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Tim Palmer River Conservation Fellow
American Rivers
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Posted on Apr 1, 2025
TITLE: Tim Palmer River Conservation Fellow
CLASSIFICATION: Fellow
WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Conservation
REPORTS TO: Adam Schellhammer
LOCATION: Pennsylvania (work may extend throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region
About American Rivers
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers℠.
The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Tim Palmer River Conservation Fellowship at American Rivers provides an excellent professional development opportunity for talented master's students pursuing careers in river conservation. The fellowship honors the legacy of Tim Palmer, a Pennsylvania-native, environmental advocate, and author whose works have inspired countless efforts in river conservation. Working with a team of professional staff, including technical experts in dam removal and regional directors, the fellow will receive hands-on experience in river restoration and community engagement while contributing to American Rivers' mission. The fellow will be an integral part of a dynamic organization and will participate in a range of organizational functions
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The goals of the Tim Palmer River Conservation Fellowship Program are to advance dam removal projects in Pennsylvania, enhance community resiliency and river health, provide academic and professional development opportunities, and honor Tim Palmer's legacy in river conservation. The fellowship will provide a comprehensive, immersive experience for practitioners that are passionate about progressing river conservation and who are ready to take the next step in their careers. The fellowship will run for one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional year based on a case-by-case review by the American Rivers Mid Atlantic team. Working closely with American Rivers staff, the fellow will participate in dam removal feasibility studies, community outreach and engagement, research and policy analysis, collaboration with partners, project reporting, and fundraising support.
The fellow will directly support American Rivers' conservation campaigns, particularly focusing on:
1. Dam removal and river restoration projects in Pennsylvania
2. Community engagement and resiliency initiatives
3. Research on river conservation policies and ecological impacts of dams
4. Exploration of funding opportunities for future projects
Fellows will have the opportunity to attend relevant conferences and workshops to broaden their professional networks and may contribute to thesis work related to river conservation or dam removal
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Currently enrolled in, or graduated from, a master's program in environmental science, ecology, water resources management, or a related field
• Demonstrated interest in river restoration, dam removal, or community engagement
• Strong research and analysis skills
• Proven leadership ability
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• High degree of personal integrity
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both autonomously and as a member of a team
• Ability to travel as necessary for fieldwork and community engagement activities
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Resume/CV
• Statement of interest outlining passion for river conservation and how this fellowship aligns with academic and career goals
• Two letters of recommendation, with at least one from a faculty advisor or academic mentor
• A writing sample (e.g., an academic paper, policy brief, or related work)
Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.
LOCATION
Pennsylvania (work may extend throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region
COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $43,000 - $50,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:
· Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
· Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
· Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.
At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee’s well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.
COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do - we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).
We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.
At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.
American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or recruitment@americanrivers.org. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.
Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States.
American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.