TNC Renewable Energy and Climate Fellow – 18-Month Paid Fellowship ( $26.95-$28.65/hr)
Background & Job Description
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global leader in environmental conservation, is looking for a dedicated Renewable Energy & Climate Social Science Fellow to contribute to its ongoing efforts in addressing climate change and advancing the deployment of renewable energy solutions in Wisconsin. The Fellow will be based in Madison, Wisconsin, with preference given to candidates located in or near this area, though other locations in Wisconsin may be considered.
This fellowship is integral to TNC’s mission of promoting sustainable, nature-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Specifically, this role will focus on climate mitigation, renewable energy deployment, and natural climate solutions, with a particular emphasis on agrivoltaics and the public perception of renewable energy. The Fellow will work within TNC’s Conservation Science team and collaborate with colleagues across the organization at various levels, as well as with external partners, governmental agencies, and the public.
The Renewable Energy & Climate Social Science Fellow will support TNC’s ongoing projects to help develop and implement policies and initiatives that can drive a clean energy transition in Wisconsin, particularly through community engagement, policy research, and the adoption of renewable energy solutions. As part of this role, the Fellow will conduct research, develop resources, and engage with various stakeholders to facilitate the deployment of renewable energy solutions.
This position is full-time (35 hours per week) and is a 18-month hourly contract, with an expected start date of June 2, 2025. The starting pay range is $26.95 – $28.65 per hour, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.
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Tasks
The Renewable Energy & Climate Social Science Fellow will undertake several essential tasks aimed at advancing renewable energy deployment and climate mitigation solutions in Wisconsin, including:
Research and Analysis:
- Conduct research projects focused on agrivoltaics, which integrates agriculture with solar energy systems, and the public perception of renewable energy in Wisconsin and the broader Midwest.
- Synthesize scholarly work into practical, accessible tools that can be applied to future energy initiatives, ensuring findings are relevant to community members and policymakers.
- Undertake small-scale innovative projects that contribute new insights or strategies for fostering greater adoption of climate mitigation solutions across communities and sectors.
Public Engagement:
- Work with TNC colleagues, community partners, and external organizations to increase public awareness and engagement with renewable energy solutions.
- Organize and lead outreach efforts such as public surveys and community meetings to assess public perception and gather data that can help shape future renewable energy policies.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across various sectors (climate, agriculture, energy) to enhance knowledge sharing and joint initiatives.
Data Collection and Reporting:
- Data analysis and reporting: Collect, analyze, and present data related to renewable energy adoption, agrivoltaics, and public attitudes toward climate mitigation solutions.
- Create and maintain detailed reports, including recommendations for policymakers and key stakeholders involved in the renewable energy transition.
Policy Advocacy:
- Support TNC’s policy advocacy efforts by providing insights into how social science research and public engagement can influence energy policy at the local, state, and national levels.
- Assist in the development of advocacy materials, including fact sheets, policy briefs, and reports, to influence decision-makers and improve the renewable energy landscape in Wisconsin.
TNC Renewable Energy and Climate Fellow – 18-Month Paid Fellowship ( $26.95-$28.65/hr)
Qualifications
Education and Certification:
- Required: A Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management, or a related field, plus at least 2 years of related work experience. Alternatively, a combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Desired: A degree in social science, sustainability, or energy resources is highly preferred, along with experience in social science research or qualitative data assessments.
Experience:
- Public Surveys & Data Analysis: Strong experience with public surveys, data analysis, and using relevant technologies such as the Microsoft Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word).
- Public Speaking & Outreach: Proven experience in public speaking, outreach efforts, and community engagement to raise awareness about environmental issues.
- Research & Report Writing: Experience in writing, editing, proofreading, and synthesizing research data into clear reports and actionable insights.
- Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, ensuring tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner, while coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in Climate Mitigation: Familiarity with climate mitigation solutions and/or the renewable energy sector, especially in relation to agrivoltaics and community energy adoption.
- Community Engagement: Experience working with both rural and urban communities, understanding their unique challenges and concerns regarding renewable energy deployment.
Additional Information
- Position Type: Full-time (35 hours per week) for 18 months, with an expected start date of June 2, 2025.
- Location: Preference for candidates located in Madison, Wisconsin, though other Wisconsin locations may be considered.
- Salary: Starting salary range of $26.95 – $28.65 per hour, commensurate with experience.
- Benefits Package: TNC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and more.
- Flexibility: TNC promotes a flexible work environment to support employees’ health and well-being.
TNC is committed to an inclusive work environment and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. The organization strongly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion and seeks to build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
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