2022 SEA GRANT FELLOWSHIP PROPOSAL CLIMATE CHANGE EMPHASIS CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
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STA TE OF CA LIFORNIA— CA LIFORNIA NA TURA L RESOURCES AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COM MISSI ON
455 MARKET STREET, SUITE 300
SAN FRANCI SCO, CA 94105
VOICE & T D D (415) 904- 5200
FAX (415) 904-5400
WWW . COASTAL . CA . G OV
2022 SEA GRANT FELLOWSHIP PROPOSAL
CLIMATE CHANGE EMPHASIS
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
Overview
The California Coastal Commission implements the California Coastal Act of 1976 and has regulatory
authority over development along the coast in balance with the protection of coastal resources,
environmentally sensitive habitats, and public access. This work is carried out through land use planning
and permitting. The Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial state agency whose authority is defined as
the coastal zone, a 1.5 million-acre area stretching 1,270 miles along the state’s mainland coastline from
Oregon to Mexico, and around nine offshore islands (333 miles of island shoreline). The Coastal
Commission also has the responsibility to work with local governments to establish Local Coastal Programs
(LCPs) which, when certified by the Coastal Commission, become the land use plan basis for coastal
permitting at the local level. Furthermore, the Coastal Commission has the purview and planning
responsibility to assess and address issues of state-wide importance such as sea level rise and coastal erosion
and the implications of these on Coastal Act resources. Both sea level rise and coastal erosion will be
exacerbated by climate change.
Position Description
The Sea Grant Fellow will be exposed to and work on a broad range of coastal and ocean issues that are part
of the Coastal Commission’s regulatory and Local Coastal Program planning work. In particular, the fellow
will assist executive management, senior level and technical staff on the agency’s climate change and sea
level rise adaptation planning work and addressing coastal hazards (i.e. tsunami, bluff stability/erosion)
more broadly. This will include participating in multi-agency meetings, supporting interagency
coordination and collaboration between the Coastal Commission and other state agencies, drafting
recommendations for state-wide planning documents, and assisting the Coastal Commission in developing
or enhancing informational products that serve to educate the Coastal Commission itself, local government
partners, stakeholders, and the public. The fellow will also have opportunities to interface directly with
senior government officials and leaders in coast and ocean resource management policy throughout
California, including working on projects and/or work products developed in collaboration with other state
agencies like the California Natural Resources Agency, the State Lands Commission, the State Coastal
Conservancy, and the Ocean Protection Council (OPC).
The fellow may work on team projects and smaller independent projects. The Coastal Commission will also
provide the fellow an opportunity to learn about and assist with the Coastal Commission’s core regulatory
and planning work.
Projects/activities that the fellow could work on would include:
1) Assist in review of climate-related documents such vulnerability assessments, adaptation plans and
other technical reports in support of land use plan development for Local Coastal Programs and in
regulatory work in review of coastal development permits applications;
2) Support outreach and education efforts to local governments, other state agencies, stakeholders and
the public about the Coastal Commission’s climate and sea-level rise planning efforts, policy
guidance and other informational products and tools. This work could include supporting updates
to the Coastal Commission’s website and with planning outreach events such as webinars and
workshops;
3) Assist with interagency coordination and collaboration efforts such as the State Sea Level Rise
Leadership Working Group and support coordination efforts with other state agencies to
participate in, track and report on climate adaptation and other sea level rise planning efforts;
4) Work on various climate-related special projects as outlined in the Coastal Commission’s Strategic
Plan, including federally funded projects related to sea level rise planning, sustainable
development and smart growth, addressing wildfire resilience and response in the coastal zone,
public access vulnerability to sea level rise, environmental justice, and protecting public trust lands
and resources. This work would involve background research, policy analysis, and data synthesis;
5) Assist with the agency’s planning and regulatory work on offshore wind energy;
6) Assist with agency efforts to accelerate planning and permitting of wetland protection or habitat
restoration efforts that support using nature-based solutions in response to coastal hazards; and
7) Support completion of the Coastal Commission’s Coastal Armoring Database Project.
Given the wide range of projects and initiatives undertaken by the Coastal Commission along the entire
California coast, a successful Sea Grant Fellow is expected to take on and deliver products for a range of
projects. While there will be an emphasis on climate change related projects for most assignments, there
will be room for the fellow to dig more deeply into topics of interest (such as environmental justice,
affordable housing, offshore wind energy). Assignments can be customized to match the unique skills
or interests of the selected fellow. The selected Sea Grant Fellow must be able to work well under
minimal supervision and be willing to ask questions. In addition, having a strong personal initiative and an
ability to work well in a collaborative style with others is a great plus.
The Coastal Commission senior management has broad experience and success in hosting fellows and
giving them a wide breadth of experience in coastal management issues. The Coastal Commission has a
team of staff members focused on climate change issues. This fellowship offers an excellent opportunity
for teamwork and peer collaboration. The Coastal Commission will cover the proposed cost of hosting
one fellow and supply needed operational, travel, and transit subsidy costs.
Host Location - Flexible
The fellow is usually based out of the Coastal Commission headquarters office in downtown San
Francisco (455 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94105) but we are willing to consider the
fellow’s base to be in one of our district offices (e.g., Arcata, Santa Cruz, Ventura, Long Beach or San
Diego).
Fellowship Supervisors
Federal Programs Manager
Statewide Planning Program Manager
Point of Contact: Alison Dettmer, Chief Deputy Director, Alison.Dettmer@coastal.ca.gov
2|Page
Sea Grant Fellowship
California Department of Parks and Recreation
1. Host location and contact information
Natural Resources Division, California State Parks
1416 9th St, Room 923, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-956-8939 (work mobile phone for Marina Cazorla)
Email: Marina.Cazorla@parks.ca.gov
2. Name of fellowship supervisor
Marina Cazorla, Coastal Program Manager, Natural Resources Division
3. Point of contact for California Sea Grant, prospective fellows, and finalists
Marina Cazorla, Coastal Program Manager, Natural Resources Division
4. Position Description
The California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) manages 128 coastal park
units, or nearly one quarter of the California coastline. As manager of these coastal lands, State
Parks has the responsibility and opportunity to serve as a leader in coastal land management.
State Parks’ Natural Resources Division (NRD) provides policy direction and technical assistance
for natural resource management in the State Park System. NRD also administers major funding
programs for natural resources management and habitat restoration throughout the State Parks
System, and coordinates with other State and federal agencies on policy issues of statewide
significance. Within the NRD, the Coastal Programs team serves to coordinate these efforts as
they relate to the coastal units of the State Park System. Further, with expected impacts from
climate change along the California coast, identifying a n d addressing management priorities for
coastal State Park units is becoming increasingly c r i t i c a l for the protection of coastal
resources.
The Fellow will work with the Coastal Programs Team to inform and implement State Parks’
coastal policies and programs, including application of innovative natural resource management
solutions. Specific duties will be developed collaboratively at the start of the fellowship,
however, project and programmatic opportunities that could be pursued include:
Further State Parks’ Estuary Initiative
The Estuaries Initiative is developing a comprehensive statewide approach for the management
and restoration of coastal lagoons and estuaries within the State Park System. The Fellow may
assist with synthesizing emerging science on coastal lagoons and estuaries, engaging with
stakeholders and State Parks resource managers, and developing and implementing a
collaborative strategy for prioritizing restoration and management for building estuary resilience
in State Parks in the face of climate change.
Page 1 of 2
Implementing State Parks’ Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategy
State Parks developed a departmental Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategy, which is now being
implemented in a phased approach. The Fellow may assist with implementing action items
identified in the Strategy, such as developing support tools to assist project managers, and/or
tracking the progress of the State Parks System towards implementation.
Coastal Management and Policy
Depending on the Fellow’s background and interest, there are additional coastal management
responsibilities within the Coastal Programs team that would allow the Fellow to: apply or
strengthen their technical and data/GIS skills; perform policy analysis; apply communications
skills; or all of the above. The Fellow could:
• Assist district staff with coastal permitting as well as support for NRD staff review of
coastal restoration and adaptation projects.
• Work with NRD engineering geologists, agency partners, and district on issues related
to coastal sediment management, including the identification of California shoreline
erosion concern areas within the State Park System.
• Track work products of other State and federal agencies and NGOs regarding coastal
issues, including State policy guidance documents, coastal adaptation strategies, and
science reports. Disseminate applicable information to appropriate audiences, including
State Parks HQ and district staff.
• Collaborate with program staff at partner agencies such as the Ocean Protection
Council, California Coastal Conservancy, California Coastal Commission, and other
State and federal agencies on a wide range of coastal management issues.
• Collaborate with State Parks’ Interpretation and Education Division, OPC, and other
agencies to develop targeted and effective communication strategies and messaging
related to issues impacting coastal park units.
Page 2 of 2
California Sea Grant Host Application 2022
District 1 - 1656 Union Street, Eureka CA 95501
Agency Background
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) manages the state’s
highway system. Our transportation network maintains more than 15,000
miles to promote the regional flow of people and goods to support the economy, tourism, and everyday
life in California. Caltrans strives to provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all
people and respects the environment.
Caltrans envisions a brighter future for all through a world-class transportation network that is socially
and environmentally responsible. With the leadership of the new director Toks Omishakin, Caltrans is
undertaking a major shift in focus and values by prioritizing multimodal transportation, climate action,
environmental stewardship and sustainability, and equity and livability in all communities. The
organization will build on its existing environmental engineering, biological, and cultural studies
branches to uphold protections for watersheds, coasts, and other environmental resources.
Position Description : California Department of Transportation - District 1 (Eureka) Environmental Engineering and
Coastal Stewardship (2 Fellowship Opportunities)
A fellowship with Caltrans North Region Environmental will provide an experiential learning opportunity
with professionals in diverse areas of expertise, including biologists, engineers, project managers,
archaeologists, and more. Working with the Environmental Engineering and Coastal Stewardship units,
the Fellow will integrate into a team that provides career support and guidance to the Fellow as they
refine their goals. Caltrans Sea Grant Fellows are treated as full staff members and are given
responsibility, value, trust, and appreciation.
The Fellow will directly contribute to the future development of California’s critical infrastructure by
minimizing the impacts and maximizing the environmental sustainability of Caltrans projects. Caltrans is
committed to providing a positive fellowship experience and a beneficial career development
opportunity, and therefore the specific projects undertaken will depend both upon the Fellow’s
interests and the department’s needs. Past Sea Grant Fellows have contributed to the following
Caltrans projects:
• Establishing the Mendocino Coast • Mitigation and Monitoring Plans and
Mitigation Bank Reports
• Eelgrass restoration in Humboldt Bay • CEQA-level watershed assessments for
upcoming transportation projects
• Wildfire fuel reduction for water quality
benefits • Clean Water Act 401 Certifications
The Fellow will be supported by and work directly with the other Caltrans Fellow and previous Sea Grant
Fellows. Caltrans emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and the District 1 location in Humboldt County
offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, nestled between the ocean, mountains, and
ancient redwood forests.
Skills Learned
Caltrans offers tangible and transferrable skills that will develop your career, supplementing your
education with fast-paced and hands-on work experience. By the end of your fellowship, you will:
• Understand implemented environmental regulations and their application, including:
o California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
o National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
o Clean Water Act
o California Coastal Act
• Gain project management and delivery process experience
• Refine technical writing skills into specialized reporting formats
• Experience field work opportunities such as:
o Biological surveys for salmonids, Northern Spotted Owls, rare plant species, butterflies,
& more
o Wetland delineations
o Site visits to assess potential impacts of construction on water quality and coastal
resources
o Mitigation creation and site monitoring
• Directly collaborate on projects with other agencies, including:
o California Coastal Commission o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
o California Department of Fish o California State Parks
and Wildlife o U.S. National Parks Service
o Regional Water Resources o California Department of
Control Boards Forestry and Fire Protection
o U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (CALFIRE)
o National Oceanic and o U.S. Forest Service
Atmospheric Administration
In addition, the Fellow will have access to Caltrans Environmental training and career development
courses, and will be directly mentored by policy analysts, biologists, and other environmental experts.
Desired Qualifications
A successful Caltrans Sea Grant Fellow does not require specific experience or expertise, but rather a
positive attitude, open mind, and willingness to learn and take on new challenges. Good time
management, organization, communication, and interpersonal skills will help fellows succeed in the fast-
paced and team-oriented Caltrans work environment. The interdisciplinary and technical nature of
Caltrans projects requires creative and analytical thinking, the ability to learn quickly, and a solutions-
oriented approach.
Fellowship Supervisors:
• Kevin Church, Branch Chief, Environmental Engineering - North kevin.church@dot.ca.gov
• Lorna McFarlane, Senior Resource Specialist, Coastal & Fish Passage lorna.mcfarlane@dot.ca.gov
Prospective Fellow Contacts:
Amanda Haas, Water Quality Coordinator Cari Williams, Associate Environmental Planner
(707) 296-5469 amanda.haas@dot.ca.gov (707) 298-1465 cari.williams@dot.ca.gov
Caltrans District 4 – Sea Grant Fellowship 2022
Caltrans District 4 (Bay Area) Environmental (1 Fellowship Opportunity)
Caltrans District 4 encompasses the nine-county Bay Area in northern California. Prospective Sea Grant
Fellows would be able to live in and explore all that they Bay Area has to offer, including hiking,
kayaking, beautiful beaches, biking, and numerous cultural activities in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose,
and more.
Position Description
A Fellowship with Caltrans District 4 (Bay Area) Environmental will provide an experiential learning
opportunity with professionals in diverse areas of expertise, including biologists, engineers, project
managers, archaeologists, landscape architects, and more. Working with the Office of Environmental
Analysis and Coastal Stewardship, the Fellow will integrate into a team that provides career support and
guidance to the Fellow as they refine their goals. Caltrans Sea Grant Fellows are treated as full staff
members and are given responsibility, value, trust, and appreciation. The Fellow will be supported by
and work directly with the other Caltrans Fellow and previous Sea Grant Fellows.
The Fellow will directly contribute to the future development of California’s critical infrastructure by
minimizing the impacts and maximizing the environmental sustainability of Caltrans projects. Caltrans is
committed to providing a positive Fellowship experience and a beneficial career development
opportunity, and specific projects undertaken will depend both upon the Fellow’s interests and the
District’s needs. Caltrans District 4 emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and the District 4 location in
Oakland in Alameda County offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and a vibrant
cultural and urban scene.
Skills Learned
Caltrans offers tangible and transferrable skills that will develop your career, supplementing your
education with fast-paced and hands-on work experience. By the end of your Fellowship, you will:
• Understand implemented environmental regulations and their application, including:
o California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
o National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
o Clean Water Act
o California Coastal Act
o Endangered Species Act
o California Endangered Species Act
• Have incorporated climate change stressors into project development
• Refine technical writing skills into specialized reporting formats
• Conduct public outreach and interagency partnering
• Experience field work opportunities such as:
o Biological surveys for salmonids, Northern Spotted Owls, rare plant species,
butterflies, wetland delineations
• Interface with and understand California Coastal Commission and Bay Conservation and
Development Commission regulations and how they apply to Caltrans projects
• Conduct site visits to assess potential impacts of construction on water quality and
natural resources
• Conduct ecological monitoring at mitigation sites
• Directly collaborate on projects with other agencies:
o California Coastal Commission
o California Department of Fish and Wildlife
o Regional Water Resources Control Boards
o U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
o National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
o U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
o California State Parks
o U.S. National Parks Service
o California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE)
o U.S. Forest Service
In addition, the Fellow will have access to Caltrans Environmental training and career development
courses, and will be directly mentored by policy analysts, biologists, and other environmental experts.
Desired Qualifications
A successful Caltrans Sea Grant Fellow does not require specific experience or expertise, but rather a
positive attitude, open mind, and willingness to learn and take on new challenges. Good time
management, organization, communication, and interpersonal skills will help Fellows succeed in the
fast-paced and team-oriented Caltrans work environment. The interdisciplinary and technical nature of
Caltrans projects requires creative and analytical thinking, the ability to learn quickly, and a solutions-
oriented approach.
Fellowship Location:
Caltrans District 4 Office (teleworking is available)
111 Grand Avenue
Oakland, California 94612
Fellowship Supervisor:
Lindsay Vivian, Office Chief, Environmental Analysis – (510) 506-4310
Arnica MacCarthy, Branch Chief and Coastal Resource Specialist, Coastal & Fish Passage – (510) 506-
0481
Fellowship Mentor:
Blake Hihara, Associate Environmental Planner and Permitting Specialist – (510) 407-9735
STATE OF CALIFORNIA Melissa Miller-Henson
Commissioners
Gavin Newsom, Governor Executive Director
Peter S. Silva, President
Jamul P.O. Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
Samantha Murray, Vice President
Del Mar
Fish and Game Commission (916) 653-4899
Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Member fgc@fgc.ca.gov
McKinleyville www.fgc.ca.gov
Eric Sklar, Member
Saint Helena
Erika Zavaleta, Member
Santa Cruz
Wildlife Heritage and Conservation
Since 1870
California Sea Grant 2022 State Fellowship Program Application
Host Location/Contact: California Fish and Game Commission
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1320
Sacramento, CA 95814 (Through August 2021)
California Fish and Game Commission
715 P Street, 16th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814 (Starting August 2021)
Mailing Address: PO Box 944209
Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
Names of Supervisor: Melissa Miller-Henson, Executive Director
Point of Contact: Rachel Ballanti, Deputy Executive Director
(916) 201-6201
Rachel.BallantiBuck@fgc.ca.gov
Position Description
The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) was the first wildlife conservation
agency in the United States, pre-dating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. The
Commission has hundreds of authorities, some general in nature and some very specific
through statutes of the Fish and Game Code, Public Resources Code, and Government Code.
In general, the Commission has jurisdiction over nearly every living thing in California except
people, agriculture, and domestic animals. Specifically, the Commission is formally vested with
authority to regulate the take, possession and conservation of birds, mammals, fish,
amphibians and reptiles on all lands of the State and all waters, including ocean waters to
three miles out into the Pacific Ocean. The Commission also addresses fish, wildlife and
conservation issues on a broad scale, through such subjects as climate change, marine
plastics pollution, sustainable fishing communities, predator management, tribal nation
engagement, marine aquaculture best management practices, fisheries bycatch, and marine
protected areas.
California Natural Resources Building
1416 Ninth Street, Room 1320, Sacramento, California 95814The California State Legislature has deemed that the scope and responsibilities of the
Commission have significantly expanded over the years as the size and diversity of California’s
population has increased, and as the scientific knowledge of the habitat conservation and
ecosystem-based management needs of fish and wildlife has expanded. The Governor-
appointed Commissioners are expected to make complex public policy and biological
decisions on behalf of the people of California, with a small staff that works to ensure the
Commissioners have the necessary information for making those decisions. Examples of the
Commission’s statutory authorities include:
• formulating general policies for the conduct of the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife (Department);
• determining when, where and by what methods hunters and fisherman may take
animals and fish;
• listing and delisting of native plants, animals, and fish as threatened or endangered
species under the California Endangered Species Act;
• establishing and regulating uses of protected lands and waters such as wildlife areas,
ecological reserves and marine protected areas;
• regulating the possession and care of restricted species;
• addressing non-native species importation, possession and sale; and
• leasing state water bottoms and kelp beds for the purposes of aquaculture and
commercial kelp harvest.
The Commission generally conducts its business at six meetings per year, which are
strategically located throughout the State to encourage public outreach and participation. In
addition, the Commission currently has three committees that each have three meetings per
year: The Marine Resources Committee, Wildlife Resources Committee, and Tribal
Committee. Each committee is chaired or co-chaired by no more than two Commissioners.
The goal of these committees is to allow for greater in-depth presentations and discussions on
fish and wildlife issues and regulatory proposals under development, and to provide
recommendations to the Commission for possible action on these topics. The committee
meetings are less formal in nature than Commission meetings and provide for additional
stakeholder access to the Commissioners. Since March 2020, all meetings have been
conducted by webinar and teleconference due to the Covid-19 pandemic; however, we
anticipate a transition back to in-person meetings later in late 2021.
Over the next year, the Commission expects to move to a hybrid work model where telework is
expected and flexibility is prioritized. At the same time, the Sea Grant Fellow will be expected
to be available for in-person collaboration at the Sacramento headquarters office on a regular
basis.
The Commission’s most frequent collaborator is the Department. The Commission establishes
policies and regulations while the Department is guided by the Commission’s policies, is
charged with implementing and enforcing regulations set by the Commission and conducting
the day-to-day management of programs established through regulation, and provides
biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.
Potential Roles and Projects for 2022 Sea Grant Fellow
The California Sea Grant fellow will have the opportunity to serve as staff on a wide variety of
issues before the Commission, including many of those listed above, depending on the fellow’s
areas of interest, educational and professional goals, initiative, and communication and
analytical skills. The types of functions the fellow might support include:• assisting the executive director in developing policies and/or strategic approaches to
items that may be controversial in nature;
• working on committee agendas and topics directly with the Commission’s marine
advisor and wildlife advisor;
• organizing and/or leading related meetings and workshops;
• enhancing transparency by outreach and communication with stakeholders and
partners, and working to maintain broad project or program support;
• drafting and reviewing staff summaries for Commission and committee meetings;
• helping improve the Commission website and develop social media outreach.
While project priorities may change over time to address Commission direction and regulatory
need, Commission staff are currently considering the following projects for the 2022 Sea Grant
fellow:
• Coastal Fishing Communities Project and Policy Implementation
• Marine Aquaculture Projects
• Invasive Species Management Strategies
In addition to these Commission special projects, the Sea Grant fellow will be involved in
ongoing interagency, tribal, and stakeholder collaboration to address the management of
California’s resources in various focal areas which may include climate change, tribal
concerns, and new and emerging regulatory issues.
Placement with the Commission will help the fellow better understand how fish and wildlife
statutes, regulations and policies are established and implemented in California, and will also
provide a front seat to political, administrative, and stakeholder participation processes
including direct interaction with Governor-appointed decision makers.Wade Crowfoot | Secretary for Natural Resources | Council Chair
Jared Blumenfeld | Secretary for Environmental Protection
Eleni Kounalakis | Lieutenant Governor | State Lands Commission Chair
Ben Allen | State Senator
Mark Stone | State Assemblymember
Michael Brown | Public Member
Jordan Diamond | Public Member
Sea Grant Host Application 2022
Two Fellowships available at the Ocean Protection Council
1. Host location and contact information: Ocean Protection Council
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento, CA 95814
2. Fellowship Supervisor: Jenn Eckerle, OPC Deputy Director
jenn.eckerle@resources.ca.gov
Justine Kimball, Senior Program Manager,
OPC Climate Change Program
justine.kimball@resources.ca.gov
Tova Handelman, Senior Program Manager,
OPC MPA Program
tova.handelman@resources.ca.gov
3. Points of contact for Sea Grant, Justine Kimball, Senior Program Manager,
prospective fellows, and finalists: OPC Climate Change Program
justine.kimball@resources.ca.gov
Tova Handelman, Senior Program Manager,
OPC MPA Program,
tova.handelman@resources.ca.gov
4. Position description:
Background: The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) is a cabinet-level state agency nested within
the California Natural Resources Agency. Created by the California Ocean Protection Act of
2004, OPC was established to ensure healthy, resilient, and productive coastal and ocean
ecosystems in California. OPC serves as the Governor’s advisor on ocean and coastal policy
and uses partnerships, policy and funding to advance science-based solutions to protect coastal
and ocean ecosystems in California. With this diverse complement of tools, OPC has unique
flexibility to develop innovative and impactful approaches to conservation. We use each of
these tools to identify and implement solutions that improve ocean governance, increase
stewardship, and advance scientific understanding necessary to protect marine resources andthe communities that rely on them. These efforts yield significant benefits to the state while providing a model to improve protection and conservation across the world. Fellowships at OPC provide an opportunity to work at the interface of science, policy and management to protect California’s coastal and marine ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. OPC fellows are fully integrated members of OPC staff and as such, they gain valuable professional experience that will prepare them for success in future endeavors. OPC staff is currently involved in various projects and initiatives focused on: marine biodiversity; climate change; sustainable fisheries and aquaculture; marine protected areas; marine pollution; and offshore renewable energy. More information about OPC’s current priorities can be seen in the recently adopted Strategic Plan to Protect California’s Coast and Ocean. To understand the scope and breadth of the Council’s work, please see this recent meeting agenda. OPC Sea Grant Fellows: Changing ocean conditions have the potential to threaten communities, ecosystems and California’s economy. As such, there is an urgent need to catalyze innovative and bold action that builds resilience and safeguards ocean health. To advance our work addressing these critical issues, OPC would host two Sea Grant fellows, one that would focus on climate change and the other who would focus on marine biodiversity, including marine protected areas. The climate change fellow would support OPC’s state, national and international efforts to understand, prepare for, and adapt to climate change impacts including, but not limited to, ocean acidification and hypoxia, sea-level rise, offshore wind, and harmful algal blooms. This work may include coordination with agency and external partners, scientific analysis, evaluation of data gaps, identifying opportunities for new and/or leveraged OPC investments, and stakeholder outreach. The marine biodiversity fellow would help lead the ongoing effort among state, federal, tribal and non-governmental partners to implement the state’s MPA Management Program. This includes supporting the work of the MPA Statewide Leadership Team and the state’s completion of the first decadal adaptive management review of California’s MPA network in 2022. This fellow would also support other marine biodiversity priorities, which may include kelp forest recovery, 30 x 30 conservation efforts, water quality, and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Both fellows will likely have opportunities to support work on OPC’s other strategic priorities. In addition to supporting the programmatic work on climate change and marine biodiversity specifically, the two Sea Grant fellows will be involved in the following: Broad Efforts of the Council. All OPC staff support the functions of the seven-member Council, including agenda setting, policy recommendations, and project development. Potential tasks associated with managing projects include: frequent communication with project stakeholders, partners, or grantees; presenting staff recommendations to the Council; drafting and amending contracts and grant agreements; managing project-related invoices; organizing, and/or leading related meetings and workshops; participating in site visits; ensuring outcomes of projects are communicated to the public, relevant agencies, and institutions; seeking out additional funding sources or matching funds; encouraging transparency by working with stakeholders; and working to maintain broad project or program support. Both fellows would support all the functions of the Council.
Resources Agency Sea Grant Advisory Panel. The Resources Agency Sea Grant Advisory
Panel (RASGAP) helps fund scientific research that supports coastal and ocean management
and policy priorities and decision-making by evaluating proposals solicited by California’s two
Sea Grant programs. Fellows will be responsible for helping review and score pre- and full
proposals and participating in RASGAP technical review panels.
Legislative Reporting & Bill Analyses. As a state agency that is part of the Governor’s
Administration, OPC does not take a position on any legislation. However, OPC tracks relevant
bills that may explicitly direct OPC to take action or indirectly impact OPC’s priorities to protect
coastal and marine resources. One fellow will be responsible for tracking legislative bills
that are relevant to OPC and providing weekly updates to OPC’s tracking list. Both
fellows may have the opportunity to contribute to bill analyses if an OPC-relevant bill is
moving forward in the legislature.
Communications. Both fellows will support OPC’s communications to elevate our work to a
wide and diverse set of partners and stakeholders. Communications activities may include but
are not limited to: representing OPC publicly at meetings and workshops; drafting talking points
and press releases; and writing content for OPC’s website and social media platforms.
Desired skills or attributes include:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead groups of people, often with divergent views, to advance progress on a
particular issue.
• Ability to translate complex scientific information for use by government decision-makers,
stakeholders and the general public.
• Ability to work well independently under minimal supervision or guidance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• An entrepreneurial spirit and strong personal initiative.1. Host location and contact information
State Coastal Conservancy
1515 Clay St., 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612-1401
2. Fellowship Supervisor(s)
South Coast Fellowship – Evyan Sloane, Megan Cooper
Bay Restoration Fellowship – Jessica Davenport
3. Point of contact for CSG and prospective fellows and finalists:
Jessica Davenport
Deputy Regional Manager
jessica.davenport@scc.ca.gov
4. Position description(s)
General Overview: Established in 1976, the State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) is a non-
regulatory agency that works to protect and improve natural lands and waterways, help people
get to and enjoy the outdoors, and sustain local economies along the length of California’s coast
and around San Francisco Bay. The SCC works in partnership with local governments, other
public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. Much of the Conservancy’s
work involves collaborating with scientists and other professionals to deliver on-the-ground
coastal resource protection and restoration.
The Conservancy’s broad mandate allows it to undertake planning, projects, and initiatives such
as the following:
• Protect and improve the quality and resiliency of coastal wetlands, streams, watersheds,
and near-shore ocean waters;
• Help people get to and along the coast and bay shores by building trails and stairways and
by acquiring land and easements. The Conservancy also assists in the creation of low-cost
accommodations along the coast, including campgrounds and hostels;
• Help to solve complex land-use problems;
• Protect coastal lands, including agricultural lands and working landscapes;
• Address the potential impacts of climate change on resources within its jurisdiction, and
undertake projects that address extreme weather events, sea level rise, storm surge, beach
and bluff erosion, flooding, and other coastal hazards that threaten coastal communities,
infrastructure, and natural resources.
1South Coast Fellow
One fellow will be placed in the SCC’s South Coast Program to help support the Southern
California Wetlands Recovery Project (WRP) and other SCC work in Southern California.
The WRP is a broad-based partnership of 18 state and federal agencies working in concert with
scientists, local governments, and environmental organizations. In the coming year, the WRP
will undertake the following actions, which the fellow will work to support:
• Coordinate the WRP’s Cutting the Green Tape initiative by supporting WRP Work Plan
projects in two permit pre-application meetings with WRP partner agencies.
• Implement the WRP’s Regional Monitoring Program, if selected for EPA funding. This
project focuses on developing a Level-3 monitoring framework for coastal wetlands
across Southern California.
• Coordinate and provide staff support for meetings of the various branches of the WRP
including the Directors Group annual meeting, Science Advisory Panel meetings as
needed, Wetlands Managers Group quarterly meetings, and County Task Force meetings
as needed.
• Develop a Work Plan of high priority wetland projects and coordinate with WRP partners
to fund and implement these projects.
• Help SCC staff track WRP Work Plan project progress internally as well as on the
WRP’s website and EcoAtlas’s Project Tracker.
• Select a suite of small wetland restoration projects to fund through the Community
Wetland Restoration Grants Program.
• Increase the WRP’s public visibility by managing social media and web outreach.
Through the WRP, the fellow will have the opportunity to work with leading wetland scientists,
practitioners, and managers. Tasks may include helping to determine management and science
needs, facilitating movement of a very diverse group toward those goals, reviewing and writing
technical papers, participating in meetings, conducting site visits, and undertaking GIS work.
The fellow will also work on managing and facilitating the Coastal Resilience Network. The
Coastal Resilience Network is a global network of practitioners engaging in knowledge exchange
to support adaptation solutions that strategically and comprehensively prepare California’s
coastal habitats and communities for climate induced impacts. The fellow will manage the
Network’s on-going webinar series by identifying speakers and facilitating the webinars.
The fellow will also help SCC staff manage the Climate Ready grant program. The fellow will
be leading the reporting efforts for all (already) selected projects to the California Air Resources
Board.
Although the WRP and SCC tasks listed above will be the focus of the fellow’s work, s/he will
likely also take on other SCC projects such as climate change adaptation, public access, urban
waterfronts, and habitat restoration. Tasks may include project development, writing staff
recommendations to the SCC Board, project and contract management, presentations to the SCC
Board and others, and leadership in communications (e.g., website, social media).
2Bay Restoration Fellow
One of the SCC’s fellows will work on coastal habitat restoration along the shoreline of San
Francisco Bay. Coastal resource enhancement is the SCC’s largest funding program, and the
complexity of designing, implementing and monitoring resource enhancement projects continues
to grow. The Bay Restoration Fellow will spend his/her time working on the San Francisco Bay
Restoration Authority (SFBRA) and the shoreline restoration work of the SCC’s Bay Area
Program. The SCC provides staff support to the SFBRA.
In the coming year, the fellow will work on the following initiatives:
• Populate and manage data to help the SFBRA track the impact of its wetlands restoration
projects through a statewide data portal, EcoAtlas.
• Manage data related to performance measures and dashboards for the SFBRA grant
program.
• Track the development of the San Francisco Bay Wetlands Regional Monitoring Program
and contribute to ensuring its usefulness to the SCC and SFBRA.
• Help coordinate SFBRA work through meeting organization, meeting notes, preparing
technical documents, and presenting information.
• Review project applications and make recommendations for project prioritization.
• Write staff recommendations and present them to the SFBRA and/or SCC board and
manage projects and contracts.
• Support communications and public outreach (social media, website, etc).
Through the SFBRA and the SCC’s Bay Area Program, the fellow will have the opportunity to
work with leading scientists, restoration practitioners, resource managers, and community
leaders. Tasks may include helping to determine management and science needs, participating in
meetings, and conducting site visits. The fellow may also support SFBRA’s and SCC’s outreach
and technical assistance to support community-based organizations in economically
disadvantaged communities in developing projects eligible for our grant funding.
Although helping to support the SFBRA will be the fellow’s primary tasks, s/he could also take
on other SCC projects such as climate change adaptation, public access, and urban waterfronts.
Tasks may include writing staff recommendations to the SCC Board, project and contract
management, and presentations to the SCC Board and others.
3California Sea Grant State Fellowship Program 2022
Host Agency: California State Lands Commission
Location: 100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100-South, Sacramento, CA 95825
Position Name: Climate Change/Coastal Resilience/Sea-level Rise
Fellowship Supervisors: Nicole Dobroski, Chief, Division of Environmental Planning and
Management;
Jennifer Mattox, Science Policy Advisor/Tribal Liaison
Points of Contact: Nicole Dobroski, nicole.dobroski@slc.ca.gov; (916) 574-0742
Jennifer Mattox, jennifer.mattox@slc.ca.gov; (916) 574-1800
Agency Background:
The California State Lands Commission (Commission) is an independent and dynamic state
agency that works on the cutting edge of integrating science into policy decisions. The three-
person Commission is comprised of the State Controller, Lieutenant Governor, and the Director
of Finance. One of the Commission’s major roles is to act as the landlord for lands within its
jurisdiction. This sets the Commission apart from purely regulatory agencies. When California
became a state in 1850, it acquired approximately four million acres of land underlying the
State’s navigable and tidal waterways. These “sovereign lands” include the beds of California’s
navigable rivers, lakes, and streams, as well as the State’s tide and submerged lands along the
State’s 1,100+ miles of coastline and offshore islands, from approximately the mean high tide
line to three nautical miles offshore. The Commission holds these lands in trust for the people of
California under the Public Trust Doctrine.
Part of the Commission’s trust responsibility includes reviewing and approving or denying lease
applications for uses of or activities on sovereign lands (e.g., major energy projects, artificial
reefs, piers, etc.). Activities on sovereign lands must be appropriate public trust uses, including
commerce, fishing, navigation, environmental preservation, and recreation. The Commission is
the main agency tasked with protecting public access and overseeing public trust uses. Valid
public trust uses sometimes conflict with each other; the Commission works to manage those
conflicts and ensure that the Public Trust Doctrine is upheld on sovereign land. In this way, the
Commission, along with its sister state agencies, decides on appropriate uses for California’s
ocean lands and resources and proactively plans for future issues and conflicts.
In addition, the Legislature has enacted more than 300 statutes granting sovereign public trust
lands to over 80 local municipalities (referred to as grantees or trustees) to manage in trust for
the people of California. The specific uses permitted in each granting statute vary. All grants
reserve to the people the right to fish in the waters over the lands and the right to convenient
access to those waters for that purpose. While granted public trust lands and assets are
managed locally, the Legislature delegated the State's residual and review authority for granted
lands to the Commission. The Commission represents the statewide public interest to ensure
that trustees operate their grants in conformance with the California Constitution, applicable
granting statutes, and the Public Trust Doctrine.
Recognizing the critical need to evaluate and plan for sea-level rise impacts on granted public
trust lands, the Legislature enacted Assembly Bill (AB) 691 in 2013. This bill required trustees of
granted lands with average annual gross public trust revenues exceeding $250,000 to submit a
sea-level rise adaptation strategy assessment to the Commission by July 1, 2019. The
assessments are required to inventory vulnerable assets and infrastructure, estimate theCalifornia Sea Grant State Fellowship Program 2022 Page 2
financial costs of sea-level rise, and describe specific sea-level rise adaptation and mitigation
strategies. The assessments have been submitted, and Commission staff is preparing a
statewide synthesis to inform a set of recommended actions.
Position Description:
Under the direction of the Chief of the Environmental Planning and Management Division and
the Science Policy Advisor/Tribal Liaison, the Sea Grant Fellow will have the opportunity to work
on climate change and coastal resilience issues and initiatives. One of the primary projects
includes working with our granted lands trustees (major ports, harbor districts, marinas, and
local jurisdictions) and the Commission’s scientific staff on AB 691 implementation based on the
report and findings from the sea-level rise vulnerability and adaptation assessments. Other
projects will include working on initiatives related to developing and implementing policy on the
use of nature-based solutions to build resiliency to sea level rise, coastal engineering, erosion,
and armoring. The Fellow will also develop and facilitate climate change and sea-level rise
education and resources for staff based on recent science and new policy developments. The
Fellow may also participate in conferences, interagency meetings, and collaborative projects
with other Fellows as opportunities arise.
The Fellow will also work on a variety of short and long-term projects throughout the fellowship
year, which may include tracking new policy developments or initiatives (e.g., 30X30 and
Cutting Green Tape), integrating the best available science into decision-making processes, and
analyzing and compiling scientific materials for a variety of Commission projects. The Fellow will
also have the opportunity to work with the Commission’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
team and Environmental Justice Liaison.
Many of the fellowship projects are ongoing, and the Fellow will have an opportunity to continue
the work started by current and former Fellows. The Fellow will interact with Commission staff
from multiple divisions that encompass a wide variety of coastal and marine resource topics.
Specific project and program duties will be developed collaboratively among the Fellow, Science
Policy Advisor and Tribal Liaison, and Environmental Planning and Management Chief, and will
be based on the Commission’s needs that arise during the fellowship, as well as the Fellow’s
interests.
Desirable Qualifications:
• Ability to work independently and with diverse interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Someone who is a self-starter and deadline-oriented;
• Experience with GIS and web-development;
• Ability to develop and apply expertise in natural resources and coastal management
issues and regulations (e.g., CEQA and NEPA, California Coastal Act, California Ocean
Protection Act, Federal and State Endangered Species Acts, etc.).
• Ability to translate science into layperson’s terms;
• Knowledge of/familiarity with resource economics;
• Ability to work toward consensus positions with government, private, and public interest
groups;
• Enthusiasm for public policy and lawmaking; ability to work in a complex, fast-paced
professional environment;
• An interest or experience in using social media to educate, engage, and communicate
with a wide array of audiencesCalifornia Sea Grant State Fellowship Program 2022
Host Agency: California State Lands Commission
Location: 100 Howe Avenue, Suite 100-South, Sacramento, CA 95825
Position Name: Special Projects/Coastal Resilience/Science Team
Fellowship Supervisors: Nicole Dobroski, Chief of Environmental Planning and
Management Division;
Jennifer Mattox, Science Policy Advisor/Tribal Liaison
Points of Contact: Nicole Dobroski, nicole.dobroski@slc.ca.gov; (916) 574-0742;
Jennifer Mattox, jennifer.mattox@slc.ca.gov; (916) 574-1800
Agency Background:
The California State Lands Commission (Commission) is an independent and dynamic state
agency that works on the cutting edge of integrating science into policy decisions. One of the
Commission’s major roles is to act as the landlord for lands within its jurisdiction. This sets the
Commission apart from purely regulatory agencies. When California became a state in 1850, it
acquired approximately four million acres of land underlying the State’s navigable and tidal
waterways. These “sovereign lands” include the beds of California’s navigable rivers, lakes, and
streams, as well as the State’s tide and submerged lands along the State’s 1,100+ miles of
coastline and offshore islands, from approximately the mean high tide line to three nautical
miles offshore. The Commission holds these lands in trust for the people of California under the
Public Trust Doctrine.
Part of the Commission’s trust responsibility includes reviewing and approving or denying lease
applications for uses of or activities on sovereign lands (e.g., major energy projects, artificial
reefs, piers, etc.). Activities on sovereign lands must be appropriate public trust uses, including
commerce, fishing, navigation, environmental preservation, and recreation. The Commission is
the main agency tasked with protecting public access and overseeing public trust uses. Valid
public trust uses sometimes conflict with each other; the Commission works to manage those
conflicts and ensure that the Public Trust Doctrine is upheld on sovereign land. In this way, the
Commission, along with its sister state agencies, decides on appropriate uses for California’s
ocean lands and resources and proactively plans for future issues and conflicts.
The three-person Commission is comprised of the State Controller, Lieutenant Governor, and
the Director of Finance. The Fellow will be supervised by the Chief of the Environmental
Planning and Management Division and the Science Policy Advisor/Tribal Liaison. These host
mentors will provide a highly interdisciplinary environment, consulting with other Commission
staff on many issues where science and policy interface and helping staff navigate complex and
politically sensitive issues, including adaptation to climate change and sea-level rise;
management of California’s marine protected areas; development of offshore renewable energy;
and the preservation of cultural and tribal resources. This work includes extensive coordination
with other Commission divisions, including Legal, External Affairs, Mineral Resources
Management, Marine Environmental Protection, and Land Management.
Position Description:
The Sea Grant Fellow will have the opportunity to work on complex and challenging marine and
coastal planning and management projects. Under the direction of the Chief of Environmental
Planning and Management and the Science Policy Advisor/Tribal Liaison, the Sea Grant FellowCalifornia Sea Grant State Fellowship Program 2022 Page 2
will work on complex projects, including offshore renewable energy, platform decommissioning,
aquaculture, coastal restoration, underwater infrastructure, and marine spatial planning. These
projects encompass a number of challenging and high-profile activities, including participating
on interagency teams exploring offshore renewable energy and aquaculture potential;
conducting environmental review under CEQA for offshore wind activities; participating in efforts
related to the Commission’s oil and gas decommissioning activities; evaluating and compiling
scientific materials for negotiations on sensitive projects; integrating the best available science
into Commission decision-making processes; and collaborating with other state, federal, local,
and tribal entities.
The Fellow will likely have a variety of short-term and long-term projects throughout the
fellowship year, which may include working with the Commission’s Justice, Equity, Diversity,
and Inclusion team and Environmental Justice Liaison, tracking new policy developments or
initiatives (e.g., 30X30 and Cutting Green Tape), refining climate change and sea-level rise
policy and outreach strategies, integrating the best available science into decision-making
processes, and analyzing and compiling scientific materials for a variety of Commission
projects.
The Fellow will also be welcome to participate in conferences, interagency meetings, and
collaborative projects with other Fellows as opportunities arise. Many of these projects are
ongoing and the Fellow will have an opportunity to continue the work started by current and
former Fellows. The Fellow will interact with Commission staff from multiple divisions that
encompass a wide variety of coastal and marine resource topics. Specific project and program
duties will be developed collaboratively among the Fellow, Science Policy Advisor and Tribal
Liaison, and Environmental Planning and Management Chief, and will be based on the
Commission’s needs that arise during the fellowship, as well as the Fellow’s interests.
Desirable Qualifications:
• Ability to work both independently and with diverse interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to develop and apply expertise in natural resources and coastal management
issues;
• Ability to translate science into layperson’s terms;
• Familiarity and/or experience with GIS and web-development;
• Ability to work toward consensus positions with governmental, private, and public interest
groups;
• An interest or experience in using social media to educate, engage, and communicate
with a wide array of audiences; and
• An interest in CEQA and other natural resource laws, rules, and regulations (e.g., National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Coastal Act, California Ocean Protection Act,
Federal and State Endangered Species Acts, etc.).You can also read
