2015-2017 Lapham Conservation Fellowship
TITLE: Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellow
LOCATION: Washington, D.C.
DATE: Summer 2015 – Summer 2017
APPLICATIONS DUE: January 5, 2015
ANNUAL STIPEND: $35,000 plus benefits*
LOCATION: Washington, D.C.
DATE: Summer 2015 – Summer 2017
APPLICATIONS DUE: January 5, 2015
ANNUAL STIPEND: $35,000 plus benefits*
POSITION SUMMARY
The Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship at American Rivers provides an excellent professional development opportunity for talented post-graduates pursuing careers as leaders in the field of conservation advocacy. Recent graduate degree (MA/MS/PhD/JD/MBA) recipients will focus on an applied research project that will make a tangible contribution to American Rivers’ mission. Working with a team of professional staff, the Fellow will apply practical research and advocacy skills and develop a network of professional contacts in their field of expertise. The Fellow will be an integral part of a dynamic organization comprised of experienced conservationists and emerging leaders, and will participate in a range of river conservation activities.
The Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship at American Rivers provides an excellent professional development opportunity for talented post-graduates pursuing careers as leaders in the field of conservation advocacy. Recent graduate degree (MA/MS/PhD/JD/MBA) recipients will focus on an applied research project that will make a tangible contribution to American Rivers’ mission. Working with a team of professional staff, the Fellow will apply practical research and advocacy skills and develop a network of professional contacts in their field of expertise. The Fellow will be an integral part of a dynamic organization comprised of experienced conservationists and emerging leaders, and will participate in a range of river conservation activities.
This fellowship honors the memory of Anthony A. Lapham who served for many years on the board of American Rivers, including as its Chairman. The program reflects his integrity, intellect, concern for humanity and commitment to excellence. We seek candidates who possess these qualities.
ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS
American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 200,000 members, supporters, and volunteers. American Rivers maintains a positive work environment with a culture of learning, support and balance. For more information please visit www.americanrivers.org.
American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 200,000 members, supporters, and volunteers. American Rivers maintains a positive work environment with a culture of learning, support and balance. For more information please visit www.americanrivers.org.
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM DETAILS AND REQUIREMENTS
The goals of the Anthony A. Lapham Fellowship Program are to develop the next generation of conservation leaders, and to generate work products that directly support the mission and goals of American Rivers. Advancements in river conservation will be especially important during the coming years due to the extreme pressure on rivers, headwater streams and freshwater supplies brought on by climate change, population growth, and sprawl. We need to develop the next generation of skilled leaders who can promote practical environmental solutions that achieve measurable results for natural and human communities.
The goals of the Anthony A. Lapham Fellowship Program are to develop the next generation of conservation leaders, and to generate work products that directly support the mission and goals of American Rivers. Advancements in river conservation will be especially important during the coming years due to the extreme pressure on rivers, headwater streams and freshwater supplies brought on by climate change, population growth, and sprawl. We need to develop the next generation of skilled leaders who can promote practical environmental solutions that achieve measurable results for natural and human communities.
The Lapham Fellow will help shape community-oriented solutions to river conservation challenges, educate civic leaders about the benefits of healthy rivers, inform legislative and legal proceedings, and influence opinion leaders. The Fellowship includes the implementation of a project that directly supports the goals of one or more of American Rivers’ conservation programs.
The Fellow will play an important role in implementing American Rivers’ new strategic plan, which names 11 priority river basins where we will focus our work over the next five years. The Fellow’s project will contribute to our efforts in one of our priority basins and fall within one of three categories: (1) sustainably managing our freshwater resources; (2) restoring rivers (through approaches such as dam removal) and achieving natural flood protection by restoring the natural functions of rivers, wetlands and floodplains; or (3) conserving America’s heritage by protecting our remaining free-flowing rivers and connecting communities to their rivers. Projects might include analyses of the contributions of healthy rivers to employment, property values, public health and safety and other community priorities; the impacts of poorly managed rivers on water supply, flooding or public safety; or the potential for certain policy prescriptions or best management practices to contribute to river health. The topics are developed based on the needs of the organization and the interests of the successful Fellowship candidate. The Fellow will publish results in an appropriate format and present their project results to various audiences including American Rivers’ staff. For more information and to view a complete list of the priority river basins, view the application form.
The 24-month Fellowship will be supported by a team of conservation staff and members of our Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee, which includes some of the nation’s foremost experts on freshwater conservation science and policy. Conducting an applied research project under the guidance of expert advocates will provide the Fellow with invaluable experience as they begin their career. In general, the first year of the Fellowship is spent researching the decided project, and the second year is spent implementing the project on the ground. Based on the parameters of the project and available resources, there is the potential for opportunities to travel to river basin that is the focus of the project or even to be relocated in the second year.
Fellows will be provided with opportunities for professional experiences unique to Washington, DC, including policy and scientific analysis of federal legislation and proposed rules, lobbying training, participation in meetings with congressional offices and federal agency officials, and attendance at congressional hearings, federal court proceedings, etc. Additionally, Fellows will engage in organizational activities including staff meetings and retreats and National River Cleanup activities.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Graduate degree in stream ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, public health, public policy, law, economics, engineering, or related fields
- Dedication to environmental principles
- Extensive research and analysis skills
- High academic achievement
- 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 in a professional environment
- Ability to travel as necessary
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Completed application form (found here)
- Resume – Description of your work experience (both paid and volunteer) including an outline of each job/responsibilities, contact information for each employer, and dates of employment.
- Transcripts – Official transcripts for all higher education institutions attended must be submitted. We accept unofficial copies of transcripts for the application process, but those contacted for an interview will need to provide original transcripts at that time.
- Letters of Recommendation – Two letters of recommendation are required. You may choose to have faculty members or current/former employers submit these letters. Letters should be sent directly from the recommenders. A Letter of Recommendation Instruction Form can be found at www.americanrivers.org/about/lapham-fellowship and should be provided to all recommenders for guidance in writing the letters.
- Academic Mentor Information – Preference will be given to candidates that identify an academic mentor who will assist during the duration of the Fellowship. Please submit bio of and letter from your academic mentor with your application. Letters should indicate the mentor’s willingness to fulfill the duties of this role. An Academic Mentor Instruction Form can be found at www.americanrivers.org/about/lapham-fellowship and should be provided to your mentor as guidance in writing the letter.
- Personal Statement – Please submit an original essay with your application. The essay should be 2-3 pages in length, no less than 11 point type, at least 1.5 line spacing, typed in Times New Roman font, and have at least 1 inch margins. Your essay should address the following:
- What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
- How will this fellowship assist you in accomplishing your goals?
- How has your academic training/field of study, employment history, and volunteer experience prepared you for this fellowship?
- What can serve as evidence of your leadership skills and ability?
- Research Project proposal – A two-page proposal outlining your applied research project. For more information about the project areas for the 2015-2017 Fellowship year, go to www.americanrivers.org/about/lapham-fellowship and view the application form.
Only complete applications (letters of recommendation and academic mentor letters can be sent separately) will be reviewed; partial applications will be discarded. For further information about all attachments please refer to the Application Form.
Please submit all materials to lapham@americanrivers.org. Applications can be submitted via mail, but email is preferred. If sending the application by mail, send to:
American Rivers
Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20005
Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellowship
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20005
Letters of recommendation and academic mentor letters should be sent via email directly from the recommender/mentor, with the candidate’s full name in the subject line. Recommenders/Mentors can also send letters via mail, but the letter must be enclosed in a sealed envelope with their signature across the seal. Please provide the letter of recommendation and academic mentor instructional sheets to the appropriate parties.
Application Deadline: 11:59 pm EST January 5, 2015
*Anthony A. Lapham River Conservation Fellows are eligible for health, dental and vision insurance as well as generous leave benefits.
American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
No comments:
Post a Comment