Renewable Energy & Climate Social Science Fellow

Madison, Wisconsin, USA

Preference for candidates located in Madison, Wisconsin, but other locations in Wisconsin may be considered.

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 Renewable Energy & Climate Social Science Fellow will further the Wisconsin chapter’s work in climate mitigation, renewable energy deployment and natural climate solutions. As we progress in our 2030 goals, there are many opportunities throughout Wisconsin in agrivoltaics and the public perception of renewable energy that require interdisciplinary expertise in the social and natural sciences. The fellow will be an integral member of the Conservation Science team and interact with TNC colleagues at the BU, division, and regional scales. Furthermore, the fellow will have the opportunity to engage with external partner organizations and agencies as well as the public. The broad types of social science projects the fellow will undertake may include: 1) projects that synthesize existing scholarly work into easily applied and accessible tools, 2) small-scale innovative projects that advance knowledge and/or partner engagement on novel climate mitigation solutions, and/or 3) research on fostering adoption of climate mitigation solutions across communities and sectors.

The Renewable Energy and Climate Social Science Fellow will be involved in a project(s) focused on our renewable energy transition work in Wisconsin and the Midwest more broadly. In conversations with internal and external colleagues across multiple sectors (climate, regenerative agriculture, land management), the Wisconsin Business Unit seeks to generate important knowledge in agrivoltaics and the public perception of renewable energy that will enhance clean energy deployment in the state.

This is an hourly, full-time (35 hours per week) 18-month position with an anticipated start date of June 2, 2025. The starting salary range is $26.95 - $28.65 per hour depending on experience. Preference for candidates located in Madison, Wisconsin, but other locations in Wisconsin may be considered.

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. The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin’s Fellowship program offers a meaningful work experience on a tangible set of projects and opportunities for independent work and professional development. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field and 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with public surveys, data analysis, and relevant technology such as the Microsoft Suite.
• Experience with public speaking and/or outreach.
• Experience writing, editing, proofreading, and synthesizing data and/or reports.
• Experience using advanced functions of Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Experience coordinating and organizing to complete assigned tasks/projects.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects.
• Experience managing multiple priorities, with assignments sometimes coming from a number of sources, and working independently.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, sustainability, or energy resources.
• Experience with social science/qualitative data assessments.
• Experience with climate mitigation solutions and/or the renewable energy sector.
• Experience in working with rural and/or urban communities.

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.

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 $26.95 - $28.65 per hour. 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 56272, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on March 14, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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.