About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

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.

CBF has a staff of approximately 210 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 an annual budget of approximately $30 million and is supported by over 300,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.

About the Hiring Department

Environmental Protection and Restoration

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 Project Coordinator will conduct outreach and technical assistance to minority farmers in Maryland. The Coordinator will assist underserved farmers in enrolling in State and Federal conservation cost share programs. The Coordinator will attend conferences, field days and one-on-one meetings with farmers and landowners sharing the various conservation programs available. The Coordinator will coordinate meetings with interested farmers and the appropriate Agency staff to assist in the conservation funding enrollment process.

This is a fully grant-funded two-year position that will conclude when the grant project ends. Currently, the grant project is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2024.

Essential Functions

* Work in cooperation with and assist numerous staff from CBF, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), University of Maryland Extension and the local Soil Conservation Districts (SCD’s), in the outreach to minority farmers, primarily urban agriculture.
* Attend Conferences and Partner Field Days for outreach to minority farmers.
* Organize Field Days with Partners and minority farmers at Clagett Farm showcasing Regenerative Agriculture practices.
* Efforts to reach farm landowners will require direct one-to-one contact, including “cold calls” and speaking before groups at appropriate venues.
* Conduct research and create a listing of typical urban farm practices and associated funding opportunities available through Federal, State, local and private programs to implement these practices.
* Facilitate meetings between minority farmers and appropriate agency staff to take advantage of enrollment in funding opportunities.
* Provide feedback over the term on small farm practices that are not funded and existing program limitations.
* Participate in CBF Agriculture Team DEIJ meetings.
* Submit bi-weekly accomplishment reports to CBF

Professional Experience and Qualifications

Successful candidate must have an Associate degree or Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science, Agricultural Science, or related field, or equivalent experience. Candidates must have a desire to work with diverse audiences for equity in resources in Maryland agriculture. One to two (1-2) years of experience is preferred, but not required, if the candidate has a willingness to learn and engage the community. Applicants must have knowledge of typical small farm and urban farming practices. Any experience implementing these practices and associated Federal, State and local funding programs is not required but is a plus. Successful candidates must also have strong communication skills and ability to work with the agriculture community. Candidates must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and access to an internet connection, as well as a valid motor vehicle license with the ability to use a personal vehicle for work travel (CBF reimburses for mileage driven using the federal government mileage reimbursement rate).

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: $57,800

How to Apply

Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume no later than June 12, 2022.

APPLY NOW 

CBF offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a tax deferred retirement plan.

CBF requires that all staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The successful candidate will need to submit verification of vaccination or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.