The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Virginia Oyster Restoration Specialist to be based at its Brock Environmental Center located in Virginia Beach, VA.

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 190 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 $26 million and is supported by 300,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

This position will assist the Virginia Oyster Restoration Manager and have substantial responsibilities for the day-to-day operation of CBF’s Virginia Oyster Restoration Program based out of Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The position will also assist with the production, setting, and deployment of spat on shell and reef balls to be used as alternative oyster habitats; oyster living shoreline program development; and a statewide shell recycling program/effort.

Salary: $40,000 – $46,000 (negotiable)

Essential functions include:

1.Assist with operational aspects of the VA Oyster Restoration Program.
• Assist with core oyster restoration activities including spat-on-shell production, reef construction, and reef ball construction, among others.
• Operate CBF vessels up to 32’ in length and procure all necessary paperwork and pursue a USCG Captains License.
• Oversee the work of volunteers and interns in coordination with the VA Oyster Outreach Coordinator, with oversight from the VA Oyster Restoration Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of oyster production and volunteer hours, and report hours to headquarters and in LCRM database with oversight from the VA Oyster Restoration Manager.
• Collect biological and water quality data related to the program.
• Interact with other restoration partners and attend oyster partner meetings when possible to stay informed about statewide oyster restoration projects and policy;
• Assist the VA Oyster Restoration Manager and VA Oyster Restoration Maintenance Assistant with vessel and equipment repair and maintenance.

2. In partnership with the other select Virginia staff, develop, implement and expand an oyster living shoreline program for Virginia.
• Assist in the design and building of oyster living shorelines where strategic and suitable.
• Develop oyster living shoreline outreach events such as seminars, guidebooks, and other outreach mechanisms, tools, and techniques.
• Help guide the overall development of CBF’s involvement in oyster living shorelines.

3.Manage the CBF shell recycling program in Virginia in partnership with VA Oyster Restoration Manager.
• Check in regularly with participating restaurants and shell recycling volunteers to ensure shells are being picked up.
• Regularly operate a Ford F-150 truck and regularly tow a utility trailer to collect shells and maintain public oyster bins.
• Work with relevant CBF staff to update the CBF website and promote shell recycling.
• Manage a seasonal shell recycling intern in the fall/winter.

4.Promote the VA Oyster Restoration Program.
• Highlight restoration program in media outreach, in coordination with the VA Oyster Restoration Manager and CBF’s Communications Department.
• Raise the profile of CBF’s Oyster Restoration Program through public speaking engagements, displays at fairs/festivals, and on-site visits (e.g., decision-maker trips).
• Provide feedback and assistance with fundraising appeals/proposals as needed.

5. Other:
• Work to ensure that systems, organizational culture, and practices are aligned with CBF’s mission, values and commitments related to DEIJ.
• Develop and refine programs and activities to ensure equitable practices and support the development of a diverse and effective team.
• Ensure an inclusive working environments that supports diverse populations.

PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, aquaculture, fisheries, living shorelines and/or environmental science required; experience conducting controlled shellfish aquaculture and knowledge of regulatory aspects of aquaculture and fisheries, in particular, oysters, in the Bay desirable; experience operating and maintaining small boats up to 40 feet in length (ability to obtain an OUPV or 25 ton USCG Masters License is preferred); ability to swim and be comfortable working in Bay waters are prerequisites; ability to communicate with public officials, watermen, students, CBF members, and others about CBF’s mission and Restoration Program; ability to learn and implement CBF policies and procedures related to field programs and safety policies; ability to collect and organize data, keep logs and records as necessary, and juggle multiple projects/ responsibilities/schedules while remaining organized and enthusiastic; excellent oral and written communication skills required; must be proficient in MS Office and similar software and able to be trained in LCRM/Salesforce. Must be able to obtain a CPR and Wilderness First Aid certification. Must be reliable, organized, highly motivated, have a positive attitude, hold a valid driver’s license, and have reliable transportation. The position will require some long hours, especially during peak workloads, e.g., summer months, and weekend work will be necessary on occasions. Responsible for the management of data generated from the program and overseeing the activities of volunteers and interns.

Unique position that requires a thorough mix of physical and technical skills in combination with insight to integrate aquaculture and restoration projects into CBF’s core mission and campaigns. The position is critical to promoting CBF through public exposure of our on-the-ground actions and direct interaction with CBF members, volunteers, agency staff, and decision makers and linking these programs directly to CBF’s goal of restoring the Bay’s water quality and living resources. Position also works closely with other state office staff on multi-state projects and goal planning. The position will be highly visible through activities associated with oyster restoration outreach and the oyster gardening program.

Other:
• 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.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on CBF website no later than March 20, 2020.

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.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE

Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Success depends on people from widely diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, identities, and races taking collective action. Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share.

To increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will:
· Recruit and retain a staff, board, and membership that reflect the diversity of people living within the Chesapeake Bay region;
· Strengthen and broaden the diversity of our partnerships;
· Celebrate and value the diversity of staff; and
· Fight to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.

CBF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants 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.