Environmental Stewardship Fund Fellowship

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Annapolis, MD, USA
Posted on Apr 3, 2025

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks Environmental Stewardship Fund Fellow in the EPR Department to be based at CBF’s Pennsylvania office located in Harrisburg, PA.

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

Environmental Protection and Restoration (EPR)

CBF's Environmental Protection 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

The PA Office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a dedicated fellow to join our team for a project focused on evaluating the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF) and its impacts on Pennsylvania's waters. The fellow will conduct research, analyze data, and provide recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the ESF. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to environmental policy and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania. Fellowship (May - December 2025).

Essential Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive research on the history and current status of the ESF.
  • Analyze the allocation of ESF resources by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
  • Evaluate the distribution and impact of funded and denied projects.
  • Assess conservation practices involved in ESF-funded projects.
  • Identify funding gaps and recommend improvements to amplify the positive impact of the ESF.
  • Prepare detailed reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders, resource agencies, and elected officials to discuss project outcomes.

Professional Experience and Qualifications

Candidates should possess a strong interest in database analytics, research, evaluation, and interpretation. An interest in the application of data in environmental/conservation finance, policy, science, or related fields is desired. While an understanding of state government roles in addressing large-scale environmental issues is preferred, it is not required. Candidates should have strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with periodic oversight and direction. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is necessary.

Salary Range: Funded through (COPA-STEP)

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, 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.

We Are Committed to Saving the Bay! And We Need You to Do It!

Bringing together the most qualified employees with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, perspectives, and beliefs is the key to saving the Bay. We know that talented professionals can come from anywhere and everywhere. We are proud to have created an award-winning organization where they have the opportunity to thrive while joining us in our work to achieve clean water, clean air, and a safe environment—rights that we all share.

Wondering whether you have the right credentials or background to apply? We value lived experience, are serious about embracing diversity, and are committed to building a team that represents our communities' backgrounds. That means we want people just like you!

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.