Arizona Water Policy Fellow

Water Policy Fellow

Audubon Southwest is the regional office of the National Audubon Society in Arizona and New Mexico. We are currently seeking a two-semester (Fall 2026 and Spring 2027) Water Policy Fellow to advance Audubon's policy work on water management within Arizona. The primary focus of the Water Policy Fellow will be on Colorado River, groundwater, and water quality issues and how they impact birds and people in Arizona.

This position is part-time (20 hours per week) and primarily remote, reporting to the Arizona Policy Manager. There is the opportunity for in-person meetings in Phoenix at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center (3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85040) to collaborate with the policy team. The ideal candidate will be a curious, self-motivated graduate student or upper level (junior or senior) undergraduate student at a university or community college majoring in public policy, sustainability, environmental studies, or related field.

The ideal candidate enjoys research, writing, asking questions, and collaborating with others. They will have a passion for environmental policy and be skilled at verbal and written communications. Applicants must reside in Arizona and must be an enrolled student during the term of the fellowship.

Length of Fellowship: 10 months (Fall 2026 – Spring 2027)

Location:

Remote with in-person opportunities at the Arizona
- Phoenix Capital Building or the Arizona Audubon Center

Hours:

20

Compensation: $22.00 / hour

Essential Functions:

Fellow Responsibilities and Learning Objectives:

During the fellowship, you will work with Audubon Southwest staff on policy research and outreach to:

• Research specific issues related to the Colorado River, surface water, groundwater, and water quality issues and how they impact birds and people in Arizona.
• Draft written materials, including fact sheets, blogs, research papers, and briefings on specific issues related to the Colorado River, groundwater, surface water, and water quality issues and how they impact birds and people in Arizona.
• Track and analyze Arizona water management issues by attending meetings, webinars, and conducting independent research.
• Collaborate with the Audubon Southwest communications team to draft issue-specific information, blogs, and social media content.
• Collaborate with the Audubon policy team staff to host events with the community and elected officials to disseminate updates on water issues in Arizona.
• Collaborate with key state and national non-governmental organizations and state agencies to advance Audubon's water policy agenda.
• Collaborate with colleagues all around the state.

Fellowship Benefits:

• Professional experience working with Arizona water issues, policy, and management related to the Colorado River, surface water, groundwater, and water quality issues
• Build research and analysis, data management, and outreach and communication skills
• Work collaboratively within a team and represent a large conservation organization in a professional manner
• Opportunities to interact with water professionals and lawmakers in Arizona and across the West.

Fellowship

Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 20 hours between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Projected Start Date/End Date:
August 31, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Qualifications and

Experience:

• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Enrollment at an accredited college (including community college) or university required.
• Must reside in the state of Arizona.
• Commitment to a just and equitable approach to conservation and natural resource management.
• Working knowledge of policies related to water management, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat highly desired.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent research skills and an interest in translating complex information into an engaging, accessible, and inclusive format.
• Skilled use of Microsoft Office Suite products, Zoom, and basic database management are preferred to compile, organize, analyze, and interpret water resource management data. Experience with ArcGIS Online preferred.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting is…