Position Summary:
Audubon Southwest is the regional office of the National Audubon Society in Arizona and New Mexico. We are currently seeking a two-semester (Fall 2025 and Spring 2026) Water Policy Fellow to advance Audubon’s policy work on water management within Arizona. The primary focus of the Water Policy Fellow will be on Colorado River, groundwater, and water quality issues and how they impact birds and people in Arizona.
This position is part-time (20 hours per week) and primarily remote, reporting to the Arizona Policy Manager. There is the opportunity for at least monthly in-person meetings in Phoenix at the Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85040 to collaborate with the policy team. The ideal candidate will be a curious, self-motivated graduate student or upper level (junior or senior) undergraduate student at a university or community college majoring in public policy, sustainability, environmental studies, or a related field. The ideal candidate enjoys research, writing, asking questions, and collaborating with others. They will have a passion for environmental policy and be skilled at verbal and written communications.
Compensation:
$19.00 / hour
Additional Job Description
Essential Functions:
Policy Research
- As directed by the Arizona Policy Manager, research specific issues related to the Colorado River, groundwater, and water quality issues and how they impact birds and people in Arizona.
- Draft written materials including fact sheets, blogs, white papers and briefings on specific issues related to the Colorado River, groundwater, and water quality issues and how they impact birds and people in Arizona.
- In collaboration with the Arizona Policy Manager, track and analyze Arizona water management issues by attending meetings, webinars, and conducting independent research.
Outreach
- Collaborate with the Audubon Southwest communications team to draft issue-specific information, blogs, and social media content.
- Collaborate with Audubon policy team staff to host events with the community and elected officials to disseminate updates on water issues in Arizona.
- In coordination with the Arizona Policy Manager, collaborate with key state and national non-governmental organizations and state agencies to advance Audubon’s water policy agenda.
- Collaborate with colleagues all around the state.
Fellows Schedule
This is a seasonal, fellowship position remote or hybrid, but the candidate needs to be physically located in Arizona.
Projected Start Date: August 15, 2025
Projected term of employment: August 2025 through June 2026.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Commitment to a just and equitable approach to conservation and natural resource management.
- Working knowledge of policies related to water management, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat highly desired.
- Enrollment at an accredited college (including community college) or university required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent research skills and an interest in translating complex information into an engaging, accessible, and inclusive format.
- Skilled use of Microsoft Office Suite products, Zoom, and basic database management are preferred to compile, organize, analyze, and interpret water resource management data. Experience with ArcGIS Online preferred.
- Ability to work independently and within a team setting is essential.
- Ability to stay on task and meet deadlines while working remotely is essential.
- Ability and willingness to travel to team meetings and/or events in the Phoenix-metropolitan region (mileage, lodging, and meals associated with required work travel will be reimbursed).
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
