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Onsite Program Manager and Environmental Educator

Job Description (Spring 2026)
JOB TITLE: Onsite Program Manager and Environmental Educator
ORGANIZATION: Alice Ferguson Foundation
BASED AT: Accokeek, MD (Prince George’s County)
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, In-Person
REGULAR or TEMPORARY: Regular
REPORT TO: Director of Programs
SUPERVISION OF: Environmental Educators
MEMBER OF: Education Programs Team
COMPENSATION: 3rd tier (Manager Level)- $55,000-65,000 Commensurate with Experience

BENEFITS:
Flexible scheduling, Flex PTO, Paid Holidays,
Medical & Dental Insurance, Short & Long term Disability, Family Leave
403(b) with AFF match up to 5% after one year, Fully vested on day 1
Professional Development opportunities
Potential for on-site and local housing options

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

The Onsite Program Manager and Environmental Educator plays a key role in delivering high-quality, hands-on
environmental education at the Alice Ferguson Foundation. This position supports the Education Program team by
leading and managing on-site programs serving students from pre-kindergarten through college, as well as adults.
Programs are grounded in Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE), Next Generation Science
Standards (NGSS), and environmental literacy, and explore topics such as watersheds, habitats, climate change,
water quality, invasive species, agriculture, team building, and the natural and cultural heritage of the Potomac River
watershed.

The Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of all on-site programs, working in partnership with the Director of
Programs to schedule, coordinate, and finalize program details with schools and partner organizations. This includes
serving as the primary on-site lead during day and overnight field trips—welcoming buses and chaperones,
supporting educators, adjusting schedules for weather or program needs, and responding to medical, safety, or
staffing issues. The Manager also supports evening and weekend programs, assists with kitchen and facility
readiness, and ensures that program materials and supplies are well-stocked and organized.

Onsite Program Manager and Environmental Educator Spring 2026

In addition to teaching and program oversight, the position supports a wide range of Foundation initiatives,
including litter cleanups, invasive plant removals, summer and spring camps, workshops, and community events.
The Manager also oversees grant-funded projects, ensuring that program deliverables are met and reports are
completed accurately and on time, and represents the Foundation to both new and returning participants, building
strong relationships and positive community connections.
Programs run year-round, primarily on weekdays with occasional evenings and weekends. Some off-site
programming may take place throughout Southern Maryland, Central Maryland, Northern Virginia, the District of
Columbia, and surrounding areas.

Qualifications and Skills

Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, biology, or a related field, or equivalent relevant
experience
● 3+ years of experience coordinating programs, events, or educational activities
● 3+ years of experience supervising and supporting staff (minimum of 3 team members)
● 2+ years of experience delivering formal or non-formal environmental or youth education, including
classroom or field-based behavior management
● Preferred: Experience managing volunteers
Skills & Competencies:
● Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
● Ability to build positive relationships with students, educators, partners, and team members, with strong
verbal and written communication skills
● Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs, schedules, and priorities
simultaneously
● Proficiency with computer tools, including Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Adobe, and Canva
● Working knowledge of natural history, ecology, and watershed science
● Ability to model and enforce strong risk management and safety practices in all learning environments
● Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in environmental education and workplace culture
● Openness to coaching, feedback, and continuous improvement
● Strong problem-solving skills, flexibility, reliability, and a positive, solutions-oriented work ethic
Physical Requirements:
● Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
● Ability to lead and participate in hikes across varied terrain
● Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
● Ability to speak, hear, and use a computer for standard business communications
Additional Requirements:
● Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends
● Current First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire
● Valid driver’s license with access to a vehicle for local travel
● Proficiency in Spanish strongly preferred
● Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check

Job Role Job Task Examples
On-site ● Serves as the primary on-site lead for all school and group programs

Onsite Program Manager and Environmental Educator
Spring 2026

Program
Manager

● Greets buses, teachers, chaperones, and students, and ensures smooth arrivals and
departures
● Manages daily schedules, staffing, and activity flow in coordination with the Director of
Programs
● Supervises Environmental Educators and provides guidance, support, and evaluations
● Adjusts programming in response to weather, safety concerns, or group needs
● Responds to emergencies, including medical, behavioral, weather-related, and staffing
issues
● Ensures all program spaces, materials, and safety supplies are prepared and ready for use
● Supports evening, overnight, and weekend programs, including kitchen and facility
readiness

Environmental
Educator

● Delivers engaging, hands-on, NGSS- and MWEE-aligned environmental education
programs for youth and adults
● Leads outdoor field studies on topics including watersheds, habitats, climate change, water
quality, and invasive species
● Creates inclusive, joyful, and safe learning environments that encourage curiosity and
comfort in nature
● Inspires stewardship by connecting students to their local watershed and natural resources
● Administers and collects pre- and post-program evaluations and contributes to program
assessment and improvement

Program
Coordinator

● Schedules and confirms programs with schools and partner organizations
● Communicates program logistics, expectations, and preparation details with teachers and
site staff
● Tracks attendance, staffing needs, and program delivery
● Maintains accurate records for billing, reporting, and internal tracking

Community
Program
Support

● Assists with and leads volunteer events such as invasive plant removals and litter cleanups
● Leads community programs, including night hikes, birding programs, farm chores, and
special events
● Partners with local businesses, agencies, and community organizations to coordinate local
initiatives
● Creates and helps distribute marketing materials to promote community programs and
volunteer opportunities
● Manages volunteer participation, including sign-ins, safety briefings, and on-site
coordination

Grant Support ● Ensures grant deliverables, outcomes, and timelines are met for all assigned projects

● Collects program data and documentation needed for grant reporting
● Prepares and submits grant reports accurately and on time
● Assists with writing new grant proposals and cultivating funding partnerships

Foundation
Representative

● Builds and maintains positive relationships with administrators, teachers, chaperones,
parents, volunteers, and community partners
● Represents the Alice Ferguson Foundation with professionalism, patience, and respect in
all interactions
● Handles questions, concerns, and challenges with care and consideration
● Communicates clearly and promptly with staff and program partners to support smooth
operations and long-term relationships

Onsite Program Manager and Environmental Educator
Spring 2026

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.