Urban Ecology and Sustainability Educator

Position Overview

Urban Ecology and Sustainability Educator for the BUGS (Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students) program, a part of the Living Classrooms Foundation. This teaching role focuses on the local urban environment, ecology, Chesapeake Bay health, innovative environmental practices, human impact, habitat restoration, climate resilience, and sustainability. The educator will guide students through lesson planning, stewardship projects, and hands‑on outdoor activities.

This position follows a typical Monday‑Friday work week and may require occasional weekend work.

• Participate in the BUGS Annual Student‑Run Farmer’s Market, held on Saturdays.
• Care for the campus flock of chickens, including coop maintenance.
• Plan and deliver environmental education lessons covering habitats, watersheds, and urban environments.
• Collaborate with other BUGS educators to create joint lesson plans.
• Maintain equipment and program spaces, such as outdoor classrooms, native pollinator gardens, oyster cages, and other campus ecosystems.
• Co‑ordinate program events including field trips, guest speakers, and the Farmer’s Market.
• Guide students in producing goods for the Farmer’s Market, such as hand‑crafted candles.
• Plan and lead environmental‑based enrichment activities for a six‑week summer program.
• Organize monthly local hikes and Adventure Club activities.
• Collaborate with students to develop meaningful action projects based on local environmental issues.
• Facilitate and monitor student‑led projects.
• Occasionally partner with Crossroads teachers to co‑teach lessons that integrate environmental education.
• Support increased environmental literacy and outdoor connection for all students.
• Maintain program updates on BUGS social media platforms.
• Communicate regularly with parents about student achievement, behavior, program activities, and upcoming events.
• Create and sustain partnerships with relevant Baltimore organizations and community members.
• Coordinate long‑term volunteers for greenhouse, garden beds, and chicken coop maintenance.
• Organize BUGS classroom spaces.
• Assist with data collection, database upkeep, photo uploads, program purchasing, and other administrative duties.
• Perform additional duties as requested by the Program Director.

• Experience with or willingness to learn about caring for a flock of chickens.
• Enjoy working with students.
• Effective communication with a diverse student population.
• Ability to create a positive and engaging learning environment.
• Initiative to build a strong program and collaborative space for students and educators.
• Design engaging hands‑on outdoor and environmental lessons that foster skill mastery and academic enrichment.
• Maintain a friendly, accessible, and conducive learning environment.
• Lead students through the program day with sound classroom management and positive behavior techniques.
• Use social‑emotional learning (SEL) techniques in lessons and behavior management.
• Knowledge of the environmental and natural history of Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay, and surrounding areas, including local environmental and social issues.
• Basic understanding of watersheds, native plants, animals, urban ecology, and regional habitats.
• Interest in urban conservation, environmental justice, sustainability practices, and related issues.
• Willingness to work outdoors year‑round in all weather conditions.
• Strong public speaking, oral, and written communication skills.

• Must pass a background check.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license, maintain a good driving record, and be able to operate large program vehicles to transport students.