Job Title: Environmental Educator for Southern Maryland
Organization: Alice Ferguson Foundation, Accokeek, MD
Classification: Part-Time, In-Person
Regular or Temporary: Regular
Reports to: Director of Programs and Program Manager
Compensation: $17-$19 (commensurate on experience)

About the Alice Ferguson Foundation
The Alice Ferguson Foundation is celebrating 72 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 high school students. Programs will be conducted on weekdays, primarily in public schools throughout Charles County & St. Mary’s County. 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.

Qualifications and Skills

• A high school diploma 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 a vehicle for travel
• Employment is contingent upon an employee background check

Physical Requirements

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

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver environmental education programming inside and outside of the classroom to high school students in the Southern Maryland Region, specifically Charles County and St. Mary’s County.
• Potential to assist with onsite environmental education programming in Accokeek, Maryland, in Prince George’s County.
• 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
• Responsible for setting up the program materials and cleaning up the program spaces
• Assist with data collection and administrative tasks as assigned.
• Flexibility to work throughout the week
• 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.

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.

Job Title: Farm Assistant
Full Time or Part Time Part Time ($17.00 – $19 per hour)
Regular or Temporary: Regular
Reports to: Facilities and Land Manager
Level: Associate

Position Summary
Assist the Facilities and Land Manager with all aspects of Hard Bargain farm, including animal care, fences, and barnyard grounds.

Essential Functions

• Primary Role(s):
  • Assist with animal management and care to include assessing the health and safety of the animals, milking, and barnyard cleaning. Provide evening and morning animal feeding and care as scheduled.
  • Keep equipment in good working order. Communicates challenges and issues to, and work with the Facilities and Land Manager, on appropriate solutions.
  • Help to coordinate and execute installation, repair and maintenance of fences and farm buildings as needed under the supervision of the Facilities and Land Manager.
  • Help maintain the general barnyard through mowing, weeding, and pruning.
• Secondary role(s):
  • Participate in public and private events, as necessary.
  • Participate in staff development, including staff meetings and training.

Scope of Work
Work takes place at Hard Bargain Farm in Accokeek, MD.  Work is highly physical and active, conducted mainly outdoors in all types of weather.  Must possess the ability to lift upwards of 50 lbs.

Professional Standards of Conduct

• Exhibit teamwork and cooperation by sharing knowledge, coordinating duties with other staff, and demonstrating the willingness to assist others as needed.
• Dress appropriately, use time wisely and meet deadlines.
• Treat staff members, students, teachers, partners and visitors with courtesy and respect.
• Initiate and respond positively to suggestions for improving service.
• Promote and support the values and mission of AFF in all outreach and visitor contact.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
High School Diploma and/or 1-3 years of experience with sustainable agriculture, animal care and management, and farming. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based structure, with flexibility under shifting deadlines. Excellent oral, written and record-keeping skills. 

HOW TO APPLY
Send a cover letter and resume to apply@fergusonfoundation.org
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

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.