Overview

The Elisabeth Reed Carter Environmental Education program provides one-day canoe-based field investigations for students and teachers. These field investigations are designed to provide participants with the opportunity to investigate and explore Virginia’s local waterways and learn about its connection to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Participants learn about water quality and the effects that pollution and land use have on the Bay’s tributaries. The “canoeing classroom” affords students the opportunity to conduct biological and chemical tests and discover how they can take action to help preserve and restore the watershed.

This mobile canoe program explores the rivers & creeks of central and tidewater, VA using different canoe sites to reach students in their local watersheds.  The program staff travel extensively throughout the greater Richmond area with occasional travel to Norfolk and Virginia Beach to canoe some of the most scenic tributaries in the watershed. This position requires the ability to work with a changing work schedule/time due to the varied work sites and travel.

Essential Functions

Professionally serve as an Educator on the Elisabeth Reed Carter (ERC) Environmental Education Program and other CBF field programs

• Assist the Program Manager with developing and teaching one-day 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
• Continually adapt program content based upon grade/age level of the group, weather, group dynamics, and feedback/evaluations from teachers/supervisors
• Ability to communicate ecosystem and watershed concepts to a wide range of audiences
• Plan & execute summer courses for Chesapeake Classrooms Teacher Professional Development and/or Student Leadership Program

Safely and professionally serve as a course/field leader for the ERC Canoe Program, and other CBF programs

• Ability to communicate safety instructions and rudimentary canoe skills to all participants
• 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
• 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
• Attend all safety and professional development trainings

Consistent ability to perform programmatic administrative duties which include:

• Complete & submit timesheets, personal expense reports, credit card reports, and all other relevant administrative tasks in a timely manner
• Provide timely communication and updates to supervisors and other CBF departments
• Develop and implement one-year program plan that is in alignment with CBF’s strategic plan

Professional Experience and Qualifications

Successful Candidate should possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, environmental studies, or related field, or relevant experience
• 1- 3 years’ experience teaching in either a formal or non-formal setting
• Experience canoeing on both flat and moving water
• ACA certified, preferred
• A strong desire to teach in the field/outdoors (under all weather conditions) and work with students on a daily basis
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaborative work style
• Creativity, humor and self-confidence
• Knowledge of Virginia rivers and streams, preferred
• Knowledge of environmental issues facing the Bay and of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects-at least 45 pounds (canoes and other equipment)
• Ability to learn to drive a work truck and safely tow a canoe trailer over long distances with a varying work schedule
• This physically demanding position involves year-round exposure to the elements
• Ability to work occasional evenings and/or weekends
• Ability to work away from home for multiple-day periods throughout the year
• Ability to travel to attend trainings & meetings
• Ability to have access reliable transportation to travel to other CBF field programs & locations as needed

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

Salary Range: $40,000