Specialist, Environmental Literacy

Salary Range: $77,204 - $119,591 

*State Salary Guidelines apply for current State employees.

 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

200 West Baltimore Street 

Baltimore, MD 21201

The Specialist, Environmental Literacy position identifies and supports evidence-based cross disciplinary opportunities to implement Maryland’s Next Generation Science Standards and Environmental Literacy Standards through strategies that promote culturally responsive teaching practices and student access and progression through college and career readiness pathways, such as dual enrollment, early/middle college, advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, industry-recognized credentials, and apprenticeships that are intentionally designed to prepare students to be college and career ready, especially those who have been historically underserved. This position will also support the implementation of specific Blueprint for Maryland’s Future programs and Maryland State Department of Education’s multiyear Strategic Plan initiatives.

• Provides technical assistance staff development, presentations, and workshops to local education agencies' (LEA) central office staff and childcare providers, including but not limited to science supervisors, environmental education staff, resource staff, and school-based administrators and teachers. 
• Collaborates with environmental literacy education experts, providers and federal and State agency personnel for aligning instructional efforts with curriculum.
• Represents MSDE on the Climate Change Commission and the Education, Communication and Outreach Working Group.
• Provides technical oversight and assistance to ensure the requirements of Project Green Classrooms initiative are accomplished.
• Facilitates guidance and support to LEA staff to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to make decisions and take actions that create and maintain an optimal relationship between themselves and the environment, and to preserve and protect the unique natural resources of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay.
• Provides instruction for implementing and utilizing the Environmental Education Toolkit and an Environmental Literacy Curriculum.
• Develops and implements evidence-based environmental literacy programs, initiatives, and instruction through project- and inquiry-based learning models, Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE), and culturally responsive teaching practices.
• Provides technical assistance and oversight to support the Maryland Green Schools Act and related environmental literacy grant programs. 
• Collaborates with the Maryland Association of Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) to develop guidance and strategies to support professional development, access to nature, and Green Schools programs at schools.
• Ensures Maryland’s environmental literacy programs align to the Maryland Next Generation Science Standards and with the environmental literacy goal of the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP).
• Generates deliverables meeting divisional, departmental, State, and federal goals and performance criteria.
• Administers the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award in Maryland program; inclusive of distributing applications, providing guidance for completion, convening a review panel, and submitting nominations for the annual recognition ceremony.
• Supports planning and implementation of professional learning activities associated with the Maryland Integrated Science Assessments and the Next Generation Science Standards.

Experience: Four years of administrative or teaching experience in, or affiliated with, an education program involving environmental science, ecological health, bioscience, sustainability, oceanography, marine biology, or a related field.

Notes: 

1. Candidates may substitute a Bachelor's Degree with 6 years of the specified content experience to satisfy the Minimum Qualifications noted above. 
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position option for one year of the required experience.
3. The required field of education and experience are unique for each option and are established by MSDE in accordance with Education Article, Section 2-104 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.  The specific education and experience qualifications for each position are on record in the Human Resource Management Branch of the Division of Business Services.
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Education Program classifications or Education Program specialty codes in the Education field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

• Knowledge of prekindergarten through 12 Environmental Science programs and curriculum.
• Knowledge of Maryland Next Generation Maryland Next Generation Science Standards and Maryland State Environmental Literacy Standards.
• Knowledge of trends, regulations, and policies affecting instruction and assessment in science and environmental literacy.
• Knowledge of college and career readiness pathways, standards, trends, regulations, policies, and issues related to environmental science fields of study.
• Skill in implementing, monitoring and evaluating, and providing high quality and service level-based support and technical assistance for education programs.
• Skill collaborating with diverse communities and organizations for the purpose of implementing programs and strategies.
• Skill in developing and delivering research based and best-in-class professional development programs. 
• Ability to organize, and manage multiple tasks and time sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to interpret and apply learning standards, policies and regulations.
• Ability to work as a team member and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

If you are unable to apply online, paper applications can be obtained from the link below and be faxed to 410-333-8950 or mailed to MSDE Office of Human Resources, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. If there is a supplemental questionnaire, this must be completed and sent in with your paper application. Postmarks will not be accepted.

Inquiries can be made to 410-767-0019, TDD 410-333-3045. Appropriate accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. If you have difficulty with your user account or have general questions about this online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850. TTY Users: Call via Maryland Relay.

Proof of eligibility to work is required in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Any misrepresentation of academic or experience requirements for this position may result in non-selection or termination of employment. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. Individuals with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country. All application materials must be received in our office by the Closing Date.