The Colorado Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC CO) is excited to continue the Colorado Conservation Fellowship Program focused on elevating and empowering the next generation of conservation leaders who represent the variety of backgrounds, experiences, and priorities in Colorado. This Fellowship has two main components: advancing TNC’s ambitious conservation goals focused on tackling climate change and biodiversity loss through hands-on projects, and supporting Fellows’ career growth through networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The Colorado Conservation Fellowship, in partnership with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is a 2-year, full-time (35 hours per week) program, starting in September 2026. These Colorado Conservation Fellowship roles are ideal for early-career candidates interested in conservation, community engagement, stewardship, and meaningful relationship building. This program aims to foster an environment where people from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives feel welcomed and valued. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. There are three positions available: the Tribal & Indigenous Engagement Fellow, San Luis Valley Community Outreach Fellow, and the Climate Resilient Stewardship Fellow. This Job Description is for the Tribal & Indigenous Engagement Fellow.
This Fellow will work closely with the Tribal & Indigenous Engagement team to center Indigenous perspectives and priorities throughout our conservation work in Colorado. There will be a focus on the Zapata Ranch Preserve Vision implementation, which centers on Tribal and Indigenous engagement at TNC’s preserve in the San Luis Valley. The fellow will learn about TNC Colorado’s Tribal & Indigenous Engagement program overall and support a range of program priorities, such as relationship building and organizing an internally focused Learning Journey which builds staff knowledge of Indigenous history, rights, culture, and priorities, while also developing the skills that are foundational to building trusting and meaningful relationships.
Please apply by Sunday, August 9th, to be considered for the role. A cover letter is encouraged but not required.
We’re Looking For You:
The Tribal & Indigenous Engagement Fellow will support the Tribal & Indigenous Engagement Program through a variety of administrative and coordination tasks. Responsibilities may include scheduling and coordinating logistics for meetings and events, tracking budgets, processing forms, maintaining data and reports, and supporting program communications and materials. The Fellow will help manage timelines, document procedures, and respond to inquiries. They will work cooperatively with Conservancy staff, providing information necessary to make decisions and solve problems. They may communicate on behalf of their supervisor with internal and external sources, including staff, donors, vendors, and businesses to support successful program delivery. The Fellow will participate in networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities designed to support their career growth and expand their skills within the conservation field.
Candidates are encouraged to bring their unique voices and cultural perspectives as they relate to TNC’s mission and conservation work.
This role will require local travel in Colorado.
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree and 1-year experience or equivalent combination;
Experience living and/or working with Indigenous communities;
Experience coordinating multiple, simultaneous projects;
Experience writing and speaking with a wide range of people;
Experience staying organized and completing tasks independently;
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English required;
Ability to travel locally.
Desired Qualifications:
Understanding of and respect for Indigenous cultures, perspectives, and relationships;
Genuine interest in exploring a career in the conservation field;
Experience building strong and positive relationships with new partners, including Tribal and Indigenous communities, and/or customers;
Ability to analyze information for the purpose of preparing reports, coordinating activities, and solving problems;
Ability to pay close attention to project details while being outcome driven;
Ability to apply research skills;
Ability to write and edit written materials for use with program communications and special events;
Database skills, including managing and tracking data, and producing reports;
Excellent customer service skills and focus;
Experience, coursework, or other training in relevant field;
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
