About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
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.
CBF's headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world's first U.S. Green Build Council's LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world's most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
CBF has 200,000 members and supporters and an annual budget of approximately $30 million. For more information on CBF, please visit our About CBF page.
About the Hiring Department
Environmental Education
CBF's education department provides field experiences, teacher professional learning, and student leadership for over 25,000 participants each year.
The Bay, and its watershed, is our classroom and CBF environmental educators are responsible for bringing the Bay alive to students. We strive to make a lasting impression about the excitement and vulnerability of the Bay.
Each of CBF's 14 education programs has its own individual character. The field experience options run the gamut from our urban boat programs in Baltimore and Hampton Roads to Pennsylvania canoe programs to remote island-based centers. We use hands-on experiential teaching techniques to educate students about the health of the Bay and connect them back to their local environment. Educators promote and develop knowledge about the Bay by providing unforgettable field investigations that inspire participants with a commitment to take action for the restoration of the Bay.
The education department is comprised of Student Field Programs, Teacher and Principal Professional Learning, and Student Leadership. All of these components work closely to educate and empower participants to take action towards "Saving the Bay."
Context of the Position
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Program Manager/Educator to reside at CBF’s Port Isobel Environmental Education Center. The Port Isobel Program Manager/Educator is part of a 3- person education team that consists of a Captain, Program Manager, and Assistant Manager. This position is full-time, year-round, and requires staff to live on site from March – December (spring, summer, fall education seasons). The centers are winterized from December – February and no housing is provided during that time. Housing is provided for staff only. Please note that CBF education centers have a strict “no pet policy.” The Port Isobel Environmental Education Center is a 250-acre island that is situated in the heart of the Tangier Island archipelago. During the fall and spring seasons, the Port Isobel Environmental Education staff typically lead 3-day field programs for students ranging in age from middle school through high school. Participants explore various ecosystems, examine plant and animal species, analyze water quality, and discuss the socio-economic issues facing residents of the Bay watershed and the local watermen communities, in particular. During the summer, and occasionally during the rest of the year, the center hosts a variety of trip participants including teachers participating in our Professional Development courses and student leadership programs
Essential Functions
1. Professionally serve as an Educator on the Port Isobel Environmental Education Program, and other CBF field programs.
a. The Program Manager, along with the Assistant Manager/Educator and Captain, develops and teaches 3-day/2-night inquiry-based field programs using multiple field-based methods such as conducting biological sampling, water quality testing, and canoe-based activities for middle and high school students, teachers, and other participants.
b. Continually adapt program content based upon grade/age level of the group, weather, group dynamics, and feedback/evaluations from teachers/supervisors.
c. Ability to communicate ecosystem and watershed concepts to a wide range of audiences.
d. Plan & execute summer courses for Chesapeake Classrooms Teacher Professional Development and/or Student Leadership Program.
2. Safely and professionally serve as a course/field leader for the Port Isobel Environmental Education Program, and other CBF programs.
a. Ability to communicate safety instructions to all participants and ensure a safe learning environment.
b. 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.
c. Program staff are responsible and accountable for performing maintenance to keep all education related equipment and gear (work truck, canoe trailer, canoes, education materials) in proper working order.
3. Consistent ability to perform programmatic administrative duties which include:
a. Complete all relevant administrative tasks in a timely manner.
b. Provide timely communication and updates to supervisors and other CBF departments.
c. Develop and implement one-year program plan that is in alignment with CBF’s strategic plan.
d. Attend all safety and professional development trainings.
4. Other duties as assigned.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
Successful Candidate should possess the following:
• Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in lieu of degree, required.
• 3+ years’ experience teaching in either a formal or non-formal setting.
• A strong desire to teach in the field/outdoors and inspire students.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Collaborative work style.
• Knowledge of environmental issues.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to live on-site at the Port Isobel Education Center for the duration of the education field seasons.
• 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 frequent exposure to the elements.
• Ability to travel to attend trainings and meetings.
• Ability to have reliable transportation to travel to other CBF field programs & locations as needed.
• CBF Island education centers have a strict no pet policy.
Other:
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, submit a driving record, and have an acceptable driving record.
• All education staff participate in a pre-employment & random drug screening program per the requirements of the US Coast Guard.
Additional Information
CBF is committed to supporting their staff by providing robust training opportunities including: First Mate training, medical certification as a Wilderness First Responder, American Canoe Association certification, extensive training in field education theory and practice, and consideration for training to obtain a US Coast Guard Captains license.
Salary Range: $52,000
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume no later than May 8, 2024.
Apply NowCBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, and for full-time staff, a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution. Learn more about CBF Benefits.
