Assistant Program Manager

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Inc•Crisfield, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks an Assistant Program Manager/Educator to reside at its Smith Island Environmental Education Center. This full-time, year-round position requires staff to live on site from March through December during the spring, summer, and fall education seasons. The center is winterized from December through February, when housing is not provided. Housing is for staff only, and the center has a strict no-pet policy. Based in Tylerton on Smith Island, Maryland, the center delivers field-based education programs. During spring and fall, staff typically lead three-day/two-night programs for middle- and high-school groups. Summer participants include adult groups, teachers, and student leadership programs. Field investigations use a 40-foot workboat, canoes, and a skiff. The onsite team includes a Program Manager, Assistant Manager, and Captain. The Assistant Program Manager will serve as an educator and field leader, assist the Program Manager in developing and teaching inquiry-based programs, and adapt instruction to participants and conditions. The role includes leading summer teacher professional development and/or student leadership courses, maintaining education equipment, and ensuring participant safety, including responding to medical emergencies. The position is physically demanding and involves frequent exposure to the elements.

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 on site at CBF’s Smith Island Education Center for the duration of the field seasons.
Physical ability to lift and carry at least 45 pounds, including canoes and other equipment.
Ability to become a First Mate according to CBF’s required skills checklist.
Ability to travel to training 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 as required by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Responsibilities

Serve professionally as an educator on 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 for middle- and high-school students, teachers, and other participants.
Conduct field-based educational activities, including biological sampling, water-quality testing, and canoe-based activities.
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 the Smith Island Environmental Education Program and other CBF programs.
Communicate safety instructions and ensure a safe learning environment; rigorously follow safety protocols and respond to medical emergencies as needed.
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 training and meetings and to other CBF field programs and locations as needed.