Restoration of the Chesapeake Bay requires diverse, committed, passionate individuals and the Chesapeake Research Consortium (CRC) seeks such an individual for a three-year appointment to the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program’s Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation Team (GIT).  The purpose of the GIT is to enhance cross-jurisdictional, ecosystem-based fisheries management in the Chesapeake Bay and use science to inform management decisions.  The Fisheries GIT is comprised of the lead state fisheries managers, scientists, and key stakeholders from around the Bay to improve management and recovery of fish and shellfish species, including oysters, blue crab, menhaden, striped bass, shad, herring, and their ecosystem.

This position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to improved understanding and management of Chesapeake Bay living resources. The staffer will gain valuable experience working on science and policy issues that cross state and political boundaries and require significant stakeholder engagement.  The staffer will become familiar with the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program and the members of the Fisheries GIT and experience first-hand development and implementation of resource management policies.  The staffer for this goal team should expect to engage in synthesizing complex scientific issues for use in management and policy discussions, and providing support to and participating in GIT meetings. The experiences and skills gained from the three-year appointment will be valuable to someone seeking further education or career development in the policy or scientific fields.  The selected candidate will work as a CRC employee at the U.S. EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office located in Annapolis, Maryland.

The ideal candidate for the position would have the following background and qualifications.

  • Bachelor’s Degree with a focus on natural or environmental science and/or policy (or a related area of study), emphasis on marine ecology or fishery science and/or management a plus.
  • Ability to perform background research, analysis, and synthesis on policy and science related topics.
  • Ability to work with people with a diversity of interests in a consensus building environment and independently plan meetings, develop agendas, and draft concise meeting minutes.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with partners at all levels of program activities with diplomacy and timeliness.
  • Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks under tight timelines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage and update content through a content management system for the Goal Implementation Team web page.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Google products.
  • Familiarity with remote technologies such as video conferencing (Web-X, Adobe Connect, etc.).
  • Interest in learning how a multi-stakeholder, governmental-environmental-management partnership sets and achieves goals through collaboration, adaptive management, and science based decision making.
  • A will to explore your career options and the passion and enthusiasm for the work and program.

The annual salary is $40,030 and a competitive vacation and benefits package is included for the three-year position.  In addition to the experience gained through their work assignments, Staffers, through individual professional development plans, also attend professional conferences, workshops, and training related to their position and identified future career interests.

Applications (a detailed cover letter, resume, list of at least three references, transcript [unofficial is fine] and a short writing sample) should be sent electronically to Melissa Fagan, Environmental Management Career Development Program Coordinator, at faganm@chesapeake.org.  Please include information concerning education and professional background, as well as immediate and long-term career goals.

Additional information about the CRC Environmental Career Development Program is available at www.chesapeake.org.  Additional information about the Chesapeake Bay Program is available at www.chesapeakebay.net.

CRC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or national origin. CRC maintains a drug-free workplace.  All Staffers are required to complete a federal background check upon hire.