The Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) is a statewide environmental organization working 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. This summer we are kicking off our inaugural paid summer fellowship for individuals looking to launch their career in the environment who may not otherwise have the ability to take an unpaid summer internship. 

Environmental Fellows will join the VCN team for six to eight weeks over the 2022 summer gaining invaluable experience by immersing themselves in a summer long project designed specifically for the fellowship. Fellows will work directly with one of VCN’s managers concentrating in their choice of policy or outreach.  

• Policy Fellowship: Policy fellows will work directly with one of VCN’s policy & campaign managers experienced in advancing climate and environmental justice policy. During the summer fellows will get a view into how a bill becomes a law, how to track policy through state agencies and how to build consensus around model policy. Fellows get the opportunity to meet with lawmakers, sit through campaign strategy meetings and write policy briefings.
• Outreach Fellowship: Outreach fellows will work directly with one of VCN’s outreach managers experienced in building long-term power for the movement by recruiting, training, and engaging with partner organizations and leading advocates throughout Virginia.  Fellows will get the opportunity to organize and participate in trainings, meet with environmental advocates from across the Commonwealth.

This is a perfect opportunity for a student or someone looking to launch their career in the environmental movement or for those who are looking to deepen their knowledge of environmental work in Virginia.

The fellowship is a commitment of at least six weeks and up to eight weeks starting in mid May through mid August. It is a short-term, hourly position paid at $15 an hour for 40 hours per week including paid-time-off and sick days. The position can be done in person or remotely. In person opportunities are available at our headquarter office in Richmond, Virginia. 

Applications can be found here. Interviews will occur during March 2022. Fellows will be accepted in April 2022. We currently have the funding for up to three fellows. 

For any questions about the fellowship or application process you can email: fellowship@vcnva.org.