Hubbard Conservation Fellow

What We Can Achieve Together:

Designed for recent college graduates, the Hubbard Fellowship bridges the gap between school and career by providing a comprehensive range of experiences with a conservation organization.   Fellows provide crucial capacity to The Nature Conservancy to help achieve our mission, but the position is also designed to ensure fellows learn about and participate in as many parts of conservation work as possible.  In addition to duties prescribed by their supervisor, there is latitude for fellows to shape their fellowship experience based on their interests and needs. Please see and follow the directions under “How to Apply” below.

We're Looking for You:

Land management will be prominent among the Fellow’s duties, including prescribed fire, invasive species control (including herbicide application), fence repair, seed harvest, and more. Additional work will include data collection, numerous outreach and communication activities, and fundraising. The Hubbard Fellow will travel to multiple Conservancy sites, attend conservation-related meetings and conferences, and shadow Conservancy and partner staff in various capacities. In addition, the Fellow will plan and conduct an independent project catered to the Fellow’s individual interests and career objectives.  See http://prairieecologist.com/hubbard-fellowship/ for more details.

This 12-month, full-time position will require irregular hours and will include extensive outdoor physical labor under adverse conditions. The Hubbard Fellow is supervised by the Director of Science and Stewardship and may oversee the activities of short-term staff and volunteers. This position is located at the Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies, in a rural part of central Nebraska at Wood River, Nebraska, and will run from February 1, 2027 through January 28, 2028. Housing is provided at The Nature Conservancy’s Platte River Prairies.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.

• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets. 

• Networks with various groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves. 

• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may supervise staff; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. 

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• May work outside standard business hours.

What You'll Bring:

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in in biology, natural resources management, environmental studies, or related field, with graduation date of December 2026 or earlier.

• Experience working outdoors.                  

• Demonstrable leadership experience.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Valid driver's license and a good driving record. 

• Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (http://www.tncfiremanual.org/RXCM.htm).                                                                                                 

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.

• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.

• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.

• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers). 

• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

HOW TO APPLY

• Scroll to the bottom of this page and click 'Apply Now'.

• Attach your resume and cover letter as ONE document.

• Cover letter should be 500 to 1,000 words and should express why you are interested in the Fellowship, why you are qualified, why nature and conservation are important to you, how the Fellowship would help you with your future career, and specify the degree level you will possess by the end of December 2026.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $17.85 hourly rate. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.