Program Assistant - Environmental Education

Release Date: May 1, 2026 Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

Requisition: 12044

Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered. Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.

Position: Program Assistant - Environmental Education

Location: Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Salary: The salary for this position will be based on the EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month employees – Range 19. ($37,623-$56,913)

Effective: August 2026

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Qualified applicants, including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools, must complete a TalentEd online application. In addition to the online application, any supporting documentation (unofficial transcript and/or copy of the certification, where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application. The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant’s background, experience, and professional qualifications. Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review. All online applications must be completed no later than May 15, 2026. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions. (301-475-5511, ext. 32187)

NATURE OF WORK:

This is a professional position to meet the instructional goals of the school and school system by delivering instructional programs effectively to ensure student achievement. The incumbent will lead groups in data collection and effective use of equipment to engage student learning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks
• Ability to report to work daily and on time
• Ability to organize, supervise, coordinate, and establish priorities of tasks to be completed
• Ability to work independently in the absence of detailed instructions and to follow complex oral and/or written instructions
• Ability to communicate courteously and tactfully with staff, students, parents, and the community in a timely manner
• Possess experience as a field instructor, naturalist, or camp director
• Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to take initiative and make decisions within assigned responsibility in a challenging, fast-paced, professional environment and be flexible in work responsibilities and hours
• Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School
• Possess knowledge creating and utilizing maps for instruction and site planning using mapping software and GIS
• Possess knowledge in designing and implementing programs based on the Maryland Environmental Literacy Framework, North American Association for Environmental Education Guidelines, and Maryland State Science Standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with the Chief Academic Officer and Coordinator of Environmental Education to develop and present an interdisciplinary environmental education program
• Instructs field programs Pre-K-12 as needed at field sites, including ecology, natural resources, canoeing, and water safety
• Creates and utilizes maps for instruction and site planning using mapping software and GIS
• Collaborates with other county and state agencies to provide sites and programs for St. Mary's County Public Schools students
• Assists with the planning, equipment, materials, and data needed for instructional programs, canoeing equipment, laboratory equipment, maps and texts, and plantings
• Assists with special projects and activities associated with classroom extensions of environmental education programs, community partnerships and outreach, student service-learning, and school yard habitats
• Provides live-in on-site managements when available
• Performs other related and non-related job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High school degree or GED
• Associate degree(unoffiical transcript must be uploaded in application) OR three (3) years of experience as a field instructor, naturalist, or camp director

Preferred:

• ACA or BCU certification and experience as a canoeing or kayaking instructor; certification as instructor trainer.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

Full-time ten-month position.

SALARY GRADE RANGE: The salary for this position will be based on the EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month employees – Range 19.

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY: EASMC-ESP

Updated 07.2024, 5.2025, 01.2026