Environmental Program Coordinator

Organization Description

Celebrating 20 Years of Making Waves, the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting the waterfront district, parks, and public spaces. We create welcoming programs, events, and recreational experiences while working toward a healthy harbor. We are committed to fostering connections among diverse communities to ensure equitable access to our blue and green spaces.

Role Summary

The Environmental Program Coordinator helps the program manager plan and implement programs that promote Baltimore Harbor as an environmental, educational, and recreational resource for the city. Specifically, the position assists with the Baltimore Oyster Partnership and Wildlife Gardening programs while supporting environmental field trips, water quality sampling, and other environmental events. This position offers opportunities for growth and the chance to provide input and contribute to shaping processes and strategies. The Program Coordinator is required to work three (3) Saturdays a month April through November. Saturday hours are accrued as "comp time" and can be used to adjust regular working hours during the week.

Responsibilities

Assist with Baltimore Oyster Partnership (40%)

The Baltimore Oyster Partnership has grown over 2 million oysters in Baltimore Harbor with the goal of growing even more in the year ahead. This restoration program is volunteer intensive with a strong education and outreach component. The Environmental Program Coordinator will:

• Assist with oyster garden maintenance and explain basic oyster ecology, biology,
• and policy to volunteers
• Help volunteers with oyster and water quality data collection
• Assist and/or lead volunteer events 2-3 Saturdays per month (April thru November)
• Assist in transplanting oysters onboard multiple boat trips to a sanctuary reef each spring
• Support any program needs related to oyster gardening outreach and event support
• Provide support for corporate oyster cleanings on weekdays
• Oversee oyster supplies inventory by managing orders for cage and rope materials, repairing damaged cages as needed, and maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of grant applications and grant reports

Assist in Water Quality Sampling in the Inner Harbor (20%)

Waterfront Partnership collects daily water samples (M-F) at five sites around the Inner Harbor annually May thru September. Samples are tested for bacteria using the Maryland State recreational standard. Results are shared publicly and incorporated into our annual report card. The Environmental Program Coordinator will:

• Collect water samples during the sampling season and deliver samples to the Zooquatic lab for analysis
• Coordinate with scientists on research projects related to water quality

Assist with Wildlife Gardening (15%)

Through our Wildlife Gardening program, Waterfront Partnership offers free environmental engagement events at the Inner Harbor one Saturday per month. The Environmental Program Coordinator will:

• Assist and/or lead wildlife gardening events as needed (June-October)
• Support program needs related to wildlife gardening outreach and event support including corporate volunteer events (6 per year) and working with youth volunteers

Assist with environmental field trips including EcoTours and the Harbor Scholars Program (15%)

Waterfront Partnership offers 60-90 minute walking tours of restoration projects around the waterfront to schools, conferences, and others. The Environmental Program Coordinator will:

• Assist and eventually lead EcoTours to public groups of all ages in the Inner Harbor
• Co-lead Harbor Scholars Field trips given to Baltimore City Public School
• students showcasing restoration and green infrastructure at the Inner Harbor
• Support any program needs related to Harbor Scholars

General Event Support (10%)

• Support other major organizational events
• Capture photos and video at events for use on social media

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Education, or a related field or 2+ years of relevant work experience
• Demonstrated interest in urban ecology, environmental restoration, and community engagement
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, able to lead groups of all ages
• Ability to work weekends and occasional evenings as needed
• Comfortable performing fieldwork in various weather conditions
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 30 pounds
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive a pick-up truck

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Location

WPB is based in Baltimore, Maryland