Watershed Policy Specialist

## Watershed Policy Specialist – Chesapeake Bay Foundation

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Watershed Policy Specialist in the Advocacy and Restoration Department to be based in Annapolis, Maryland.

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## About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home. Through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration efforts, CBF works toward a vision of a healthy and resilient Chesapeake Bay ecosystem where people, plants, and animals thrive together.

CBF has a staff of approximately 200 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C., as well as 15 field education program locations. Staff and volunteers work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.

CBF’s headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first U.S. Green Build Council’s LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world’s most energy‑efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

CBF has 200,000 members and supporters and an annual budget of approximately $30 million.

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## About the Hiring Department
### Advocacy and Restoration

CBF’s Advocacy and Restoration department defends and restores the Chesapeake Bay by protecting the Bay’s natural resources from pollution and other harmful activities; fighting for strong and effective laws and regulations; restoring essential habitats and filtering mechanisms; and involving citizens in environmental efforts by recruiting, training, and incorporating them as effective partners and leaders.

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## Context of the Position

With the Maryland Managing Scientist, the Watershed Policy Specialist assists in developing Maryland office positions on environmental legislation, regulations, funding, and compliance with existing regulatory programs, with a focus on forest conservation, Critical Area protections, transportation, energy infrastructure, climate adaptation, and stormwater.

The Specialist reviews local, state, and federal regulations, policies, grant and cost‑share programs, and proposed projects for potential impacts on surface and ground waters. They prepare comments, briefing papers, and reports that aid in the development of CBF positions. They assist in reviewing proposed legislation and delivering written testimony to the Maryland General Assembly, interact with media and concerned citizens, and represent CBF as a proxy to the Maryland Managing Scientist on committees and at technical conferences.

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## Essential Functions

With the Maryland Managing Scientist, the Specialist:

– **Policy development** — Assist in developing CBF’s policies and positions with a focus on land conversion, stormwater, and other non‑point source pollution through monitoring of local and state legislation, regulations, policies, and funding priorities.
– **Regulatory analysis** — Analyze, critique, summarize, and provide written comment on new or changing laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, and funding programs regarding their impact on water quality and living resources.
– **Advocacy** — Serve as an effective advocate, including testifying at public hearings, serving on relevant committees, and educating organizations, citizen groups, and the public.
– **Coalition participation** — Participate in coalitions of partners, community members, CBF advocates, and others to advance policies that improve watershed health.
– **Internal collaboration** — Serve on standing and ad hoc internal workgroups to implement CBF’s strategic plan priorities.
– **Research synthesis** — Analyze and synthesize research and policy frameworks to support CBF positions and prepare reports or policy documents.
– **Project review** — Review individual projects and permits for precedent or statewide impact and provide recommendations based on CBF’s decision‑making frameworks.
– **Citizen and media engagement** — Interact with concerned citizens and the media.

### Media & Public Engagement

– Participate in media opportunities, including interviews for TV, radio, and print publications.
– Prepare materials for and conduct presentations at workshops, seminars, and hearings.
– Respond to citizen inquiries related to land use issues.
– Participate in issue‑oriented field trips for legislators, CBF members, decision makers, and the public.

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## Professional Experience and Qualifications

– Bachelor’s degree and 1–2 years’ experience in land use/urban planning, sustainable development, stormwater management, environmental science, policy, or law.
– Exceptional written and public speaking skills adaptable to different settings and audiences.
– Collaborative work style with ability to work independently.
– Excellent time‑management skills.
– Proficiency in MS Teams, Office, and mapping/GIS software.
– Knowledge of Maryland land use policy and law (Forest Conservation Act, Critical Area Law, Coast Smart, smart growth) preferred.
– Recognized certifications in sustainability, environmental justice, land use, or urban design are a plus.

**Salary Range:** $60,000 – $64,000 per year

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## How to Apply

Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume. This position will remain open until filled.

**Apply Now**

CBF offers a 36‑hour work week and, for full‑time staff, a comprehensive benefits package including:
20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution.