Kansas Healthy Streams and Soils Fellowship

Who We Are

In Kansas more than 80% of streams are unsuitable for one or more human uses. These unique and fragile freshwater ecosystems continue to lose their diversity at an alarming rate. A major cause of this decline in stream health and freshwater ecosystems is the large-scale modification of the land surface for agriculture, resulting in the loss of soil organic matter and soil water-holding capacity.

The good news is, many farms in Kansas are testing innovative methods to improve the health of their soils and associated streams. Agricultural and freshwater conservation fall under TNC-Kansas’ freshwater program and seeks to benefit priority streams and wetlands. Key practices we seek to promote in Kansas are: improved soil health (5 key practices); improved nutrient management; edge of field/stream corridor management for stream protection and habitat corridors;

and wetland protection/restoration. The Fellow will help advance the mission of the Water and Agriculture program in Kansas.

The Healthy Soils Fellow may do research and review scientific literature, map data, assist with fieldwork, attend meetings with partners, and other work to advance freshwater programs in KS. The fellow may work in several project areas across Kansas including advancing irrigation technology and water conservation in central Kansas, regenerative agriculture in the Smoky Hills region, or researching and monitoring of freshwater ecosystems.

The fellow will have the opportunity to broaden their experiences through interactions with Conservancy staff, conservation partners, and by attending natural resources events. This work will be a valuable step toward your future career path. Previous interns have gone on to work in various positions within The Nature Conservancy, as well as with local, state, and federal agencies, academia, other nonprofit organizations, and natural resource contracting.

The ideal candidate should have data management, collaboration skills and exceptional research experience in related field. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by contributing to the work of our team!

The Fellow will work 35 hours per week for up to 10 weeks from June through August and will be paid $17 per hour. The Fellow will work primarily virtually but may travel around the state to visit project sites, as circumstances allow.

• May interact with partner organizations and the public via Zoom or in person, as local conditions and Fellow’s personal circumstances allow.
• Works under close or infrequent supervision.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age during the time of the fellowship.
• Applicant must be either an undergraduate student from a four‑year Kansas college or university; or a graduate student in a degree‑granting program at a Kansas college or university. Students who graduate in spring of 2026 are eligible to apply.
• Currently studying towards a degree in natural resource management, wildlife biology, environmental science, water resources, environmental finance, cultural studies with an environmental component, or other relevant field.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $17 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.

Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

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