The Piedmont Environmental Council, an accredited land trust and member-supported environmental nonprofit organization based in the Virginia Piedmont, is now accepting applications for it's seven-week fellowship program for undergraduate and recent graduates interested in learning more about careers in environmental conservation, land use planning, sustainable agriculture, habitat restoration, and more. 

This is a stipended fellowship opportunity for 12 students with demonstrated academic excellence and well-rounded field experiences. Typically, fellows have come from all over the country and represent diverse backgrounds and interests. Because of the pandemic, the fellowship program is being held remotely this year.

For the first five weeks, the program combines classroom discussions, held via Google Meet or Zoom, group exercises, and hands-on activities (e,g. making a Story Map or visiting a nearby park/trail) to give participants a comprehensive understanding of the work. In the final weeks, pairs of fellows work on a collaborative practicum project focused on their interests and a particular aspect of our work within the Piedmont, with guidance from a PEC staff member.

Through this personalized experience, participants gain practical knowledge and skills necessary to successfully transition into careers in conservation, urban planning, agriculture, historic preservation, public policy and other related fields.

Subjects Covered include:

• Land Use Planning
• Land Conservation
• Wildlife Habitat Management & Conservation
• Historic Preservation
• Water, Air & Climate
• Energy Policy
• Agriculture and Best Management Practices
• Working with State and Local Government
• Communications & Development
• Resume-building & Job Search Tip

Schedule / classroom facilities: The program runs June 7 – July 23, 2021, 9am-5pm weekdays. Scheduled meetings will take place via Google Hangouts or Zoom. 

Stipend: For each of the seven weeks, fellows receive a $200 stipend to help with meals and expenses. Total stipend amount is $1400.

Application deadline: Apply by Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at pecva.org/fellowship