2026 State Science Policy Fellow Host Offices

Offices seeking to host State Science Policy Fellows in 2026 include the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science's Office of the President and the Maryland Department of Natural Resource's Watershed and Climate Services Unit. Learn more about each below.

Office of the President, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES)

Maryland is a leader in addressing climate change with a comprehensive program for mitigation and adaptation. The current goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and an intent for net zero by 2045. This goal is complemented by ongoing programs for coastal resilience, adaptation to more intense storms, more severe floods, extensive droughts and heat waves. These state-wide efforts are guided by the Maryland Commission on Climate Change (MCCC). The Science Policy Fellow will staff and participate in the MCCC Science and Technical Working Group meetings as well as attend MCCC meetings. The Fellow will be able to participate in any STWG activity that suits their background and professional interests.

The Science Policy Fellow, working with experts within the University System of Maryland and Second Nature, will lead the development of a report describing conceptual pathways for UMCES to achieve net zero. In addition, the Fellow will collaborate with experts across USM to develop recommendations for tracking progress, sharing knowledge across the USM institutions and documenting practices that could be adopted by other organizations in Maryland and beyond.

The Fellow will report to the President of UMCES who also serves as the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability within the University System of Maryland.  The successful candidate will be located at an UMCES unit and can often work remotely.

Watershed and Climate Services Unit, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

The Department of Natural Resources leads the state's efforts to build climate resilience and restore and conserve ecosystems by providing technical and financial support to local governments and communities. DNR's Watershed and Climate Services (WCS) Unit operates as a bridge between science, funding, policy, partnerships and adaptive management to restore ecosystems, build climate resilience, foster equitable well-being and promote sustainable communities and economies. WCS integrates nature-based solutions with a systems-based approach that spans 11 specialized centers, addressing everything from restoration finance to climate resilience to marine policy.

As a strategic aide to the Director of Watershed and Climate Services (WCS), the Sea Grant Fellow acts as a team facilitator to connect the team's diverse portfolio of projects and programs. In this support role, the Fellow assists the Director in implementing a 10-year strategic plan that brings together these multifaceted efforts into a cohesive, statewide framework.  The fellow will provide coordination and technical support across WCS's 11 specialized centers, align existing initiatives while attracting new investments, measure progress towards climate resilience and restoration goals, support policy development, and build and maintain networks with partners. As an example, the Fellow may support projects related to funding and partnership investment mapping, policy research, assess and tracking center and Unit-wide workplans and identifying collaboration opportunities across WCS.  

DNR's office is located in Annapolis, MD.

Climate Change Program, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

Guided by a mission to protect and restore the environment for the health and well-being of all Marylanders the Department of the Environment (MDE) advances policies and programs that protect public health and address climate change. The Sea Grant Fellow will be placed within the Climate Change Program of MDE to support implementation of the State's progressive climate policies.

The Fellow will have the opportunity to engage directly with the Office of the Secretary and senior leadership at MDE on advancing state climate policy. The role offers meaningful exposure to high-priority initiatives, including building decarbonization, stakeholder engagement, and the development and implementation of innovative climate strategies.

The fellow will gain experience applying research and science communication skills to inform state climate policy at the science–policy interface. The Fellow will contribute to regulation development and implementation efforts related to major state initiatives such as Maryland's Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), the proposed Clean Heat Standard (CHS), and Zero-Emission Heating Equipment Standards (ZEHES), while also supporting broader Department-level priorities.

The position is based at MDE headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.