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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

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’re Looking for You:

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.

What You’ll Bring:

• 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

Additional Job Information:

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.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world! In partnership with the Department of Environmental Management, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact and actively contribute to Rhode Island's efforts to meet the Act on Climate mandates for greenhouse gas emissions reduction.

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!