Position Summary –
Pickering Creek is located on a tidal tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, along the Atlantic Flyway. The Center’s 450 acres are a microcosm of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the habitats critical to wildlife. Pickering Creek believes that experiences in nature combined with quality science education serves as a foundation for conservation and stewardship in any community. We believe in welcoming people of all backgrounds to have authentic relationships with the natural world.
Pickering Creek Audubon Center seeks a Field Programs Manager to contribute to the growth of our successful environmental education programs. The Field Programs Manager will work closely with the Center staff to ensure smooth delivery of public, school, camp, and conservation programs. This position requires frequent in-person, and on and off site programming and reports to the Director of Education.
This is a full-time exempt position with a standard work week of 35 hours per week, including some evening and weekend hours. On-site, low cost housing is available. Pickering Creek Audubon Center prioritizes following CDC and local guidance on maintaining a safe working environment for our team. Pickering Creek staff must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
Essential Functions:
- Lead and manage various K-12 school environmental programs including:
- Development and teaching of new and existing student programming such as Meaningful Watershed Education Experiences in collaboration with full-time and part-time program staff
- Contributing to teacher professional development workshops
- Conducting program evaluations and analysis
- Grant reporting
- Alignment of programs with relevant state and national standards
- Day-to-day supervision of seasonal educators in the field
- Managing equipment and site maintenance needs for programs
- Contribute to summer EcoCamp curriculum and lead field activities for campers, Junior Naturalists and assist in training camp staff.
- Communicate in writing about various programs and projects for grant reporting, press releases, newsletter articles and social media.
- Work with the Executive Director and Director of Education to further develop the interpretive facilities of the Center and look for opportunities for growth.
- Participate in the maintenance of buildings and grounds.
- Serve as a role model environmental steward and naturalist in the community.
Qualifications and Experience
- Professional experience and/or secondary education in the conservation education field including formal or informal/outdoor teaching, managerial experience, curriculum development.
- Demonstrated knowledge of environmental education program design and assessment, knowledge of wildlife conservation /climate issues, and ability to articulate them to inspire participation.
- Ability to represent Pickering Creek in the cultivation of strong working relationships with local organizations, agencies, school districts, educators, and potential supporters.
- Proven skills teaching in formal and informal settings to a variety of audiences.
- Ability to work independently as well as in collaborative settings.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Attention to detail, excellent time management and organizational skills, and the ability to solve problems creatively.
- Some level of Spanish proficiency is a plus.
- Ability to travel to program locations, must have a valid driver’s license.
- High level of proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of programs (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), and a willingness to learn others as needed.
- Ability to tackle multiple tasks in a timely and effective manner.
Benefits/Why you want to work with us:
- Having a positive impact on the lives of today’s and tomorrow’s stewards with fun exploratory learning experiences
- A collaborative team setting
- 450 scenic acres to explore
- Meaningful and varied work projects
- On-site, low cost housing available
- Salary Range: $36,000/year – $41,000/year
- Excellent benefits package including paid holidays, paid vacation days, a 401K, and health, vision and dental benefits
Application Instructions and Deadline
The position will remain open until filled. Please submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample. The cover letter should address why you are interested and how your skills and experience are specifically relevant to this job opportunity, rather than serving simply as description of your previous positions or experience.
Pickering Creek Audubon Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We encourage applications from people of color. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Pickering Creek does not participate in programs that require sponsorship for work visas.