The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Maryland Restoration Assistant in the EPR Department to be based at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center located in Annapolis, MD.
Established in 1967, 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.
About the Position
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Maryland Restoration Assistant works with the Maryland Watershed Restoration Scientist, Clagett Farm Team, and other CBF staff to support the Farm Stewardship Program and on-land restoration projects. With an emphasis on assisting with the implementation of hands-on opportunities for volunteers and public outreach events, they will work to promote increased engagement and citizen activism on restoration efforts to Save the Bay. Assist in the promotion of CBF events for the Farm Stewardship program, on-land restoration and Buy Fresh Buy Local program.
The Maryland Restoration Coordinator spends time at CBF’s headquarters in Annapolis, Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, and other field sites across the state of Maryland.
Essential Functions
1.) Assist in recruiting, organizing, coordinating, and managing data for volunteer involvement in field restoration efforts in concert with other appropriate CBF staff. Serve as the point of contact person for volunteers at all restoration events and plantings.
- Assist with agricultural (riparian buffer and wetland) planting and living shoreline restoration events and workshops.
- Coordinate with the Maryland Watershed Restoration Scientist and Clagett Farm team to load and transport trees from Clagett Farm’s native tree nursery to the restoration sites using a truck and 14’ trailer.
- Coordinate the loading and transport equipment to the site (prior to event days).
- Support restoration lead with logistics of events (parking, portable toilet contracts, volunteer correspondence).
- Assist volunteers on event days (signing in, demonstrating planting and equipment, direct volunteers in planting).
- Volunteer follow up after planting events.
- Assist with tree planting maintenance as needed.
- Coordinate with digital communications team to post and promote volunteer events and plantings.
2.) Develop promotional opportunities for the MD Restoration Program.
- Assist in promoting restoration inside and out of CBF.
- Work with Communications Dept. on specific promotional activities and materials.
- Document restoration activities in the CBF database and in ArcGIS online.
- Update CBF online event calendar with restoration events.
- Catalog and transfer event photos to CBF’s Image Library.
- Assist MD Legislative Team in researching restoration-based policies as assigned by the Maryland Watershed Restoration Scientist.
3.) Buy Fresh, Buy Local Program Support
- Support the Clagett Farm Partnership Manager to grow partnerships and presence.
- Assist with representation of BFBL Chesapeake chapter at fairs and/or festivals, speaking engagements, farmers’ markets, and local food events.
- Coordinate with MD Outreach Manager to inform and educated restoration volunteers about CBF state and federal policy and legislative campaigns.
- Support the recruitment of citizens from restoration volunteer base to participate in regulatory hearings and public meetings.
- Assist with materials to bring to restoration events to share with volunteers that educate and inspire them to take specific action on legislative or regulatory issues.
- Outreach to watershed groups – help develop partners – build more of a network for restoration.
5.) Manage Seasonal/Temporary Positions.
- Assist with the hiring process for seasonal restoration assistants each spring and fall, and other seasonal positions as necessary.
- Supervise and train the restoration intern during their seasonal term.
6.) Other duties as assigned.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
Successful candidate should possess the following: Associates degree required, one year experience required in environmental protection, including experience motivating and managing volunteers. Ability to learn and implement CBF policies/procedures related to legislative and regulatory advocacy, grassroots and public communications. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills that includes the ability to adapt to different age groups, settings, and audiences. Proficient at creating and delivering engaging presentations for large audiences. Collaborative work style that includes working within a Team as well as independently. Excellent time-management skills are necessary to prioritize meetings, events and other activities. Marketing and outreach strategies and techniques. Proficient in computer applications, including MS Office software. Experience in Salesforce LCRM database and web content management a plus.
Physical Requirements: Physical ability to lift and carry heavy objects-at least 45 pounds (plant material and other equipment). This physically demanding position involves year-round exposure to the elements. Ability to work occasional evenings and routinely on weekends during the spring and fall restoration seasons. Ability to work away from home for multiple-day periods throughout the year. Ability to travel to attend trainings & meetings. Access to reliable transportation to travel to CBF field programs & locations as needed
Other: Must possess a valid driver’s license, submit a driving record, and have an acceptable driving record. Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ability to receive and give supportive feedback to foster equity and inclusion in working relationships. Ability to recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers. Having flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.
Salary Range: $43,000
Application Deadline: Submit a cover letter and resume no later than May 18, 2022
