Maintenance Assistant bei Chesapeake Bay Foundation Inc.

Description

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Maintenance Assistant in the Advocacy and Restoration Department to be based at CBF’s Clagett Farm located in Upper Marlboro, MD. 

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

Advocacy and Restoration

CBF’s Advocacy 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 Maintenance Assistant position is an entry-level role supporting Clagett Farm's regenerative agriculture operations, focusing on infrastructure, livestock care, and seasonal tasks. Under supervision, the Maintenance Assistant contributes to the health and productivity of farm systems while gaining valuable hands-on experience in livestock husbandry and maintenance of a sustainable regenerative farm. 

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) term position with an end date of December 19th, 2025. Extension of this position may be possible, pending funding availability and staff performance.

Clagett Farm is a 286-acre property with 160 acres of pasture under rotational grazing with 40 head of cattle and 40 sheep. Additionally, there are 16 acres dedicated to Certified Organic vegetable production. We distribute grass-fed meat and vegetables directly to customers within our local region. 

This is an on-farm, agricultural position that involves working outside in a variety of terrain and weather conditions, including rain, cold, heat and wind. Candidates should be able to lift and carry 50 lbs as well as bend, stoop and kneel for long periods of time. The farm raises cattle and sheep, so candidates should be comfortable in the presence of domesticated livestock and with the process of meat production and veterinary procedures. 

Due to the nature of this position, remote work is not permitted. Alternative work schedules may be necessary and will be determined by the Livestock Program Manager. 

Requirements

Farm Operations & Maintenance

• Mow, weed-whack, and manage vegetation along roads, fence lines, and structures.
• Help maintain and build fencing, gates, farm roads, and irrigation systems.
• Operate and maintain small farm equipment (tractors, trimmers, tools).

Livestock Support

• Participate in daily animal care: feeding, moving herds, checking water, mucking barns.
• Assist with pasture management: rotations, reseeding, fertilizing, and haymaking (cut, rake, bale, stack).
• Help manage feed and mineral inventory; maintain feed and water systems.
• Assist with preventive care (hoof trimming, FAMACHA, vaccines) Apiary Support 
• Seasonal help with inspections, honey supers, and weed management.
•  Assist with honey extraction, feeding, winterizing, and pest control.

PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong work ethic and willingness to engage in physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Interest in regenerative agriculture, livestock care, and/or land stewardship.
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently, and collaborate as part of a team.
• Comfort operating tractors and small machinery or willingness to learn with training.
• Basic mechanical or tool-handling skills are a plus but not required.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and perform repetitive tasks such as digging, lifting, mowing, or fencing.