Overview

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS:

Named one of the best groups to support in 2017 by “Outside” magazine, 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 355,000 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 embraces and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Rivers Connect Us is more than just our tagline. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that each individual brings 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.

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 conservation policy-related  project that will make a tangible contribution to American Rivers’ mission.  Working with a team of professional staff, the Fellow will apply practical research, coalition-building and advocacy skills and develop a network of professional contacts to advance the project.  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 Chair.  The program reflects his integrity, intellect, concern for humanity, and commitment to excellence. We seek candidates who possess these qualities.

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 demographic change, and development.  We need to develop the next generation of skilled leaders who can promote practical environmental policy solutions that achieve measurable results for clean water, healthy rivers and thriving communities.

The 2021-2023 Lapham Fellow will focus on facilitating the development of a advancing community-sourced set of 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 advancing the goals of the American Rivers’ strategic plan which prioritizes conservation practice and policy focused on healthy rivers everywhere for everyone.    The Fellow’s project will contribute to our efforts to advance river conservation in the fields of clean water and integrated urban water management, river restoration including dam removal, floodplain restoration and natural infrastructure; river protection inclusive of source water protection and Wild & Scenic Rivers; and hydropower reform.   The 2021-2023 Lapham Fellowship will focus on advancing targeted federal policies that will advance our river conservation objectives broadly and will connect to work in one or more of our 11 priority basins.  The final project scope will be developed jointly by the Fellow and American Rivers staff 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.

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 research and policy advocacy 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 basins that are related to the project.

Fellows will be provided with opportunities for professional experiences unique to Washington, DC, including legal and policy, economic, 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 environmental science, stream ecology, hydrology, geomorphology, public health, public policy, environmental planning, law, natural resource 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