Environmental Science Specialist (part-time)

Position: Environmental Science Specialist (part-time)

Department: Lower School

Location: Junior Building and Greenleaf Hall, Milton Academy Campus Hours: Two days per week (10 hours / 0\.25 FTE) with the flexibility to work nights and weekends

FLSA: Exempt

Classification: Faculty (Academic Year)

Base Salary: For the 2026–27 academic year, faculty salaries range from $12,500 to $30,000 annually. Placement within this range is determined by years of experience, in alignment with Milton Academy’s faculty salary scale designed to ensure equitable pay progression.

Housing Stipend: Faculty members who reside off-campus will also receive an annual stipend of $3,250 (in 2026-27) in addition to the base salary listed above.

Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, boarding and day in grades 9–12, located just outside of Boston.

In our ongoing work to create an environment that confronts bias, injustice, and bigotry, we encourage each other to be open to learning, explore our histories and identities, and seek to understand the world around us with a critical lens. At Milton, we prepare students to partner with their future communities to create a more just world, and to have the courage to speak up and live by our motto, “Dare to be true.”

Summary of Position:

Milton Academy is seeking a part-time Lower School Environmental Science Specialist (10 hours per week) to teach environmental science to grades K-3 and develop related curriculum. This position reports to the Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning, in coordination with the Lower School Principal.

Central to this role is the development and implementation of engaging lesson plans for K-3 students that foster a love for environmental science while nurturing curiosity and critical thinking skills in students. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping environmentally conscious and responsible citizens of the future.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Development: Design and implement a comprehensive and age-appropriate K-3 environmental science curriculum.
• K-3 Classroom Instruction: Conduct interactive and hands-on lessons, experiments, and activities that promote understanding of various environmental concepts, such as ecology, conservation, climate change, and sustainability.
• Student Evaluation: Assess and evaluate student performance through assignments, projects, and observations. Twice yearly written comments for K-3 students.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourage students to ask questions, conduct research, and explore solutions to real-world environmental issues, fostering a sense of curiosity and problem-solving skills.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues regarding academic progress. Work closely with colleagues, parents, and the community to promote environmental awareness beyond the classroom. In collaboration with Lower School faculty, integrates garden and sustainability education into classroom and curriculum initiatives. Introduces new ideas for integrating sustainability learning into the curriculum. Lead Lower School Earth Day Assembly.
• Communicate to the Lower School community on sustainability initiatives (e.g. contributions to a newsletter or other Milton publications, educational sessions with parents and members of the community)
• Program Evaluation and Benchmarking: Annually review the environmental science program in light of academic and non-academic initiatives at other schools and organizations (e.g., understand what is being done at peer schools, stay up-to-date on current gardening and composting techniques, etc.)
• DEIJ: Learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion in education; incorporate related principles when designing curriculum, teaching, and engaging with students.
• Other responsibilities, as assigned, including developing opportunistic sustainability projects.
• The specialist will meet regularly with the Junior Building Assistant Principal to collaborate on curriculum development and implementation.

Community

• Be a visible, accessible presence around campus.
• Contribute to creating a positive community culture that ensures students are heard, seen, valued, and cared for.
• Share in the enforcement of our expectations for students.
• Actively participate in greater community enrichment activities, such as advising a student activity, acting as a faculty sponsor to a student club, coaching an athletic team, or acting as an affinity group facilitator.

Other Professional Expectations and Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with students, parents, peers, administration, and community members.
• Act in a manner that is respectful, generous toward others, supportive of colleagues, and based in a belief in the competence and good intentions of all members of the community.
• Communicate openly and promptly, supporting colleagues, students, and the integrity of the institution in conversations with students and parents.
• Create and maintain classroom and campus environments that are open and flexible, reflecting the school’s values related to diversity, equity, and belonging.
• Strive to grow and improve professionally, demonstrating a commitment to continuing professional development in alignment with the upper school’s growth statements.
• Exhibit skills in collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
• Meet deadlines.
• Attend all school-wide, divisional, and faculty meetings and events and serve on committees as required.
• Prepare for and participate in the opening of school programming, curriculum nights, open houses, and all other key student/family moments that are part of the school calendar.
• Complete school-required training.
• Abide by the school’s policies and procedures as outlined in the provided handbooks.
• Communicate with the appropriate supervisor when unable to meet any professional obligation.

Supervision to be received: K-2 Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning, in coordination with Lower School Principal

Supervision to be exercised: None

Education/Certification/Licensure

Required: A bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Environmental Science or a related field

Preferred: A master’s degree in Elementary Education, Environmental Science or a related field

Experience

Required: A minimum of three years of proven experience in teaching science to early elementary students

Preferred: Experience working in an independent school.

Competencies

Required:

• Proficiency in lower elementary curriculum creation and instruction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated computer expertise, including GoogleSuite, Microsoft Word, and Adobe.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.
• Understanding of confidentiality and related issues.
• Receptive to supervision and professional development.
• Desire to be a part of a dynamic educational community.

Physical Abilities:

Required:

• Must be able to work at a computer for up to 4 hours each day in conjunction with OSHA requirements.
• Must be able to teach in a classroom setting and use relevant instructional technology.
• Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction.
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

All interested internal candidates must complete an application for promotion or transfer and inform your supervisor as soon as possible.

The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this job description; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

Milton Academy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of any category protected by federal, state, or local law, including but not limited to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, citizenship or national or ethnic origin.