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Watershed Policy Specialist
USD 60k-64k / year
Posted on Aug 12, 2026
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Watershed Policy Specialist in the Advocacy and Restoration Department to be based in Annapolis, Maryland.
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
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
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.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
- 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.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $64,000 per year
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume. This position will remain open until filled.
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.