Job Opportunities

The Alice Ferguson Foundation is a preeminent environmental educational organization on the Potomac River focused on providing experiences that encourage connections between people, the natural environment, farming and the cultural heritage of the Potomac River Watershed, that lead to personal environmental responsibility. As a leader of watershed stewardship, it models innovative practices, outreach, partnerships, programs and events that are replicated nationally.

POSITION OVERVIEW:We seek a passionate educator to provide vision, leadership, and management for the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s outreach education programs. The Outreach Coordinator oversees student classroom outreach and teacher mentoring and training, coordinates the Schoolyards as Classroom Program, assists with Summer Teacher Institutes, and assists with grant writing and management. Salary: $30,000 plus benefits.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Masters degree, or equivalent experience, preferred, with background in science/ environmental education.
2. Minimum of 3 years related work experience.
3. Passion for environmental education and experience with formal and informal education/ outdoor educational programming.
4. Excellent organizational, problem-solving skills and communication skills.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Libby Campbell, Deputy Director
• ecampbell@fergusonfoundation.org
• Alice Ferguson Foundation
• 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607
• (301) 292-5665 FAX (301) 292-1070

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Bridging the Watershed (BTW) is an outreach program of the Alice Ferguson Foundation in partnership with the National Capital Region of the National Park Service and area schools. BTW’s promotes student academic achievement, personal connections with the natural world, lifelong civic engagement, and environmental stewardship through hands-on curriculum-based outdoor studies in national parks and public lands. More information about Bridging the Watershed.

1. Provide leadership for growing secondary science education outreach program
2. Manages staff of educators and administrative support
3. Maintain and develop partnerships with National Park Service, school systems and other organizations
4. Develop and oversee annual budget
5. Oversee evaluation system implementation
6. Oversee integration of technology into curriculum
7. Oversee development of new curriculum
8. Raise funds to support program
9. Coordinate advisory council of NPS and school system partners
10. Attends meetings at schools, parks, etc.
11. Maintains program records (e.g., field study reports, updates)
12. Communicates with BTW partners
13. Provides additional support to BTW program and to AFF

1. Master’s degree in science (i.e., environmental science, biology, natural resources) or education with major in science preferable
2. At least 3 year experience presenting education programs, preferably to secondary school students
3. At least 1 year experience supervising professional staff
4. Analytical skill, particularly with budgets
5. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain complex partnerships
6. Excellent organizational management
7. Exhibits understanding of inquiry-based science
8. Experience working with adolescents
9. Dynamic presentation skills
10. Excellent communication skills
11. Good computer skills (e.g., PC/Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Excel)
12. Good organization and problem-solving skills
13. Reliable, responsible, able to work independently and as part of a team, and able to problem solve creatively

Fax (301-292-8201) or email cover letter and resume to lcampbell@fergusonfoundation.org

Encouraging connections between people, the natural environment, farming and the cultural heritage of the Potomac River Watershed are the cornerstones of this engaging position. The Office Manager is solely responsible for all administrative duties such as human resources; budgets; accounts payable and receivable; scheduling of the educational programs offered at Hard Bargain Farm and collaborating with staff on projects. This position also provides IT support for the Foundation while serving as key communication link for staff, Board of Directors, visitors and constituents.

Candidate must possess a positive attitude and initiative; be highly organized with oral and written communication skills. Five years experience and/or Bachelor’s degree. Technical understanding of computer hardware and wireless networking are essential.

Salary offered is $30k plus benefits. Send cover letter and resume to Alice Ferguson Foundation, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607, Attn: Libby Campbell, or email ecampbell@fergusonfoundation.org.

Educator/Naturalist (Seasonal/Part-Time)

Position: Educator/Naturalist, (part-time)
Employer: Alice Ferguson Foundation, Hard Bargain Farm Environmental Center
Location: Accokeek, Maryland (ten miles south of Washington, D.C.)

Salary/Benefits: $10/hour, averaging 20-30 hours per week in spring and fall, 10-20 hours per week in winter, plus two Saturdays per month. In summer, assistance in summer teacher institutes.

Starting Date: Open

The Educator /Naturalist will:

• Conduct on-site environmental education programs, including agricultural, ecology field studies, and team-building activities, using hands-on, inquiry-based activities and teaching styles.
• Assist with program planning and curriculum development.
• Participate in staff development including training and conferences.
• Assist with farm chores as needed, including animal care, planting and harvesting.
• Participate in AFF special events.
• Support educational, community, and environmental outreach through presentations, demonstrations, newsletters, Web sites, and/or other outreach activities.

Qualifications:

• Comfort in and appreciation of the out-of-doors, and experience working with children.
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Science, Environmental Education, Agriculture, Education, Natural Resources, Physical or Outdoor Recreation, or a related field.
• Ability to hike daily and lead inquiry-based, hands-on environmental education activities.
• Knowledge of ecology, aquatic habitats, and flora and fauna.
• Willingness to learn to drive tractor and work with barnyard animals.
• CPR, First aid and canoe safety training or a willingness to acquire training.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated teaching competence
• Certifications in CPR and First Aid
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills
• Physical ability to hike, canoe, drive a tractor and assist with farm chores

Application Information: Please send cover letter and resume to:

Alice Ferguson Foundation/Hard Bargain Farm Education Center
2001 Bryan Point Road
Accokeek, MD 20607
(301) 292-5665   FAX (301) 292-1070