The Phillips Wharf Environmental Center is a 501(c) nonprofit whose mission is to encourage, educate, and engage Chesapeake Bay stewards of all ages through interactive experiences showcasing the Bay’s ecosystem and its inhabitants. These programs include the Fishmobile, a traveling aquarium that brings the Chesapeake Bay to schools, fairs, and other events and our 4th grade oyster Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience. The goal of our work is to create a network of environmental stewards who are connected to the Bay and make daily decisions that support healthy ecosystems.

Phillips Wharf is seeking a flexible and experienced educator to assist with educational programming and animal care for approximately 20 hours per week depending on our program schedule. The right candidate loves working with children, learning, and animals. This is a seasonal position beginning in April and running through July, with the possibility of extension.

Programs will include in school, on-site field trips, and off-site Fishmobile programs. Animal care involves water changes, tank cleanings, and feeding for a variety of turtles, fish, and crabs.

The Educator will report to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. The essential duties and responsibilities include;

  • Having a flexible schedule so as to be available for educational programming.
  • Supporting Fishmobile programming through set up and clean up of the Fishmobile, developing or expanding on activities to support Fishmobile programming, and running those activities.
  • Educating guests on the animals and displays inside the Fishmobile and the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center. Please note that no prior animal knowledge is needed, just a willingness to learn.
  • Assisting with the care of animals that are used in education programming, including feeding, water changes, environmental control, tank cleaning, and record keeping.
  • Handling live animals during educational programs and tank cleaning.
  • Assisting with planning, scheduling, and running a variety of education programs with local schools, organizations, and events.
  • Understanding our mission statement and using it as a way to frame the work we do.
  • Complete work in a timely fashion and within the constraints of being a small non-profit organization.
  • Occasional cleaning such as sweeping and vacuuming of our facility and the Fishmobile.

There will also be optional opportunities to pick up additional hours and gain skills in areas of interest including but not limited to, designing new educational programs, writing articles for our monthly newsletter, coordinating education workshops, designing logos, fliers, and other promotional material, developing and implementing fundraisers and other events, and supervising volunteers.

Compensation: $24.00/hr. Benefits are not available at this time.

Required qualifications:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • You must be able to lift at least 40 pounds.
  • You must have reliable transportation to and from the Phillips Wharf Environmental Center in Easton, MD.
  • You must pass a background check.

Preferred qualifications:

  • 5 years experience teaching (formal or informal)
  • A Bachelors degree or higher in the sciences or educational fields.

Please note:

As an educational facility that works closely with schools and school age children, we follow all State and CDC Guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of our employees and guests.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out by email – info@phillipswharf.org.

If you’d like to apply, please send a resume and a brief email to the same email address.