Summer 2026 Henry Henderson Fellow
NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our people helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our team of more than 700 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy advocates, communications experts, and others work across the United States and the globe from our offices in Beijing; Chicago; New Delhi; New York; San Francisco; Santa Monica; and Washington, D.C.
NRDC is seeking a Summer 2026 Henry Henderson Fellow to work with the Environment, Equity & Justice Center (EEJC) team associated with our Washington, D.C., New York, Santa Monica, or Chicago office(s).
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Staff Community Scientist, the Henry Henderson Fellow will work in close collaboration with Staff Community Scientists, the Director of Community Science, and others in the Environment, Equity & Justice Center (EEJC) to advance NRDC’s understanding and practice of community science methodologies to support and advance EJ campaign priorities. The Fellow preferably will be based out of NRDC’s Washington, D.C., office. NRDC’s Chicago, Santa Monica, and New York offices will also be considered, as with locations based on project priorities.
Required
Education & Experience
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
This position is: a paid fellowship with a stipend equivalent to $10,000.00 that will be paid out bi-weekly over the course of the assignment.
The incumbent will not qualify as an employee, volunteer, or independent contractor of NRDC, nor will the incumbent be guaranteed employment at the end of the fellowship term.
NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come into the office 8 days per month.
As a science-based organization, NRDC aims to do our part to help contain the COVID-19 public health crisis. For the sake of health, safety, and equity, we ask that people be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation or other exemption in accordance with state and local law. We consider a person to be vaccinated two weeks after receiving one full course of a CDC-approved vaccine. In accordance with state or local law, new hires will be asked to attest to vaccination. Those wishing to do so may request medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions. NRDC treats all vaccination-related data confidentially, in keeping with local, state, and federal laws.
To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload any additional materials that showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs.
If you experience technical problems while applying or if you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at 1-800-889-4422.
For more about NRDC, visit www.nrdc.org.
NRDC is seeking a Summer 2026 Henry Henderson Fellow to work with the Environment, Equity & Justice Center (EEJC) team associated with our Washington, D.C., New York, Santa Monica, or Chicago office(s).
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Staff Community Scientist, the Henry Henderson Fellow will work in close collaboration with Staff Community Scientists, the Director of Community Science, and others in the Environment, Equity & Justice Center (EEJC) to advance NRDC’s understanding and practice of community science methodologies to support and advance EJ campaign priorities. The Fellow preferably will be based out of NRDC’s Washington, D.C., office. NRDC’s Chicago, Santa Monica, and New York offices will also be considered, as with locations based on project priorities.
- Advancing methods and best practices for community-driven science or participatory research projects including data sovereignty issues.
- Community driven qualitative and quantitative monitoring tools.
- The use of existing scientific data to support environmental and climate justice initiatives.
Required
Education & Experience
- Graduate student enrolled in an accredited university/college program
- Background in an environmental, social justice, or scientific field (e.g. environmental science, engineering, public health, environmental policy, etc.)
- Interest in broadening their engagement in community-directed science
- Passion for applying methodologies to issues of social justice, environmental health disparities, climate change, and related challenges
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Ability to work independently as well as with a team
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
- Strong interest and enthusiasm in environmental protection/conservation, and advocacy
- Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles
- Community-driven science or participatory research, including research methods and best practices Knowledge and skills in qualitative and quantitative community science methodologies Co-development of qualitative and quantitative monitoring tools Traditional Ecological Knowledge and documentation strategies The development and community validation of indexes related to environmental justice, community health and wellbeing
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
This position is: a paid fellowship with a stipend equivalent to $10,000.00 that will be paid out bi-weekly over the course of the assignment.
The incumbent will not qualify as an employee, volunteer, or independent contractor of NRDC, nor will the incumbent be guaranteed employment at the end of the fellowship term.
NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come into the office 8 days per month.
As a science-based organization, NRDC aims to do our part to help contain the COVID-19 public health crisis. For the sake of health, safety, and equity, we ask that people be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation or other exemption in accordance with state and local law. We consider a person to be vaccinated two weeks after receiving one full course of a CDC-approved vaccine. In accordance with state or local law, new hires will be asked to attest to vaccination. Those wishing to do so may request medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions. NRDC treats all vaccination-related data confidentially, in keeping with local, state, and federal laws.
To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload any additional materials that showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs.
If you experience technical problems while applying or if you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at 1-800-889-4422.
For more about NRDC, visit www.nrdc.org.