Watershed Policy Specialist

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. Established in 1966, CBF works through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration efforts 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 across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

About the role

Based in Annapolis, Maryland, the Watershed Policy Specialist will work within the Advocacy and Restoration Department to assist in developing Maryland office positions on environmental legislation, regulations, funding, and compliance. The role focuses on issues related to forest conservation, Critical Area protections, transportation, energy infrastructure, climate adaptation, and stormwater. The Specialist will review local, state, and federal regulations, policies, grant and cost-share programs, and proposed projects for potential impacts on surface and ground waters, preparing comments, briefing papers, and reports to support CBF’s positions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of CBF’s policies and positions with a focus on land conversion, stormwater, and other non-point source pollution by monitoring 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 by testifying at public hearings, serving on relevant committees, and educating organizations, citizen groups, and the public, including meeting with municipal, industry, and community leaders.
• 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 support CBF positions and help develop 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, 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.

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, including the ability to adapt to different settings and audiences, such as 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/urban design are a plus.

Pay

$60,000 - $64,000 per year