Bailey Conservation Fellowship 2026 - Lansing, Michigan | Salary $55,000 | Apply Immediately

Bailey Conservation Fellowship 2026 - Lansing, Michigan | Salary $55,000 | Apply Immediately

Organization	The Nature Conservancy (Science Division)
Fellowship Name	Essel and Menakka Bailey Conservation Fellowship
Post Name	Bailey Conservation Fellow
Duty Station	Lansing, Michigan
Work Location	Hybrid (Administratively based in Lansing)
Contract Duration	18 Months
Salary	$55,000 USD / Year
Last Date to Apply	Apply Immediately (Rolling basis)

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest challenges. TNC works in more than 70 countries and territories, using a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.

Initiated in 2018, the Essel and Menakka Bailey Conservation Fellowship Program is designed to help develop the conservation leaders of tomorrow. It provides recent graduates and early-career conservation professionals with the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment that combines a deep dive into a specific project with a broad introduction to major conservation issues and TNC operations.

The 2026 Bailey Fellow will focus on ONE of the following two projects:

• Option 1: Forest Biomaterials Sector (Michigan & Midwest)
  • Create, collect, and integrate spatial data to quantify the makeup, location, and utilization of forest resources.
  • Develop a strategy to enhance the use of sustainably produced forest materials (bark, sawdust, urban wood waste) to replace carbon-intense materials.
  • Prepare a white paper describing the proposed strategy, startup capital, partners, and barriers (regulatory, technical, workforce).
• Option 2: Enhancing Local Community-based Support for Conservation
  • Investigate community-based, "conservation-adjacent" issues (e.g., affordable housing, infrastructure) necessary to ensure support for conservation.
  • Identify challenges in natural resource-based economies experiencing social stress due to tourism or economic decline.
  • Work with experts and local communities to develop policy recommendations that promote resilience and sustainability.
• General Responsibilities:
  • Publish and present scientific findings.
  • Manage projects and engage with inclusive partners.
  • Collaborate with TNC staff across science, restoration, policy, and communications.

• Education: Master's Degree in a science-related field and 2 years of experience OR an equivalent combination.
• Preferred Education: Completed PhD or MS (within the last 2 years) in conservation science, social science, resource management, OR a JD with experience in environmental law and policy.
• Residency: Location of residence should be within Michigan.
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license required (compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program).

Candidates should hold a Master's Degree or PhD in Conservation Science, Social Science, Resource Management, or a Juris Doctor (JD) with a focus on Environmental Law and Policy.

• Technical Skills: Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data. Demonstrated experience in modeling and spatial analysis.
• Communication: Strong ability to prepare reports of findings; success in publishing/presenting scientific findings.
• Soft Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, curiosity, and attention to detail. Experience managing projects.
• Diversity: Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• Software: Strong knowledge of computer technology and common software applications.

Post	Duty Station	Salary	Duration
Bailey Conservation Fellow	Lansing, Michigan	$55,000 / Year	18 Months

This recruitment is for 1 Fellowship position. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and military/veteran status.

No Fee. The Nature Conservancy does not charge any fee for the application process.

• Application Deadline: Rolling basis (Apply ASAP)
• Start Date: Intended to start by early January 2026

• Compensation: Annual salary of $55,000.
• Duration: 18 months of support.
• Benefits: Competitive package including health care, 401(k) with 8% match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, and life insurance.
• Work Environment: Flexible work environment; hybrid model based in Lansing, MI.

• The recruiting process includes a rolling interview schedule to engage applicants in a timely manner.
• Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
• Successful applicants must meet background screening requirements.

• Visit the official job page: careers.tnc.org.
• Click "Apply Now".
• Submit your resume/CV and cover letter detailing your interest in one of the two specific projects.
• Tip: Apply as soon as possible as the role will be unposted once a strong candidate pool is identified.

• Apply Online: Click Here to Apply
• TNC Main Site: www.nature.org

• Is this a paid fellowship? Yes, the annual salary is $55,000.
• Where is the job located? Lansing, Michigan. Residence in Michigan is required.
• Is it remote? It is a hybrid role, meaning a mix of office/field and remote work, but you must be based in Michigan.
• Who is eligible? Recent graduates (MS/PhD/JD) or early-career professionals with relevant experience.
• When does it start? Early January 2026.
• Do I need a driver's license? Yes, a valid driver's license is required.