The Essel and Menakka Bailey Conservation Fellowship Program is designed to help develop the conservation leaders of tomorrow. Initiated in 2018, the program provides recent graduates and early career conservation professionals with the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that combines a deep dive into a specific project with a broad introduction to major conservation issues and the operations of TNC. The Fellow will have the opportunity to collaborate with TNC staff across multiple dimensions of the conservation discipline, including science, restoration, policy, land protection, and communications. Furthermore, the Fellowship is flexibly designed to emphasize experiences that will best prepare the Fellow for their conservation career.

For the 2026 Bailey Fellowship, we are soliciting applicants with interest in one of the two following projects:

1. Informing Michigan and the Midwest Regions approach to enhancing the Forest Biomaterials Sector. We seek candidates with experience and interest in the social, economic and environmental aspects of producing and utilizing sustainably produced materials from our forests to replace more carbon intense materials and support local forest-based economies. In particular, the position will focus on the utilization of bio-products and residual materials for the processing of already harvested materials such as bark, sawdust, trimmings and urban wood waste.

2. Enhancing Local Community-based Support for Conservation: We are seeking candidates with experience in conservation law or policy who will investigate the community-based, “conservation-adjacent” issues (e.g., affordable housing, economic development, infrastructure, etc.) that are necessary to ensure broad-based support for conservation projects. This fellowship would apply to areas identified as supporting important significant biodiversity and conservation values, including lands identified by TNC resilient and connect lands analysis, where non-biological social factors, such as weak resource-based economy, inadequate funding for social services and/or population loss jeopardize public support for the conservation of lands and waters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

For our “Forest Biomaterials” project, we are seeking a Fellow to create, collect and integrate spatial data to quantify the makeup, location, attributes and current utilization of the resource to support the development of a strategy and direct actions across Michigan and the Midwest that will result in productive utilization of the materials, increase the resilience of and support diversification of forest based economies, and lower the imbedded carbon in products we use every day. The fellow will ultimately prepare a white paper that describes the proposed strategy and the steps, startup capital and partners necessary to implement it, including identifying ancillary barriers, including, but not limited to regulatory, technical, work force or other capacities and infrastructure.

For our “Community-based support for Conservation” project, we are seeking a Fellow to identify and assess real and potential challenges and opportunities related to geography-specific natural resource-based economy(s) that are experiencing social stress due to increasing nature-based, recreational tourism and/or a decline in traditional forest resource-based economy. The Fellow will work with experts, staff and local communities to identify underlying drivers of the social stressor(s)and develop site specific and/or state policy recommendations that will enable communities to identify and create opportunities that promote resilience and sustainability.

For either option, the successful candidate will possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and, most importantly, creativity and curiosity. As such, the Fellow must be skilled at identifying, convening and interacting with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, practitioners and community members, both within TNC and among diverse partners.

The Fellow will be co-advised by senior conservation staff at TNC, and administratively based at our Michigan Field Office in Lansing, Michigan which is centrally located in the “Great Lakes Research Corridor” with numerous top-ranked universities and conservation science programs within a 150-mile radius. Location of residence should be within Michigan.

Our intent is to find win-win scenarios for the Fellow and TNC. The Fellow will be awarded 18 months of support at an annual salary of $55,000, intended to start by early January 2026.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Demonstrated experience in modeling and spatial analysis.

• Experience with inclusive partner engagement.

• Experience managing projects.

• Success in publishing and presenting scientific findings.

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Master's Degree in science related field and 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific data.

• Experience preparing reports of findings.

Desired Qualifications:

• Completed PhD or MS (within 2 years) in conservation science, preferably related to social science and resource management, or a JD with experience in environmental law and policy.

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Strong knowledge of computer technology and common software applications.

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to meet deadlines.

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 the Auto Safety information page 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 pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $55,000. 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.

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.