Lost Species Fellow

Author

Ziyaan Virji
March 16, 2025

Deadline: Mar 31

Eligibility: USA

ABOUT THE ROGER ARLINER YOUNG FELLOWSHIP

In an effort to make the conservation and clean energy fields more equitable and accessible, the Roger Arliner Young (RAY)Fellowship Program aims to increase and facilitate environmentally-related career pathways for emerging leaders of color. The RAY Fellowship Program is a paid fellowship designed to equip recent college graduates with the tools, experiences, support, and community they need to become leaders in the conservation and clean energy sectors—one that, in our visions of the future, fully represents, includes, and is led by the diverse communities, perspectives, and experiences of the United States.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lost Species Fellow will play a pivotal role in advancing Re:wild’s mission to rediscover and protect species thought to be lost to science, contributing to the global conservation community. Through a combination of research, database management, expedition support, and outreach, the Fellow will help ensure that lost species efforts are informed, impactful, and well-communicated to partners, donors, and the public.

Approximate time allocation (details below):

  • 30% Program development and data management, including maintaining and publishing updates to the Lost Species List and compiling annual impact reports 

  • 25% Expedition support, creating logistical frameworks, and advancing tools like environmental DNA technologies 

  • 45% Outreach and communications, creating species profiles, donor updates, and educational materials, while contributing to fundraising proposals and grant writing

This fellowship is an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking conservation work while gaining professional experience in research, communication, and project management. Working closely with Re:wild’s global network of partners, the Fellow will help shape innovative approaches to species rediscovery and biodiversity conservation.

We’re a fast-moving, flexible organization where innovation thrives. Our team is independent, adaptable, and thrives in a dynamic, ever-evolving environment. We embrace change, move quickly to meet new challenges, and empower each other to take ownership. If you love solving problems, working autonomously, and growing in a high-energy setting, you’ll be a great fit. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lost Species Program Development (30%)

  • Oversee the creation of profiles for highlighted lost species to help fundraising, promotion, and educational outreach.

  • Update the Lost Species List in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission and prepare the database for open-access publication, including co-author credit.

  • Manage and support lost species volunteers, including setting agendas for monthly meetings, addressing queries, and providing resources.

  • Collaborate with regional leads to maintain an updated and accurate lost species list.

  • Fact-check specific species information against International Union for Conservation Red List, Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Google Scholar, and citizen science platforms.

  • Compile annual Lost Species impact reports by synthesizing program data and outcomes.

Outreach, Reporting, and Communication (25%)

  • Prepare narrative and budgetary updates on lost species activities for internal departments, including development, communications, and regional leadership.

  • Interface with search teams to provide relevant updates to governments, internal departments and donors.

  • Create concise communication materials, such as two-pagers, for taxa and regional partnerships (e.g., BirdLife, Shoal, Save Our Seas, Amphibian Survival Alliance).

  • Manage communication and coordination with the Lost Species Program’s grantees (80), providing summarized updates to leadership.

  • Support Lost Species Month logistics, including webinars and outreach in collaboration with Reverse the Red.

Expedition and Research Support (25%)

  • Assist in the planning and logistics for expeditions, including creating templates for contracts, publishing, waivers, risk assessments, and specimen collection agreements.

  • Contribute to the development of in-country environmental DNA labs in Indonesia and East Africa.

  • Compile and organize expedition survey data to coordinate International Union for Conservation Red List assessments.

  • Conduct research on tools, technologies, and methodologies to improve lost species search success.

  • Support the Darkspot Theory project with partner organizations Simon Frazer University, Oxford, and Universidade Federal da Paraíba.

  • Possible opportunity for travel and field experience in an expedition support role

Academic and Professional Engagement (10%)

  • Research and propose an academic paper based on findings from the Lost Species Program, with support for publication.

  • Edit publications for academic journals.

  • Attend conferences, either virtually or in person, to report findings and present insights.

  • Collaborate with International Union for Conservation’s Center for Species Survival to update policies, including the Specimen Collection Policy and Lost Species Task Force.

Grant Writing and Fundraising (10%)

  • Develop fundraising proposals and grant submissions for up to four projects aligned with the Lost Species Program.

  • Assist with writing and submitting grant applications for identified opportunities.

ADDITIONAL FELLOWSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to the responsibilities at the host institution outlined above, RAY Fellows will spend, on average, 2-4 hours per week (5-10% of work time) on the following:

  • Actively communicating and building community with their RAY Fellow cohort and previous RAY Fellows. 

  • Meeting regularly with mentors both inside and outside the host institution. 

  • Attending monthly professional development webinars, trainings, and other opportunities to build knowledge and skills as scheduled.

  • Developing a Personal Leadership Plan (PLP) in their 2nd year with the support of supervisor(s), mentors, RAY program staff, and their RAY Fellow cohort. The PLP will serve as a tool for self-reflection, planning, and assessing progress towards professional, personal, and leadership goals.

  • Preparing and leading an hour-long end-of-fellowship webinar highlighting their Fellowship experience.

RAY Fellows will also attend:

  • A 3-day Orientation Retreat in late Summer/Fall 2025.

  • A 3-day Mid-Fellowship Leadership Retreat in Fall 2026.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

Eligible RAY Fellow applicants will:

  • Come from a racial/ethnic background underrepresented in conservation and clean energy and demonstrate a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Be no more than 3 years out of college and have a Bachelor's Degree by July 2025 (we are not considering individuals with graduate degrees at this time).

  • Have not had a full-time job in conservation or clean energy.

  • Have the ability to work in the United States and commit to the entire fellowship.

SKILLS / QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

  • A college degree by the time of employment

  • An interest in the field of conservation.

  • Demonstrated capacity to work well and collaborate with others.

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

  • An eagerness to learn.

  • Proficiency in database management and data analysis tools.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to collaborate effectively with global partners across disciplines and cultures.

  • Knowledge of wildlife conservation trends and challenges.

  • Self-motivated and capable of working independently and as part of a team.

  • Skills in visual media (video, photography, editing) are a plus.

TERM / LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT

This is a two-year, full-time fellowship (one year with a one year renewal) starting on or after July 15, 2025.

COMPENSATION

The Fellowship is compensated and sponsored by Re:wild, who offers a competitive benefits package as well as training and professional development opportunities. 

This is a full-time, exempt position. Projected salary range of $48,000 - 56,000 with the final determination to be made commensurate with the candidate’s experience. Re:wild provides medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance, with Re:wild covering up to 80% of the premiums. Re:wild also offers a 403b retirement plan with up to 3% match after a year of employment. Re:wild observes 16 paid holidays each calendar year. Full-time employees can also accrue the following annually: up to 15 days of vacation leave, 12 days of illness leave and 2 volunteer days. Travel/hours: Frequent domestic and international travel to meet with key stakeholders. The position may require working outside of normal business hours to engage with donors, partners, and staff located in different time zones around the world.

Learn more: Apply here