Watershed Policy Specialist

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Inc; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Watershed Policy Specialist in the Advocacy and Restoration Department to be based in Annapolis, Maryland. This role supports Maryland office positions on environmental legislation, reviews regulations, drafts comments, testifies at hearings, and helps mobilize partners and the public.

You will engage with communities, agencies, and lawmakers to advance policies that protect water quality and watershed health, while translating complex science into clear

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in land use/urban planning, environmental science, policy, or law.
• Exceptional written and public speaking skills for diverse audiences including decision-makers.
• Collaborative work style with ability to work independently and in teams.
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Proficient with MS Office, GIS tools, and mapping software.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development of CBF policies and positions on land use, stormwater, and non-point source pollution.
• Review legislation, regulations, and funding programs; analyze impacts on water quality.
• Prepare comments, briefing papers, and testimony for Maryland General Assembly.
• Represent CBF at meetings, committees, and state/regional conferences as needed.
• Engage with media, citizens, and partners to advance policy priorities.
• Participate in coalitions to advance watershed health policies.
• Support internal workgroups implementing CBF’s strategic plan.

Skills

Public speaking

Written communication

Policy analysis

Collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

MS Teams

GIS software

Microsoft Office

Mapping software

Job description

Description

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

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 our education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration efforts, we work together toward our 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. Our staff and volunteer corps 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.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

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 by fighting for strong and effective laws and regulations; restoring the Bay’s essential habitats and filtering mechanisms; and involving citizens in CBF’s environmental efforts by recruiting, training, and incorporating them as effective partners and leaders.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

With the Maryland Managing Scientist, assists in development of Maryland office positions on environmental legislation, regulations, funding, and compliance with existing regulatory programs with a focus on issues related to forest conservation, Critical Area protections, transportation, energy infrastructure, climate adaptation, and stormwater. Reviews local, state, and federal regulations, policies, grant and cost share programs, as well as proposed projects for potential impacts on surface and ground waters. Prepares comments, briefing papers, and reports that aid in the development of CBF positions on relevant issues. Assists in the review of proposed legislation and the delivery of written testimony to the Maryland General Assembly. Interacts with media and concerned citizens. Represents CBF as a proxy to the Maryland Managing Scientist on various committees and at various state, regional, and national technical conferences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist in the development of 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.


• Analyze, critique, summarize, and provide written comment on new or changing laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, and funding programs regarding their impact on the water quality and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland rivers.


• Serve as an effective advocate, including testifying at public hearings, serving on relevant committees, and educating other organizations, citizen groups, and the public. This includes meeting with affected municipal/industry/community leaders and other concerned individuals.


• Participate in coalitions of partners, community members, CBF advocates and others to advance policies that improve watershed health.


• Serve on standing and ad hoc internal workgroups to implement CBF’s strategic plan priorities.


• Analyze and synthesize research and policy frameworks to provide support for CBF positions and help develop CBF positions on issues of concern. Prepare reports or policy documents establishing CBF positions.


• Review individual projects and permits for precedent or state-wide impact and provide recommendations on engagement based on CBF’s established decision‑making frameworks.

Interact with concerned citizens and the media.

• Participate in media opportunities, including interviews for TV, radio, and print publications in support of CBF policy priorities.


• Prepare materials for and conduct presentations at workshops, seminars, hearings etc.


• Respond to citizen inquiries related to land use issues.


• Participate in issue-oriented field trips for legislators, CBF members, decision makers, and the public.

Requirements

• 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 that include the ability to adapt to different settings and audiences, including decision-makers


• Collaborative work style that includes working within a team as well as independently.


• Excellent time-management skills


• Proficient in computer applications, including MS Teams, Office and mapping/GIS software


• Knowledge of Maryland state land use policy and law, including the Forest Conservation Act, Critical Area Law, Coast Smart, and smart growth is preferred


• Recognized certifications in sustainability, environmental justice, or land use or urban design are a plus