Program aimed at post-graduates interested in pursuing a career in conservation
New York, NY (February 8, 2018) — The Open Space Institute (OSI) today announced that it is accepting applications for its 2018 Conservation Diversity Fellowship. The fellowship is awarded to college graduates or postgraduates pursuing professional experience in the field of conservation. The 2018 application deadline is April 15, 2018.
OSI’s Conservation Diversity Fellowship is a full-time, one-year, paid position in New York City that offers candidates from diverse backgrounds the chance to work with environmental leaders and accomplish meaningful conservation goals.
“Diverse workplaces — places that recognize, respect, and welcome unique perspectives — are crucial to a successful organization. OSI is enthusiastic about finding and supporting talented, young conservationists from various backgrounds who are passionate about the field of conservation and who provide new ideas that can enrich our work,” said Kim Elliman, OSI’s president and CEO. “For the past two years, OSI has been grateful for the opportunity to mentor, and also learn from, our Conservation Diversity Fellows and we are excited to be accepting applications for 2018.”
Working alongside OSI staff, the Conservation Diversity Fellow spends the year exploring career topics in conservation including: improving recreational access to public lands; administering grants for land protection; protecting land through conservation real estate transactions; developing science and research on conservation and climate; and learning non-profit administration and finance.
OSI established the Conservation Diversity Fellowship in 2016 and the fellowship is aimed at discovering and mentoring exceptional, conservation-minded young professionals and helping them take the next step in their career. At the end of their fellowship, candidates create a final project, delving into a singular aspect of conservation and creating a tangible community resource.
OSI’s multifaceted programs give the Conservation Diversity Fellow wide-ranging experience in the field of conservation and, throughout the year, fellows have the chance to work on projects based their education and desired career path.
“The Conservation Diversity Fellowship was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the field of conservation and about nonprofits. As a first-generation college student and woman of color from a low-income background, having the support of an established, respected organization like OSI leveled the playing field for me in terms of opportunity,” said Dyaami D’Orazio, OSI’s first Conservation Diversity Fellow.
To view this press release in Spanish, click here.