- Assist the Program Manager in developing and teaching three-day, two-night inquiry-based field programs using biological sampling, water-quality testing, canoe activities, and other field-based methods.
- Adapt program content to participants’ grade or age level, weather, group dynamics, and feedback or evaluations.
- Communicate ecosystem and watershed concepts to a wide range of audiences.
- Plan and execute summer courses for Chesapeake Classrooms Teacher Professional Development and/or the Student Leadership Program.
- Serve safely and professionally as a course or field leader for Smith Island and other CBF programs.
- Communicate safety instructions, ensure a safe learning environment, follow safety protocols, and respond to medical emergencies.
- Maintain education-related equipment and gear, including the work truck, canoe trailer, canoes, and education materials.
- Perform programmatic administrative duties and other duties as assigned.
- Travel to trainings and meetings and to other CBF field programs and locations as needed.
Benefits
- Onsite housing is provided for staff from March through December.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
