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.

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 mission is to provide personally meaningful educational experiences that connect students to their place in the natural and cultural world. The uniqueness of learning through national parks in the Potomac River watershed inspires lifelong civic responsibility. Click here for more information about Bridging the Watershed.

Position Description

1. Assists in planning and presenting field studies in national parks
2. Provides pre-and/or post-field experiences in school classrooms
3. Attends meetings at schools, parks, etc.
4. Maintains program records (e.g., field study reports, updates)
5. Communicates with BTW partners
6. Provides additional support to BTW program (equipment management, contributions to e-newsletter, teacher and ranger training, other duties as assigned) and to AFF

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

1. Bachelor’s degree in science (i.e., environmental science, biology, natural resources) or education with major in science
2. Experience working in the out-of-doors
3. At least 1 year experience presenting education programs, preferably to high school students
4. Exhibits understanding of inquiry-based science
5. Experience working with adolescents
6. Dynamic presentation skills
7. Excellent communication skills
8. Good computer skills (e.g., PC/Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Excel)
9. GIS proficiency a plus.
10. Good organization and problem-solving skills
11. Reliable, responsible, able to work independently and as part of a team, and able to problem solve creatively

Additional Note
The BTW educator position requires the use of a personal vehicle for commuting to meetings, field studies, etc.

Fax (301-292-8201) or cover letter and resume to Jeanne Troy

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 mission is to provide personally meaningful educational experiences that connect students to their place in the natural and cultural world. The uniqueness of learning through national parks in the Potomac River watershed inspires lifelong civic responsibility. Click here for more information about Bridging the Watershed.

Position Description

1. Assists in planning and presenting field studies in national parks
2. Provides pre-and/or post-field experiences in school classrooms
3. Attends meetings at schools, parks, etc.
4. Maintains program records (e.g., field study reports, updates)
5. Communicates with BTW partners
6. Provides additional support to BTW program (equipment management, contributions to e-newsletter, teacher and ranger training, other duties as assigned) and to AFF

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

1. Bachelor’s degree in science (i.e., environmental science, biology, natural resources) or education with major in science
2. Experience working in the out-of-doors
3. At least 1 year experience presenting education programs, preferably to high school students
4. Exhibits understanding of inquiry-based science
5. Experience working with adolescents
6. Dynamic presentation skills
7. Excellent communication skills
8. Good computer skills (e.g., PC/Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Excel)
9. GIS proficiency a plus.
10. Good organization and problem-solving skills
11. Reliable, responsible, able to work independently and as part of a team, and able to problem solve creatively

Additional Note
The BTW educator position requires the use of a personal vehicle for commuting to meetings, field studies, etc.

Fax (301-292-8201) or cover letter and resume to Jeanne Troy

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 mission is to provide personally meaningful educational experiences that connect students to their place in the natural and cultural world. The uniqueness of learning through national parks in the Potomac River watershed inspires lifelong civic responsibility. Click here for more information about Bridging the Watershed.

Position Description

1. Develops and implements communication strategy for recruiting students to new and existing service opportunities, including web-based, print and in-person strategies
2. Creates and manages content for student action section of BTW website, including listing of service project opportunities
3. Function as liaison to students, NPS staff, teachers and other partners for student action initiative
4. Work with NPS staff to identify and/or develop service projects in parks
5. Supervises student participation in service projects
6. Assists in planning and presenting field studies in national parks
7. Attends meetings at schools, parks, etc.
8. Maintains program records
9. Communicates with BTW partners
10. Provides additional support to BTW program (equipment management, contributions to e-newsletter, teacher and ranger training, other duties as assigned) and to AFF

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

1. Bachelor’s degree in science (i.e., environmental science, biology, natural resources) or education with major in science
2. Experience working in the out-of-doors
3. Exhibits understanding of inquiry-based science
4. Experience working with adolescents
5. Familiarity with best practices for service learning and student civic engagement
6. Dynamic presentation skills
7. Excellent communication skills
8. Good computer skills (e.g., PC/Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Excel)
9. Good organization and problem-solving skills
10. Reliable, responsible, able to work independently and as part of a team, and able to problem solve creatively

Additional Note
The BTW Student Action Coordinator position requires the use of a personal vehicle for commuting to meetings, field studies, etc. Work on weekend and in evenings will be required on a semi-regular basis.

Fax (301-292-8201) or cover letter and resume to Jeanne Troy

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, 25-35 hours per week for preparation and directorship of one week-long summer camp, and 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.
• Organize and coordinate a one-week summer camp.
• 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