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. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act's impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.
CBF has a staff of approximately 230 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.
CBF has 200,000 members and supporters and an annual budget of approximately $30 million. For more information on CBF, please visit our About CBF page.
About the Hiring Department
Context of the Position
This position will assist the Maryland Oyster Restoration Coordinator to maintain, improve and expand our Baltimore Oyster Gardening Program. This position in addition to their work in Baltimore will have responsibilities to support the oyster team both at the CBF Headquarters in Annapolis and at our Oyster Restoration Center in Shady Side, MD. The position will manage the Baltimore Oyster Gardening program and will oversee and run volunteer, corporate and outreach events while also supporting the larger oyster gardening program and restoration work of the Maryland Oyster Team.
Essential Functions
• Manage the CBF oyster gardening program in Baltimore. This includes recruiting and managing volunteers, corporate groups and community partners. Communicate regularly with oyster gardeners, volunteers, CBF staff, and the public about the program. Work with the MD Oyster Restoration Coordinator, CBF communications department and local media outlets to promote oyster gardening events. Lead efforts to strategically growing the oyster gardening program in diverse communities.
• Provide assistance to other oyster restoration programs, including spat on shell production, reef ball construction and deployment, volunteer management, data entry, and shell recycling. Work with the MD Oyster Restoration Coordinator to meet grant deliverables.
• Coordinate, advertise and run monthly volunteer events to maintain public oyster gardens in city. Coordinate with corporate and community partners for installation, troubleshooting and round ups of CBF oysters grown within the city.
• Table at community events to promote CBF work within Baltimore and beyond. Work with outreach staff to ensure there is an advocacy ask at volunteer events. Maintain accurate records in NPSP database.
• Collect biological data related to the program and permitting, including site scouting, reef monitoring, and other data for annual reporting. Maintain YSI for water quality testing and other monitoring equipment.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, aquaculture, fisheries, and/or environmental science required; GIS experience preferred; ability to swim and be comfortable working in Bay waters are prerequisites; ability to communicate with public officials, volunteers, students, CBF members, and others about CBF’s mission and Restoration Program; ability to learn and implement CBF policies and procedures related to field programs and safety policies; ability to collect and organize data, keep logs and records as necessary, and juggle multiple projects/ responsibilities/schedules while remaining organized and enthusiastic; excellent oral and written communication skills required; must be proficient in MS Office and similar software and able to be trained in NPSP. Must be able to obtain a CPR certification. Must be able to lift 40lbs. Must be reliable, organized, highly motivated, have a positive attitude, hold a valid driver’s license, and have reliable transportation. The position will require some long hours, especially during peak workloads. Candidates must be able to work on weekends and in evenings to run volunteer events.
Additional Information
This is a grant-funded position and is currently funded through May 30, 2025.
Salary Range: $16 an hour – 24 hours per week for 36 for weeks
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume no later than July 15, 2024.
Apply NowCBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, and for full-time staff, a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution. Learn more about CBF Benefits.
