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Beth McGee Science Fellow
USD 25-30 / hour
Posted on Jun 10, 2026
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Beth McGee Science Fellow in the Advocacy and Restoration Department as a hybrid position which can report to CBF locations in Annapolis MD, Harrisburg PA, Richmond VA, or Hampton Roads VA.
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 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.
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
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
The Beth McGee Science Fellowship is in honor of longtime CBF scientist Dr. Beth McGee who passed away in June of 2023. Beth was dedicated to having science inform policy and to the mentorship of young professionals in the conservation field. The Beth McGee Science Fellowship is a part-time position with CBF working alongside a member of the Advocacy and Restoration Department to tackle emerging issues related to the restoration of Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. The focus of the fellowship will be to help inform CBF’s policies and positions through the application of emerging science and research related to water quality, climate change, land and water restoration practices. There is an opportunity for a candidate-proposed focus if it aligns with the scope of the position.
This is a part-time position of 8 to 9 months.
Essential Functions
- Work closely with scientists and other staff in the Advocacy and Restoration Department to develop a series of white papers, informative briefs, and other work products that help CBF respond to complex and/or unaddressed scientific challenges and concerns that constrain restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.
- Assist in compilation and analysis of water quality, climate, economic, and agricultural data to inform restoration and policy positions and actions.
- Conduct literature reviews on relevant Chesapeake Bay climate and water quality issues and identify, evaluate, and recommend tools, resources, and information that respond to emerging concerns.
- Develop and apply communications skills to internally and externally disseminate scientific information. Design and deliver presentations, briefing papers, and other communication work products.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
- Current graduate student or in a postdoctoral program in a science field that has relevance to the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed
- Experience researching and communicating about water quality, climate change, agriculture, fisheries, and restoration science and policy is preferred
Salary Range: $25 – $30 an hour
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume no later than July 10, 2026.
*Please submit a writing sample with your application.
CBF offers a 36-hour work week 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!
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.