Organization: Virginia Conservation Network
Point of Contact at Virginia Conservation Network: Jaime Trejo-Angeles
Organization Address: 701 E Franklin St # 800, Richmond, VA 23219
ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP
The Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) is an environmental non-profit organization working statewide to advance climate action, restore the health of our rivers and streams, increase access to parks and trails, ensure environmental justice for all, and more.
Starting in the summer of 2022, the Environmental Leadership Fellowship was established to develop a pipeline for a more racially diverse group of environmentalists to join our conservation movement. It also serves as an opportunity for individuals aspiring to launch their careers in the environmental sector, particularly those who may not have had the means to pursue an unpaid internship.
Environmental Leadership Fellows will work alongside an assigned VCN staff mentor, and spend time supporting one of VCN’s partner organizations working on environmental issues in Virginia, working on projects such as:
- Volunteering in grassroots advocacy with non-profit organizations who are a Partner of the Virginia Conservation Network
- Engaging in policy research in VCN’s major issue areas: climate & energy, land use & transportation, clean water, and land & wildlife conservation
- Developing virtual events for interns working with our Network to build long-term relationships and form connections with the future leaders of tomorrow!
APPLY FOR THE FELLOWSHIP
TIMELINE
We’re looking to hire up to five full-time, paid fellows from June 1st to August 7th. The deadline to apply is February 11th, at 11:59 PM EST. Interviews will occur in February & March and offers will be sent out in April.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
VCN offers a comprehensive list of compensation & benefits for our Fellows, such as:
- Short-term, hourly position paid at $20 an hour
- Paid time off and sick days
- Use of a VCN-provided work laptop, if needed
- Opportunity to work from VCN’s office in downtown Richmond or remotely from other parts of the state
- Travel reimbursements for work-related events throughout the state based on VCN’s standard travel reimbursement policy
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS
These positions are open to all undergraduate students with at least 2 years of study completed (rising juniors and above), master’s students, and recent graduates within the past two years.
We encourage you to apply if you:
- show commitment to advancing climate and environmental justice policy
- express interest in outreach within the environmental and conservation sphere
- seek professional and networking support from Virginia’s environmental leaders
- aim to launch a career in the environmental movement with a passion for inclusivity and justice
Additionally, we acknowledge that those in the environmental community all bring a variety of knowledge and backgrounds to their work. As a result, we also encourage those who have a background not directly related to the environment, to apply for the fellowship. As long as you have a desire to work in the environmental field, we would love to receive your application!
Fellows must commit 10 weeks during the months of June– August in Summer 2026. The fellowship is 30 hours per week, hours are standard office hours (9am – 5pm) with some limited flexibility to match schedules. Fellows must be based in Virginia during the summer and have access to high speed wireless internet and a quiet place to work. Fellows based in or near Richmond are welcome to work from VCN’s office in person. Fellows not based in Richmond must have the flexibility to travel to VCN’s main office in Richmond at least once during the summer (with travel costs covered).
HOW TO APPLY
Fill out the application and attach your resume and cover letter. The deadline to apply is February 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Interviews will occur in February & March and acceptances will be sent out in April. For any questions about the fellowship or application process, please email [email protected].
The Environmental Leadership Fellowship aims to build up the next generation of environmental leaders with focus on increasing the racial diversity of experienced candidates looking to break into the non-profit environmental field. We highly encourage current students and recent graduates of color to apply.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Virginia Conservation Network to consider all candidates equally without regard to age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or other non-merit factors.