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Virginia Agricultural Restoration Specialist
Staunton, VA
Job Description
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Virginia Agricultural Restoration Specialist in the EPR Department to be field based in Virginia.
THE
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 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 230 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 14 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 200,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
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 Restoration Specialist will identify and recruit farmers and landowners to deliver cost-share funding in the Shenandoah River watershed. Through one-on-one meetings with farmers and landowners, the Restoration Specialist will work with the community to increase awareness of how land management affects water quality, increase understanding of what practices can reduce nutrient and sediment loss, and connect landowners to sources of technical and financial assistance to implement key conservation practices; forage-based production systems will be a priority.
Essential functions include:
PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Successful candidate must have a Bachelor of Science or Associate degree in Biological Science, Agricultural Science, Forestry, or related field, or equivalent experience. Candidates must also have at least 2 years of experience working with landowners and have a familiarity with the design, installation, and benefits of forage-based production systems. Applicants must have knowledge of farming enterprises, especially in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. Applicants who have experience designing agricultural conservation practices are preferred. Applicants with knowledge of livestock watering systems and livestock exclusion systems, as well as knowledge of municipal property records and USDA program requirements, are preferred. Successful candidates must also have strong communication skills and a demonstrated 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).
This is a fully grant-funded position that will conclude when the grant project ends. Currently, the grant project is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026.
Salary Range: $56,000 - $60,000
To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on CBF website no later than May 31, 2024.
CBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, 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.
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:
Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every qualification listed in a job description. 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. We encourage BIPOC, women, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.
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.
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 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 230 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 14 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 200,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
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 Restoration Specialist will identify and recruit farmers and landowners to deliver cost-share funding in the Shenandoah River watershed. Through one-on-one meetings with farmers and landowners, the Restoration Specialist will work with the community to increase awareness of how land management affects water quality, increase understanding of what practices can reduce nutrient and sediment loss, and connect landowners to sources of technical and financial assistance to implement key conservation practices; forage-based production systems will be a priority.
Essential functions include:
- Implement a turn-key Agricultural Best Management Practice (Ag BMP) installation program in the Shenandoah River Watershed. Secure contracts with farmers and landowners to implement Ag BMPs through partner programs (ex. USDA, SWCD, and other NGOs) then arrange for and oversee installation by appropriate contractors.
- Work in cooperation with and assist numerous staff from CBF, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), among others, to install Ag BMPs with a focus on installation of sustainable, forage-based production systems.
- Conduct meetings with farmers and landowners located in the Shenandoah River Watershed to encourage adoption of BMPs. Activities may include farm visits, field events, and workshops. Provide expertise to farmers on better grazing practices and the benefits of buffers.
- Visit individual properties and assess general eligibility for USDA conservation, State Ag BMP programs, and other cost-share programs. Efforts to reach farm landowners will require direct one-to-one contact, including “cold calls” and speaking before groups at appropriate venues.
- Assist in identifying target audiences for program marketing, in sending mass mailings, and in preparing news releases. Activities may include media publications and writing newsletter articles.
- Submit bi-weekly accomplishment reports to CBF.
PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Successful candidate must have a Bachelor of Science or Associate degree in Biological Science, Agricultural Science, Forestry, or related field, or equivalent experience. Candidates must also have at least 2 years of experience working with landowners and have a familiarity with the design, installation, and benefits of forage-based production systems. Applicants must have knowledge of farming enterprises, especially in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia. Applicants who have experience designing agricultural conservation practices are preferred. Applicants with knowledge of livestock watering systems and livestock exclusion systems, as well as knowledge of municipal property records and USDA program requirements, are preferred. Successful candidates must also have strong communication skills and a demonstrated 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).
This is a fully grant-funded position that will conclude when the grant project ends. Currently, the grant project is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026.
Salary Range: $56,000 - $60,000
To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on CBF website no later than May 31, 2024.
CBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, 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.
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.
Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every qualification listed in a job description. 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. We encourage BIPOC, women, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.
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.
Job Summary
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Salary and Benefits
$56,000 - $60,000
Required Education
Associate Degree
Required Experience
2 to 3 years
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