California Sea Grant State Fellowship

California Sea Grant State Fellowship is sponsored by California Sea Grant. Provides hands-on experience in coastal and marine resource policies and programs in California for recent graduates.

2027 California Sea Grant State Fellowship | California Sea Grant 2027 California Sea Grant State Fellowship Proposal Contact : sgproposal@ucsd. edu APPLY TO BE A 2027 CALIFORNIA SEA GRANT STATE FELLOW Length & Location of Assignment How to Submit an Application Finalist Selection Process All times listed in Pacific Time (PT). Informational Webinar for prospective applicants: Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM PT.

Fellowship Applications due: June 12, 2026 by 5:00 PM PT Finalist Informational Session: July 29, 2026 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT Fellow Office Hours: September 14–25, 2026 Host Office Hours: September 14– 25, 2026 MANDATORY Finalist Interview Scheduling Event: September 30, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT MANDATORY Matching Workshop: October 5–7, 2026 Follow-Up’s: October 12, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT Informational Webinar for prospective applicants: Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM PT.

2027 State Fellowship Informational Webinar Slides. pdf The California Sea Grant State Fellowship Program provides a unique educational and professional opportunity for post-graduate students who are interested in coastal and marine resources in California, and the policy decisions affecting those resources.

Modeled after the highly successful national Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program, the State Fellowship Program is designed to provide recent graduates an opportunity to acquire "hands-on" experience in the planning and implementation of coastal and marine resource policies and programs in the state of California.

The program matches highly motivated and outstanding graduate students (near completion of degree or recently completed) with "hosts" in California municipal, state, or federal agencies, as well as research and conservation organizations in California with mandates in coastal or marine research, policy, or management.

The fellowship program serves to both increase the capacity of ocean and coastal management agencies in California with highly motivated and talented graduate students, and to facilitate the training and development of the next generation of ocean and coastal leaders.

Since the inception of this program in 1987, 369 graduate students and recent graduates have been successfully placed in a variety of local, state, and federal agencies that address California coastal and marine resource issues. This fellowship program has helped jumpstart the careers of coastal and marine policy professionals. You can read about current and past State Fellows at https://caseagrant.

ucsd. edu/students/fellowship-alumni . Prospective hosts will provide an educational opportunity to fellows who will, in turn, provide substantial professional contributions to the office.

Hosts are expected to supervise, mentor, and provide opportunities for fellows to be involved in substantive issues that support the fellow’s professional and educational goals. The fellow will be expected to engage with the host office at a full-time equivalent, remotely and/or on-site and with other staff and/or leadership, as appropriate.

Hosts and fellows are responsible for agreeing on remote/virtual, on-site, and hybrid arrangements.

Prospective fellows submit fellowship applications through California Sea Grant (via the online application system eSeaGrant) and are screened for appropriate academic background, employment history, career and education goals, community and extracurricular activities, interest in the fellowship, and for professional skills such as initiative, leadership, adaptability, communication, and analytical skills.

The process and requirements of becoming a host to a California Sea Grant Fellow is outlined below. California Sea Grant strongly encourages all prospective applicants to see the complete schedule and place appropriate holds on their calendars early.

Over the course of the twelve-month fellowship, California Sea Grant State Fellows will have the opportunity to engage with the California Sea Grant Extension Program through optional Extension Projects.

These projects are meant to be collaborative opportunities offered to enhance the fellowship experience, expose fellows to CASG extension specialists and what extension work is, provide additional professional development to fellows, and engage fellows on familiar and/or new topics that complement their fellowship tasks.

California Sea Grant Extension Specialists work with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, local businesses and members of the California coastal community to identify emerging marine resource problems and opportunities, conduct applied scientific research and share findings with stakeholder groups.

State Fellows will be able to choose one extension project that aligns with their fellowship assignments or with their professional and career interests. Fellows are anticipated to contribute no more than 5% of their time throughout the course of their one year fellowship on these extension projects.

As each Extension Specialist, project, fellowship position and individual fellow is different, California Sea Grant will provide flexibility as best possible to create organic collaborative opportunities through the extension projects for State Fellows. California Sea Grant will encourage fellow participation in Extension Projects, but these are not mandatory for a fellow.

LENGTH & LOCATION OF ASSIGNMENT The length of assignment is twelve (12) months. The fellowship will begin in early winter between January and March 2027. Fellows are required to start the first 10 days of the month either in January, February or March 2027, with the exact start date negotiable between an individual host and fellow.

If relocation is required for the fellowship position, fellows should not move until a host agreement has been fully executed with California Sea Grant. The fellow will receive $62,448 in stipend to cover living expenses and health insurance premiums for the 12-month assignment. These funds will be disbursed in monthly installments ($5,204/month), paid in arrears.

Additional funds of up to $2,500 can be reimbursed to cover travel for any California Sea Grant coordinated in-person meetings and other fellowship related travel. Health insurance is mandatory for the full length of the fellowship award (12 months). State Fellows will be required to submit monthly progress reports and monthly health insurance confirmations.

These reports will be solicited via eSeaGrant on a monthly basis and are mandatory for participation in this fellowship. Applications may be submitted by a graduate student close to completing a degree (Masters, Ph. D.

, or J. D.) in a field related to conservation, management, protection, stewardship, public policy or law of marine, coastal, and/or watershed environments, or areas that impact those environments, at a California university.

Graduate students who recently completed their degree at a California university with a graduation date [i.e. date the degree was awarded by the university] after May 1, 2025 are also eligible to apply. Fellows must complete all degree requirements before starting the fellowship.

When considering applying for this fellowship, please keep in mind that if you are only interested in being placed with five or less host agency positions, then this might not be the right opportunity for you. Matching with a particular host agency is not guaranteed. Each host agency can offer an enriching fellowship opportunity, thus an open mindset is important in being successful through the matching process.

Applicants must be eligible to receive federal and state funds; it is the responsibility of the applicant to check if they are eligible to receive federal/state funds and (if applicable) obtain the appropriate VISA to maintain an eligible status in the State Fellowship. The electronic files comprising your application must be submitted as PDFs using eSeaGrant, California Sea Grant’s online submission portal: https://eseagrant2. ucsd.

edu/ . To start an application in eSeaGrant or to revisit/edit an existing application, click on “Current Tasks” in your eSeaGrant dashboard. To start a new application, click on “Add Fellowship Application” under “Fellowship Applications: 2027 State Fellowship”.

If you have already started an application and wish to edit it, click on the hyperlink for that application instead. FORMATTING: Ensure electronic files are no larger than 6 MB. Only PDFs are accepted.

Include your last name in the file names for each section of the proposal (e.g., Smith_statement. pdf or Smith_cv. pdf).

When naming the document do not use apostrophes, slashes or ampersands. Once submitted through the website, PDFs may not be edited. To change a PDF, it must be deleted and resubmitted.

IMPORTANT: To maintain confidentiality, letters of recommendation are submitted directly from the referee to California Sea Grant through eSeaGrant and must be submitted by the application deadline to be considered. Please address letters to Dr. Shauna Oh, Director, California Sea Grant. Late submissions may lead to the rejection of incomplete applications.

Candidates are encouraged to work with referees to meet the deadline. For technical issues with submitting your application through eSeaGrant please contact Delanie Medina at sgproposal@ucsd. edu .

with the subject line "2027 State Fellowship". Submitted fellowship applications will be screened for appropriate application requirements including academic background, employment history, career and education goals, community and extracurricular activities, interest in the fellowship, and for professional skills such as initiative, leadership, adaptability, communication and analytical skills.

Applications missing any requirements will not be considered. Application Deadline: June 12, 2026 by 5:00 PM PT NOTE: THE ESEAGRANT PROPOSAL PORTAL WILL CLOSE AT THE DATE AND TIME STATED ABOVE, AND LATE APPLICATIONS (EVEN 1 MINUTE LATE) CANNOT BE ACCEPTED. IT IS THE APPLICANT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS SUBMITTED BEFORE THE DEADLINE.

WE ADVISE TO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION; WHEN ESEAGRANT EXPERIENCES HIGH USER TRAFFIC, YOU MAY EXPERIENCE PAGE LOADING DELAYS. As a federally funded entity, California Sea Grant is adapting to the evolving landscape, understanding potential implications, and ensuring compliance with active executive orders (EOs) .

Therefore, when preparing your personal education and career development statement, we recommend ensuring your response aligns with any current and relevant executive orders and policies issued by the Administration (i.e., active executive orders).

Please note that any content in your application package exceeding the listed page or text limits will be redacted prior to application review – this includes letters of recommendation as well. A complete application will include: Personal Education and Career Development Statement Two Letters of Recommendation Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts Personal and academic curriculum vitae. (not to exceed 2 pages using 12-point font) 2.

PERSONAL EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT A personal education and career development statement that emphasizes the applicant's abilities and interests, and the applicant's expectations of the career development experience.

(1000 words or less) The statement should include the following: 2A: Ice Breaker: At the top of the personal statement, each applicant should provide answers to two icebreakers: The applicant should use one sentence to describe themselves. (1 sentence maximum) The applicant should list five adjectives that someone with a close personal connection (coworker, supervisor, etc.) would use to describe them.

(5 words maximum) 2B: Why the applicant wants to be a California Sea Grant State Fellow with a specific focus on how this fellowship supports the student’s career pathway and what the applicant hopes to get out of the experience.

(suggested 250 words maximum) 2C: What experiences and transferable skills (skills that can be applied across a variety of disciplines) would the applicant bring to the California Sea Grant State Fellowship from their personal, professional and academic background.

(suggested 250 words maximum) 2D: Describe a situation in which the applicant overcame a challenge (e.g. within a community or institution, personally, professionally, etc.) specifically as it relates to how they took a leadership role and what they learned from the experience.

(suggested 240 words maximum) 2E: Describe a situation in which the applicant worked with a person or group with different perspectives, life experiences, beliefs, etc. from their own to achieve a common goal. (suggested 240 words maximum) 3. TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Two letters of professional recommendation, including one from the applicant’s major professor.

If no major professor exists, the faculty member who is most familiar with the applicant academically may be substituted. (Each letter must not exceed 2 pages) 4. UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE TRANSCRIPTS Copies of all undergraduate and graduate student transcripts.

Unofficial copies will be accepted. (Ensure that PDF copies of transcripts are not password-protected) 5. GENERATIVE AI DISCLOSURE When uploading application materials in the eSeaGrant portal, there will be a generative AI section in which applicants must disclose their use of generative AI tools.

If the applicant has used generative AI tools to develop any portion of the application, they must select “Yes” and describe transparently and in detail, which generative AI technologies/tools were used and why they were used. The applicant is fully responsible for the accuracy of any information provided by the tool and for correctly referencing any supporting work on which that information depends.

Technologies or human services used to improve spelling, grammar, and general editing do not need to be reported. If the applicant has not used generative AI tools to develop any portion of the application, they must select “No”. Recent legislation enacted by the California State Legislature requires state agencies to disclose any use of generative AI in work funded by the state.

To stay in alignment with recent state guidelines and given that this fellowship places fellows within state agencies, we are requiring applicants to disclose any use of generative AI in the preparation of their application.

Submitted fellowship applications will be screened for appropriate application requirements including academic background, employment history, career and education goals, community and extracurricular activities, interest in the fellowship, and for professional skills such as initiative, leadership, adaptability, communication and analytical skills. Applications missing any requirements will not be considered.

Personal information (birth dates, addresses, student ID numbers, social security numbers, etc.) must be redacted from all application materials before it is submitted through eSeaGrant.

Personal Education and Career Development Statement Two Letters of Recommendation Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts Overall Application Cohesion Curriculum Vitae (10%): The student has employment, volunteer, or extracurricular activities in academic, applied, research, administration, outreach or policy positions.

The education and experience (personal and professional) in the student’s area of expertise are appropriate to the career stage. The student demonstrates academic, professional or personal experiences that are relevant and applicable to serving Californians.

The student’s experiences show prior leadership roles relevant to their career stage (e.g., student government, faculty committees, advisory committees, professional societies, community initiatives, etc.). Personal Education and Career Development Response (65%): Ice Breaker (5%) - The student demonstrates creative thinking and a willingness to think outside the box.

Career Path and Objectives (30%) - The student clearly links experiences to the ocean or coasts. The student demonstrates their ability to convey scientific knowledge in broader, non-scientific contexts, creative thinking, analytical skills and/or indicates their capacity and willingness to make connections between science and broader economic, social and political issues.

The student demonstrates an understanding of the State Fellowship program and personal and professional background/goals. The student is specific, direct and concise while discussing what they would bring to and gain from the State Fellowship and what they have cultivated throughout their academic and professional career. The skill set demonstrated will provide a foundation for success.

Career Path Experience (30%) - The student demonstrates an interest in contributing to public programs or service; experiences in public service, including, but not limited to volunteering, leadership, extension or education experiences. These do not have to be directly related to the mission of California Sea Grant.

The student demonstrates creativity and willingness to navigate a challenging situation or leadership, and a problem solving initiative. The student has shown interest in working with a variety of collaborators, community members and/or interested partners.

Letters of Recommendation (10%): The letter writers demonstrate knowledge of the student and their abilities, speak to the leadership potential, confidence, maturity, and self-direction of the student, provide evidence of the student's willingness and flexibility to tackle issues beyond their area of expertise and an openness and capacity to expand experiences.

The letter writers provide evidence of the student's ability to convey scientific knowledge in broader, non-scientific contexts. Academic Ability (10%): The undergraduate and graduate transcripts demonstrate the applicant's coursework in academic, applied, research, administration, outreach or policy.

Overall Application Cohesion (5%): Consider all aspects of the application materials (CV, Personal Education and career Development Statement, Letters of Recommendation, and Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts).

The application materials complement each other; The student brings unique perspectives to the program, the application materials provide a clear picture of what the student would gain, and bring to, from receiving the State Fellowship. Selected finalists will be guided through a matching process with host agencies as described below. Finalists invited to the Matching Workshop are not guaranteed a fellowship.

California Sea Grant cannot guarantee that a finalist will have an interview with a particular host. Placement of a fellow with a prospective host office is not guaranteed. Selection of finalists is made by California Sea Grant staff and alumni of the State Fellowship based upon review of written application materials and interviews (via Zoom) of high-scoring applicants.

Once a State Finalist has been selected by California Sea Grant to participate in Matching Process, there are several items that will be required by finalists to submit and participate in, including but not limited to: State Finalist Commitment Finalist Presentation Video & Slide deck Finalist Informational Session Interview Scheduling Event Matching Workshop Interviews Top 10 Unranked List (finalists only) Follow-Up List (hosts only) Final Ranked List (hosts & finalists) 1.

STATE FINALIST COMMITMENT Applicants will be notified by approximately July 21, 2026 if they have been selected as a California Sea Grant State Fellowship Finalist. Applicants may also be placed on a waitlist. California Sea Grant aims to provide this unique educational opportunity to as many deserving applicants as possible, which includes ensuring that selected finalists are committed to the entire matching and placement process.

Selected finalists will be asked to review a commitment letter outlining the expectations of finalists, host agencies and California Sea Grant moving forward in the matching process. By signing the commitment letter, selected finalists will officially accept their position as a finalist and proceed through the matching process.

Finalists are not guaranteed to be matched with a host agency, however, it is important to be committed to the matching process as the odds of being matched are high. 2.

FINALIST PRESENTATION VIDEO AND SLIDE DECK Prior to the matching workshop, each finalist will provide a pre-recorded presentation video and slidedeck that demonstrates their personality and interests, what they hope to get out of the fellowship experience, and what skills and experiences they will bring to this opportunity. Each presentation video should not exceed five (5) minutes and each slidedeck should not exceed three (3) slides.

Hosts will be provided access to a folder of all finalists' pre-recorded presentations videos and slide decks for viewing. Finalist presentation recordings are due August 12, 2026 by 5:00 PM PT . 3.

FINALIST INFORMATIONAL SESSION Finalists will be required to attend a two-hour informational session on July 29, 2026 from 10:00 - 12:00 PM PT . During the session, they will gain a clear understanding of what it means to be a finalist, what to expect from the matching workshop, and will learn more about the participating host offices.

Finalists will also have the opportunity to connect with California Sea Grant staff, who will help prepare them for upcoming events related to the matching process. Current State Fellows will host at least two 1-hour office hour sessions (via a virtual platform of their choosing) for state fellowship finalists during September 14–15, 2026 .

These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for finalists to connect directly with current fellows, ask questions, gain insight into the day-to-day experience, and develop a clearer understanding of the role, expectations, and overall fellowship experience. Hosts will hold at least two 1-hour office hour sessions (via a virtual platform of their choosing) for state finalists during September 14 – September 25, 2026 .

These sessions provide a crucial opportunity for finalists and hosts to connect, discuss position details, and gain a clear understanding of the role and expectations of the fellowship. 6. INTERVIEW SCHEDULING EVENT Utilizing the interview availability submitted by hosts, California Sea Grant will work with finalists to select their own interview schedules through a virtual Interview Scheduling Event on September 30, 2026 .

Each finalist will be required to select a minimum of 12 interviews. California Sea Grant will send each host their finalized schedule sheet the same day on September 30, 2026 by 3:30 PM PT. Each host will then be required to send their own calendar invites plus a link to a virtual conference platform for holding interviews to each finalist who signed up on their schedule sheet by 5:00 PM PT on October 2, 2026.

7. MATCHING WORKSHOP INTERVIEWS The matching workshop interviews will take place over the course of 3 days (October 5–7, 2026) based on each host’s and finalist’s respective schedule. Each host must have a minimum of 12 interviews during the matching workshop window.

Each finalist will each have a 30 minute interview with the host agency. Hosts should lead the interviews with prepared interview questions, and ensure that they leave time for the finalist to ask questions. California Sea Grant cannot guarantee that a host will have an interview with a particular finalist.

8. TOP 10 UNRANKED LIST (finalists only) During the Matching Workshop, after the interviews have taken place, both hosts and finalists will submit two lists: Top 10 Unranked List (Finalists only) – The first list will be a Top 10 Unranked List submitted by finalists to CASG. This list includes the top 10 fellowship positions the finalists are interested in matching with (in no particular order).

This list allows finalists to indicate their interest in specific fellowship positions. This list will be submitted by finalists only to California Sea Grant after interviews on October 7, 2026 by 8:00 PM PT. 9.

FOLLOW-UP LISTS (hosts only) On the morning of October 8, 2026 by 10:00 AM PT , California Sea Grant will provide each host with a list of finalists who included them in their Top 10 Unranked List . Hosts will then use this information to help inform/create their Follow-Up list. Follow-Up List (Hosts only) – The second list will be a Follow-Up List.

For hosts, this list includes a list of 5 finalists in which the host would like to follow-up with. Hosts will submit this list to California Sea Grant on October 8, 2026 by 5:00 PM PT. California Sea Grant will send each host their schedule for follow ups on October 9, 2026 by 10:00 AM PT .

Each host will then provide their own calendar invite to the appropriate finalists and include a link to a virtual conference platform for holding follow up conversations by 5:00 PM PT on October 9, 2026 . These short, 15-minute discussions will take place between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on October 12, 2026 .

They should not be structured or utilized as an additional interview, nor should they be used as an opportunity to discuss ranking (i.e., offering your rank or asking about the rank of someone else). More details and guidance will be shared with selected hosts and invited finalists. 12.

FINAL RANKED LIST (hosts & finalists) Final Ranked List (Hosts & Finalists) – Both hosts and finalists will submit a Final Ranked List. For hosts, this list includes preferred finalists in order of match preference. Hosts can rank as few or as many finalists as they are willing to be matched with.

For finalists, this list includes preferred host positions in order of match preference. Finalists can rank as few or as many host positions as they are willing to be matched with. This list will be submitted to California Sea Grant on October 13, 2026 by 5:00 PM PT.

California Sea Grant will use a matching algorithm to match hosts and finalists based on the Final Ranked Lists. Once matches are finalized, both the Host Office and the Finalist will be notified via the same email. Matched finalists will then be required to confirm their match with the Host Office through a Google Form.

Unmatched Finalists and Host Offices may be offered additional opportunities to be matched directly; waitlist candidates may also be offered the opportunity to interview with unmatched Host Offices. California Sea Grant aims to minimize drop-out of state fellows finalists at any stage in the matching process, however placement of a fellow in each prospective host office is not guaranteed.

Finalists invited to the matching workshop are not guaranteed a fellowship. California Sea Grant will do as much as we can to work with finalists and host agencies to fairly provide alternative solutions in the event of not matching or finalist/host drop-outs.

The California Sea Grant State Fellowship program solicits applications from host offices annually to host State Fellows, including municipal, state and federal agencies, as well as research and conservation organizations in California with mandates in coastal or marine research, policy or management.

For the 2027 cycle, there will be 19 fellowship positions offered by 9 unique hosts California Coastal Commission- 2 fellowship positions California Fish and Game Commission- 1 fellowship position California State Coastal Conservancy- 2 fellowship positions Delta Stewardship Council- 3 fellowship positions NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuaries- 1 fellowship position Ocean Protection Council- 2 fellowship positions Port of San Diego- 2 fellowship positions San Francisco Estuary Partnership- 2 fellowship positions Water Boards: State Water Resources Control Board- 3 fellowship positions Water Boards: Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Boards- 1 fellowship position PAST FELLOWS California Sea Grant recommends that prospective fellowship applicants look at previous years' fellowship webpages as a gauge of potential host opportunities ( https://caseagrant.

ucsd. edu/students/fellowship-alumni ). When considering applying for this fellowship, please keep in mind that if you are only interested in being placed with five or less host agency positions, then this might not be the right opportunity for you.

Matching with a particular host agency is not guaranteed. Each host agency can offer an enriching fellowship opportunity, thus an open mindset is important in being successful through the matching process. All times listed in Pacific Time (PT).

Informational Webinar for prospective applicants: Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM PT.

Fellowship Applications due: June 12, 2026 by 5:00 PM PT Fellowship Application Written Review: June 17 - July 9, 2026 Fellowship Applicant Interviews: July 13 - 24, 2026 Selection Notification: ~ July 27, 2026 Finalist Informational Session: July 29, 2026 by 5:00 PM PT Finalist Video & Slide deck Assignments due: August 12, 2026 Fellow Office Hours: September 14-15, 2026 Host Office Hours: September 14–25, 2026 MANDATORY Finalist Interview Scheduling Event: September 30, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT MANDATORY Matching Workshop: October 5–7, 2026 Top 10 Unranked List due: October 7, 2026 by 8:00 PM PT Follow-Ups: October 12, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PT Final Ranked List due: October 13, 2026 by 5:00 PM PT January–March 2027: Fellowship begins For questions, please contact: Delanie Medina, Fellowship Program Coordinator If contacting, please put in email subject line: “2027 State Fellowship” Funding, fellowship, and job announcements Russian River Salmon & Steelhead Program Delta Stewardship Council Funding/Fellowships