Open Space Institute Conservation Fellow

Deadline: Mar 31

Eligibility: USA

Description:  

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. 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 Conservation Fellowship offers a dynamic opportunity to work alongside the Conservation Communities team at the Open Space Institute (OSI). Fellows will engage in a broad spectrum of activities that support OSI's mission to protect land for people and wildlife. Throughout the fellowship, participants will rotate through various OSI programs and departments, gaining hands-on experience working directly with conservation leaders in areas such as conservation real estate, park advocacy, stewardship, grantmaking, equity initiatives, operations, communications, legal transactions, and community engagement. Fellows contribute to meaningful conservation goals while developing skills and professional networks that advance their careers in environmental conservation. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fellows will work alongside OSI staff and work on projects related to some of the following: 

• Land Program: Conservation real estate negotiations and acquisitions 

• Parks & Policy: Access and improvements to urban parks and state parks and parks advocacy 

• Stewardship: Stewardship of protected lands and conveyance (sale, donation, easement assignment) of OSI-owned lands 

• Conservation Capital: Grants to organizations based on conservation science research for land protection and information dissemination throughout the conservation community to advance climate-based solutions 

• Equity: Projects assessing, communicating, and implementing established organizational equity values and practices 

• Operations and Finance: Finance, accounting, and administration of a large non-profit organization 

• External Affairs: Communications and Development departments working with partners, funders, and the Board of Trustees to promote our work and raise funds 

• Citizen Action: A fiscal sponsorship program for grassroots startups working on environmental education and open space recreation and stewardship 

• Legal: Transactions and grants 

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 background underrepresented in conservation and clean energy and demonstrate a commitment to the shared values of the importance of promoting fairness, acknowledging various perspectives, and fostering a welcoming environment.

• 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 in a related field by the time of employment 

• Familiarity with ArcGIS, Autocad and/or real estate 

• Demonstrated  capacity to work well and collaborate with others 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills 

• An eagerness to learn 

• Interest in a range of fields relating to land conservation including, ecology, environmental justice real estate, business, marketing, and a desire to learn new skills 

• Passion and interest in the land conservation and/or non-profit related field 

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of conservation or the environmental movement, including diversity in conservation 

• Availability and commitment to full and enthusiastic participation in all aspects of the Conservation Fellowship 

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 the Open Space Institute, who offers a competitive starting salary of $63,000 prorated with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, paid time off, and paid holidays. OSI also offers training and professional development opportunities

Learn more: Apply here