Description
Who We Are:
In Kansas more than 80% of streams are unsuitable for one or more human uses. These unique and fragile freshwater ecosystems continue to lose their diversity at an alarming rate. A major cause of this decline in stream health and freshwater ecosystems is the large-scale modification of the land surface for agriculture, resulting in the loss of soil organic matter and soil water-holding capacity. The good news is, many farms in Kansas are testing innovative methods to improve the health of their soils and associated streams. Agricultural and freshwater conservation fall under TNC-Kansas’ freshwater program and seeks to benefit priority streams and wetlands. Key practices we seek to promote in Kansas are: improved soil health (5 key practices); improved nutrient management; edge of field/stream corridor management for stream protection and habitat corridors; and wetland protection/restoration. The Fellow will help advance the mission of the Water and Agriculture program in Kansas.
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Healthy Soils Fellow may do research and review scientific literature, map data, assist with fieldwork, attend meetings with partners, and other work to advance freshwater programs in KS. The fellow may work in several project areas across Kansas including advancing irrigation technology and water conservation in central Kansas, regenerative agriculture in the Smoky Hills region, or researching and monitoring of freshwater ecosystems.
Your Opportunity to Get Experience in Agronomy:
The fellow will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with Conservancy staff, conservation partners, and by attending natural resources events. This work will be a valuable step toward your future career path. Previous interns have gone on to work in various positions within The Nature Conservancy, as well as with local, state, and federal agencies, academia, other nonprofit organizations, and natural resource contracting.
We’re Looking for You:
The ideal candidate should have data management, collaboration skills and exceptional research experience in related field. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by contributing to the work of our team!
The Fellow will work 35 hours per week for up to 10 weeks from June through August and will be paid $17 per hour. The Fellow will work primarily virtually but may travel around the state to visit project sites, as circumstances allow.
Learning Experience:
· May interact with partner organizations and the public via Zoom or in person, as local conditions and Fellow’s personal circumstances allow.
· Works under close or infrequent supervision.
· May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
What You’ll Bring:
· Applicant must be at least 18 years of age during the time of the fellowship.
· Applicant must be either an undergraduate student from a four-year Kansas college or university; or a graduate student in a degree- granting program at a Kansas college or university. Students who graduate in spring of 2026 are eligible to apply.
· Currently studying towards a degree in natural resource management, wildlife biology, environmental science, water resources, environmental finance, cultural studies with an environmental component, or other relevant field.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $17 per hour. 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.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
