Do you love working with preschool and kindergarten students? This job may be perfect for you! We are seeking an enthusiastic, experienced part-time program leader to implement the SOLE program during the 2026-2027 school year.
Children explore soil during the Schoolyard Outdoor Learning Experiences (SOLE) program.
Description of Role
The Outreach Program Leader is responsible for weekly oversight and implementation of the SOLE (Schoolyard Outdoor Learning Experiences) program in a Baltimore County elementary school. This includes program facilitation with students and their teachers, on-going evaluation, and documentation of the SOLE program with the partner elementary school.
Time Commitment
This is a part-time, grant-funded program that is scheduled based on our partner school’s needs. During SY2026/27, it will likely run on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 8-11 a.m. or 12-3 p.m. Additional hours are paid for planning and program evaluation. Total hours: Approx. 12 hours/week.
SOLE (Schoolyard Outdoor Learning Experiences) Program Goals:
- To facilitate seasonal outdoor learning for children during typical public-school day
- To empower educators to engage in and document outdoor learning that aligns with existing curriculum
- To provide a framework for public schools as they develop sustainable systems for regular outdoor learning in the form of weekly SOLE Program
- To nurture Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and kindle cooperation, compassion, and connectedness through emergent outdoor curriculum
- To introduce nature play experiences and activities that align with Maryland Early Learning Standards
- To model best practices and approaches to nature-based early childhood education (NBECE)
Position involves close collaboration with public school teachers to provide training and support. Additional interactions will take place with administrators, volunteers, and/or parents as needed.
Documentation of emergent learning and collaboration with teachers is a crucial component of this program. A variety of strategies and formats may support documentation and serve as models for teaching staff.
Position also includes writing content, providing data such as daily attendance, and other supplemental information to document and evaluate how program goals are being met.
Primary Responsibilities
- Responsible for the implementation of the SOLE Program
- Responsible for training teachers, volunteers, and /or parents involved in the SOLE Program
- Responsible for documentation of emergent learning processes in a variety of formats such as: written documentation/notes, emails, photos, content for social media posts, ANBE website, etc.
- Manage materials and equipment; set-up/break-down for outdoor learning experiences
Other Duties
Work with the Program Director of Notchcliff, Executive Director, and/or Board of Directors as needed. This description is not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned as relevant to this role.
Essential Experience & Education
- Minimum of three years of experience leading environmental education programs, with emphasis on coyote mentoring, directional teaching, flow learning, emergent curriculum, and outdoor learning
- Experience working with young children as appropriate (emphasis on preK – 3rd grade students)
- Experience delivering programs for diverse populations including BIPOC communities, dual language learners, and those with diverse abilities or special needs
- Experience leading professional development for teachers
- Naturalist background with knowledge of local ecology, flora, and fauna
- Possess the following credentials: Current first aid and CPR credentials (Wilderness First Responder preferred); Master Gardener or Master Naturalist certification preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, outdoor education, natural history, biology, elementary education, or closely related field; advanced coursework or Master’s Degree preferred
- Must pass background check, child abuse clearances, and drug test before starting employment
- Physically able to hike, carry gear, and carry a small child if needed (up to 50 lbs)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with staff and/or volunteers and work as part of a team
- Demonstrated commitment to further diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in nature-based education
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Proficient using Google Drive, Google Workspace, and its integrated applications
*If an applicant demonstrates exceptional experience, we may waive academic requirements.
Most Desirable Qualities
- Love of children
- Love of nature
- A strong work ethic with a track record of being reliable, honest, and kind
- Ability to laugh, remain calm, and persevere when faced with challenges
- Patient, positive disposition
- Eager to grow and learn with others
Additional Skills & Training
- Proficient use of social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and FaceBook
- Excited to lead outdoor programs in all kinds of weather
- Flexible mindset and positive attitude
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Ideal Candidate will:
- Be passionate about educating children in nature.
- Be self-motivated and self-directed with the flexibility to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Have strong leadership abilities and excellent interpersonal skills, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Be a skilled communicator, guided by a desire to listen to and speak compassionately with both children and adults.
- Feel comfortable and confident about meeting the needs of children outdoors in all seasons.
Salary
This is a part-time, hourly position with a non-negotiable rate of $25/hour. Contractors will receive a flat rate for services described in a letter of understanding.
How to Apply
This job description offers guidelines for the position, not hard and fast rules. If you have 75% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply! Send your resume and three references to Jasmine at jasmine@anbe.org. If hired, you will complete a background check, fingerprinting, and formal application of employment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Persons from Indigenous, Latinx, African-American and other diverse racial or cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability and require accommodation or assistance with our online application process, please contact us so we can help.
