Environmental Policy Fellow - Natural & Working Lands

Providence, Rhode Island, USA

This is a hybrid in-person position that requires at least 3 days a week working out of our providence office,

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Environmental Policy Fellow for Natural and Working Lands will work at and with RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) embedded within the climate and resilience team in the DEM Director’s Office. The Fellow will help integrate natural and working lands priorities into the State’s mitigation and resilience plans, policies, and programs. They will help in establishing methods to more accurately measure and track Greenhouse Gas (GHG) impacts of natural and working lands activities in the state’s GHG inventories. They will also help to coordinate across state agencies with staff engaged in programs and policy that affect natural and working lands and also help ensure that the benefits of natural and working lands are incorporated in future iterations of the state’s economic development plans.

This position will work in person and be based at the RIDEM office in Providence. This position is fully funded for two years (start date is contingent on when funding is received), and may be extended further upon the securing of additional funding.

We seek applications from equity-minded candidates who will thrive in an environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day.

The ideal candidate will be able to perform the following essential functions for RIDEM’s Director’s Office:

• Undertake direct and targeted outreach to groups within RI working to protect NWL to sure their voices are fully integrated into the recommendations of the 2025 Climate Action Strategy;
• Work alongside RIDEM staff and the RIEC4 to identify a comprehensive list of GHG measures (including sequestration/sinks) in NWL sectors such as agriculture, forestry, coastal areas, and other lands and waters for inclusion in RI’s CPRG Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (including strategies and identify measures to achieve those goals);
• Actively work with Rhode Island’s Chief Resilience Officer to develop recommendations and strategies to sequester carbon, support ecosystem and community resilience, and enhance the state’s economy;
• Coordinate with RIDEM’s Climate Justice Specialist on projects/policies that intersect on issues related to equity and NWL;
• Participate in all meetings on the RI Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (RIEC4), its two advisory bodies, and the RI Forest Conservation Commission;
• Review and comment on relevant climate legislation introduced during the 2024/2025 Rhode Island legislative sessions;
• Work with the RIDEM Office of Air Resources towards eliminating any key NWL data gaps (e.g. GHG annual inventory, research); and
• Participate in the development and continued update of RI’s Climate Dashboard on any topics related to NWL/sequestration.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination.
• Demonstrated experience in project or grant management
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Experience with natural and working lands policy and programs
• Presentation and communication ability with internal and external audiences.
• Experience working with partners/government agencies.
• Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills is a plus
• Experience with community engagement
• Experience with federal grants
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with volunteers and partners

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Rhode Island Chapter is comprised of 30 employees who are committed to teamwork, cross-collaboration, professional development, a fun and inclusive office culture, and centering diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice learning and practices. In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our mission and we encourage you to apply.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,000 - $82,000 for annual base salary. 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.

To apply for job ID 56620, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we 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.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.