About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act's impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.
CBF has a staff of approximately 230 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.
CBF's headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world's first U.S. Green Build Council's LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world's most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
CBF has 200,000 members and supporters and an annual budget of approximately $30 million. For more information on CBF, please visit our About CBF page.
About the Hiring Department
Environmental Education
Approximately 35,000 students and teachers participate each year in CBF's education field experiences or teacher professional learning.
The Bay, and its watershed, is our classroom and CBF environmental educators are responsible for bringing the Bay alive to students. We strive to make a lasting impression about the excitement and vulnerability of the Bay.
Each of CBF's 15 education programs has its own individual character. The field experience options run the gamut from our urban boat programs in Baltimore and Hampton Roads to Pennsylvania canoe programs to remote island-based centers. We use hands-on experiential teaching techniques to educate students about the health of the Bay and connect them back to their local environment. Educators promote and develop citizen knowledge about the Bay by providing unforgettable, hands-on experiences that inspire participants with a commitment to take action for the restoration of the Bay.
The education department is comprised of Student Field Programs, Teacher and Principal Professional Learning, and Student Leadership. All of these components work closely to educate and empower participants to take action towards "Saving the Bay."
Context of the Position
The Port Isobel Captain/Educator is responsible for operating & maintaining the 50 ft USCG inspected vessel and providing educational experiences for participants that includes activities such as setting crab pots, dredging for oysters, and scraping the nearby underwater grass meadows. The Port Isobel Captain is part of a 3-person education team that consists of a Captain, Program Manager, and Assistant Manager. All program staff live on-site and serve as co-educators who plan and facilitate the field experiences for students and teachers. This position requires that the captain live on-site for education programming during the Spring, Summer, and Fall field program seasons (March – early December). CBF provides housing for only CBF staff, and we cannot accommodate pets. The centers are winterized from mid-December – February and no housing is provided during that time. The Port Isobel Environmental Education Center is a 250-acre island that is situated in the heart of the Tangier Island archipelago. During the fall and spring seasons, the Port Isobel Environmental Education staff typically lead 3-day field programs for students traveling from within the watershed. In the summer, and occasionally during the rest of the year, the center hosts a variety of trip participants including adult groups, teacher groups, and student leadership programs. Participants explore various ecosystems, examine plant and animal species, analyze water quality, and discuss the socio-economic issues facing residents of the Bay watershed, in general, and the local watermen communities.
Essential Functions
1. Safely & professionally serve as Captain of the Port Isobel vessel(s)
a. Familiarity and ability to maintain compliance with USCG rules and regulations for an inspected vessel.
b. Ensure safe operation of the boat.
c. Inform passengers of safety precautions.
d. Conduct & manage regular safety checklists and inspections, in coordination with the Senior Fleet Manager.
e. Maintain & repair a 50-foot workboat and the 6-pack Carolina skiff in coordination with the Fleet Senior Manager.
f. Clear and professional communication skills concerning the safe operation of the boat especially with regards to communicating roles, expectations, and proper training for program staff/crew.
2. Professionally serve as an Educator on the Port Isobel Environmental Education Program and other CBF field programs.
a. Assist with developing and teaching inquiry-based field programs using multiple field-based methods such as conducting biological sampling & water quality testing for middle and high school students, teachers, and other participants.
b. Continually adapt program content based upon grade/age level of the group, weather, group dynamics, and feedback/evaluations from teachers/supervisors.
c. Collaborate with other CBF Educators in the planning and implementation of summer courses for Chesapeake Classrooms Teacher Professional Development and/or Student Leadership Program.
d. Program staff are responsible for the safety of all field participants, ensure that all safety protocols are rigorously followed, and are required to respond to medical emergencies that may arise.
3. Consistent ability to perform programmatic administrative duties which include:
a. Complete & submit required administrative tasks and paperwork on due dates.
b. Provide timely communication and updates to supervisors and other CBF departments.
4. Other duties as assigned
Professional Experience and Qualifications
* Minimum 50-ton Master of Inland Waters USCG Captain License with an FCC certification
* 3-6 years’ experience operating & maintaining a Coast Guard inspected passenger carrying vessel
* Experience with boat maintenance and small repairs
* 1-3 years’ experience teaching in either a formal or non-formal setting, preferred
* A strong desire to teach in the field/outdoors on a boat and inspire students on a daily basis
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
* Knowledge of environmental issues, a plus
* Ability to demonstrate understanding of local communities
Physical Requirements:
* Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects, at least 45 pounds (canoes and other equipment)
* This physically demanding position involves frequent exposure to the elements
* Ability to live at Port Isobel during the education seasons – March through December. No housing is provided during the winter months of end of December through Early February
* Ability to work evenings and weekends
* Ability to travel to attend required meetings and safety and professional development trainings
* Ability to work away from home for multiple-day periods throughout the year
Other:
* Must pass a criminal background check
* All education staff participate in a pre-employment & random drug screening program per the requirements of the US Coast Guard
* Must possess a valid driver’s license, submit a driving record, and have an acceptable driving record
Additional Information
CBF Education Department is committed to supporting our staff by providing robust training opportunities including: First Mate training, medical certification as a Wilderness First Responder, American Canoe Association certification, extensive training in field education theory and practice, and consideration for training to obtain a US Coast Guard Captains license.
Salary Range: $55,000 negotiable with possibility of a signing bonus
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume. This position will remain open until filled.
Apply Now
CBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution. Learn more about CBF Benefits.