Biodiversity BuildersSM Youth Environmental Education Program
seeks to hire a Program Leader for Summer 2026
Biodiversity BuildersSM (BB) is a paid, environmental education program designed to inspire and empower high school youth to make a positive ecological impact in their communities. Over six weeks in summer, students from Cambridge, Belmont & Arlington, guided by the BB program leader and two college mentors, learn how to: design, plant and maintain native plant gardens, remove invasive plants, operate a business where they sell native plants, and advocate for nature-based solutions to environmental injustice and climate change.
Job Title & Description – Biodiversity BuildersSM Program Leader
The BB Program Leader, using the BB curriculum, will implement nature-based educational activities for 12 – 16 youth. Working alongside college mentors, the leader can use or tailor existing lessons (based on their experience), and lead activities such as: designing, installing and maintaining native plant gardens; identifying and recording plants and pollinators; pulling invasive plants (alongside a conservation sponsor); touring native plant and wetland habitats; and, how to create and operate a mission-driven business. Key responsibilities include: encouraging nature discovery (reinforced by content lessons), fostering teamwork and collaboration, building community relationships, ensuring safety compliance, and promoting awareness of sustainability methods and environmental justice issues.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Program Development & Delivery: Deliver the Biodiversity BuildersSM experiential environmental, outdoor, and science-based curriculum to high school youth.
Leadership & Staff Management: Train, supervise, and guide college mentors and high school students.
Partnership & Community Liaison: Collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to align BB program with community needs.
Operations & Logistics: Manage program schedules, and logistical planning for field trips, client projects, indoor instruction, and community events (such as the Moth Ball and the student-run Native Plant Sales Event).
Promotion & Reporting: Market program through various media, track participation data, and assist in grant reporting, or fundraising efforts.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Education, Biology, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may substitute.
Experience: 2–5 years of experience in environmental education (preferably to hs youth); program management, or staff supervision.
Knowledge: Expertise in native plant gardening, environmental science, ecology, business (optional) and environmental justice.
Skills: Exceptional communication, public speaking, and outdoor leadership skills.
Certifications: CPR/First Aid certification desirable.
Core Competencies
Passionate about nature-based solutions, environmental restoration and outdoor education.
Ability to teach diverse youth.
Comfortable managing risks during outdoor activities.
Skilled at developing school-aligned programming (e.g., NGSS).
Must be able to commit to at least eight weeks, June 15 – 26 for training, and July 6 – Aug. 14 as leader.
Salary range $22.50 – $30/hour, commensurate with experience
If you are interested please email: Jean Devine [email protected]
In the subject please write Program Leader and include a short cover letter, your resume, and two professional references.