2026 Sea Grant - Chesapeake Bay Commission Fellowship

FELLOWSHIP DESCRIPTION
The Chesapeake Bay Commission seeks a graduate-level fellow for a one-year placement in its Annapolis, MD office. The fellow will work under the guidance of the Commission’s Executive Director and Administrative Officer, with opportunities to support the Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania Directors. This position offers the opportunity to be at the intersection of science and policy, at the state, regional, and federal levels, on issues of concern to the Commission’s member jurisdictions when it comes to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.

The Chesapeake Bay Commission is a tri-state, bi-partisan body that works predominantly with the legislatures of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland to develop sound policies and laws related to the Chesapeake Bay. The Commission provides information and advice on Chesapeake Bay issues to the members of these three legislatures and works interactively with executive branch leaders and agencies of all three states. As a signatory to the Chesapeake Bay Agreement, the Commission is fully involved in the work of the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership and advises Congress on the needs of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort.

DELIVERABLES
The fellow will support the Commission in surveying the latest scientific findings impacting the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort, conducting state and federal-level policy research, and planning for Commission meetings. The fellow will support the Executive Director and State Directors in their regional, Chesapeake Bay Program activities, including preparing for and attending Principal’s Staff Committee, Management Board, and Goal Implementation Team meetings. The fellow will support the Executive Director on federal policy initiatives, which may include preparing materials for and meeting with members of the Chesapeake Congressional Delegation to discuss federal appropriations bills and other relevant legislation. The fellow will also work with the Executive Director to select, complete, and present a capstone project that aligns with the priorities of the Commission and the skills and research interests of the fellow. Finally, the fellow will support the Commission’s state directors, including Virginia Director, in developing and analyzing state policy proposals in advance of and during the General Assembly sessions.

ELIGIBILITY

• Current students completing a graduate, professional degree or Ph.D. program, or recent graduate (within 12 months of start date) of such program.  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current students completing a graduate, professional degree, or Ph.D. program or recent (within 12 months of start date) graduate of such program.
• Interest in the intersection of environmental science and policy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a respectful, bipartisan manner with a diverse array of partners and stakeholders, as well as to incorporate feedback into work.
• Motivated initiative-taker with the ability to work proactively, reason independently, consistently share progress updates, and recommend or inquire about next steps toward project completion.
• Skills in critical thinking, analysis, organization, and written synthesis of information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience communicating complex environmental concepts or policy issues to non-expert audiences and/or decision-makers.
• Ability to conduct independent research and distill findings into very concise, easy-to-understand, and actionable summaries.
• Interest in understanding the values and concerns of state, regional, and federal policymakers with relation to environmental issues and the Chesapeake Bay.

DURATION, LOCATION, COMPENSATION
This is a temporary position for one year between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. This position will follow a full-time (40 hours per week) weekday work schedule, with regular business hours running from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. Federal and Maryland state holidays are observed. This position will primarily work out of the Commission’s Annapolis office, at 60 West St, Suite 402, with potential opportunities for travel to the Commission’s Virginia and Pennsylvania offices, Capitol Hill, and off-site meetings or field visits. Generally, Annapolis office staff can telework Mondays and Fridays. A laptop and workspace will be provided. The fellow will receive a salary of $66,000 (before taxes) but will not be eligible for employer-subsidized health benefits. Funds are also available to reimburse the fellow for occasional work-related travel when authorized in advance.

AWARD INFORMATION
Sea Grant and the Chesapeake Bay Commission anticipate supporting one post-graduate fellow for the 2026 Sea Grant – Chesapeake Bay Commission Fellowship.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Commission and its work are made richer by the diversity of perspectives among its members and staff. It is the policy of Commission to provide all applicants for employment and all Commission employees with equal opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status in all matters related to employment and to treatment on the job.

Length: 12-month fellowship assignment

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Salary: $66,000