Senior Scientist – Harrisburg, PA
Organization: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Job Title: Senior Scientist
Location: Harrisburg, PA
Hours and Compensation: Full Time
Application Deadline: April 12, 2013
Posted On: April 1, 2013
Organization Overview:
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional non-profit conservation organization working solely to save the Bay. Established in 1967, CBF has a staff of approximately 185 employees working in offices in Annapolis Maryland; Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C., and in 15 field education program locations. CBF’s headquarters office is in the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first LEED platinum building.
CBF has an annual budget of approximately $21 million and is supported by more than 200,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF please visit www.cbf.org.
Description:
With the Pennsylvania Executive Director, the Pennsylvania Senior Scientist formulates Pennsylvania Office positions on environmental legislation, regulation, funding, etc. and assists with management of the state office. The Senior Scientist assists with office and staff goals and assists with budget development and management, hiring decisions, project and priority choices, and delegation of workload. The Senior Scientist advocates CBF position to legislators, agencies, business/community decision makers, stakeholders, press, and the general public. The Senior Scientist represents CBF on various committees at various state/regional/national technical conferences. The Senior Scientist supervises technical interns and other staff as assigned.
The Senior Scientist provides scientific expertise and in-depth analysis of data and issues related to water quality and point and nonpoint source pollution. Provides technical and policy guidance to Pennsylvania environmental partners and other CBF staff. Reviews state/federal regulations/actions/policies and proposed projects for potential impacts on water quality from, including but not limited to, land use changes, new or expanding point source discharges, urban and suburban stormwater runoff, agricultural practices, and industrial activities. The Senior Scientist position conceives, writes, and manages grants pertaining to CBF priorities. Writes research reports that aid in the development of CBF positions on relevant issues; testifies and advocates CBF position.
Responsibilities:
1. Initiate pro-active change in law, regulation, funding, policy, or program implementation that furthers CBF goals/objectives; respond to proposed changes in law or regulations.
- Monitor regulatory/legislative/implementation developments that affect Pennsylvania water quality Bay health. (These developments will generally be those related to water quality protection and restoration, point and non-point source pollution, and select issues). Develop CBF position, establish strategy for achieving an identified solution and oversee implementation.
- Assimilate, analyze, and summarize scientific data that support CBF position. Review complex scientific findings/documents and interpret for CBF staff and external partners.
- Meet with affected industry/community leaders and other concerned individuals.
- Meet with regulators to advocate CBF positions.
- Maintain and strategically develop relationships with Pennsylvania environmental partners.
- Prepare synthesis/summary of issues and proposed solutions – for the general public as well as regulatory agencies and decision makers.
- Prepare formal proposal and advocacy materials for new laws, regulations, or policies.
- Assist with drafting legislation.
- Serve as a lobbyist on legislative issues of interest to CBF during the legislative session.
- Serve as team leader on specified projects, requiring coordination among CBF staff.
- Advocate CBF position to decision-makers and the general public.
- Conceive and implement solution-based projects through competitive grants and awards.
- Coordinate activities with other state office staff.
2. Represent CBF on state, and perhaps regional, environmental committees and organizations and at various state/regional/national conferences.
3. Serve as a spokesperson for CBF in Pennsylvania with the media, other environmental organizations, the legislature, and the public, in general.
4. Assist with CBF fundraising and membership activities, as necessary.
Qualifications:
Minimum five to eight years experience in water quality issues, including discharge permitting, municipal wastewater treatment, agricultural pollution, water quality standards, state/federal water quality reporting requirements, contaminated sediments, watershed management, Total Maximum Daily Loads, pollution prevention initiatives, and toxicology. At least five years experience in advocacy of complex environmental issues. Graduate-level degree in toxicology, oceanography, marine science, environmental science or related field required; may include courses in chemistry, toxicology, biology, public health, oceanography. Extensive knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, policies and guidelines governing water quality protection, point source pollution and agricultural permitting necessary. Excellent public speaking and written communication skills.
How to Apply:
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and salary history and requirements no later than April 12, 2013.
Human Resources/FY13-19-PAS
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
CBF offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a tax deferred annuity plan. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
