Aldo Leopold Foundation Future Leaders Program (Fellowship Opportunities) | Apply Before 1 Feb, 2026

The Aldo Leopold Foundation (ALF) invites applications for its prestigious Future Leaders Program (FLP) for the 2026–2027 cohort. This 12-month fellowship, based in Baraboo, Wisconsin, is designed for early-career professionals seeking immersive experience in conservation leadership, land stewardship, and communications.

This fellowship provides a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with experienced staff, gaining skills in applied science, strategic planning, and engagement while living on the historic Leopold campus.

About the Aldo Leopold Foundation

Headquartered in an idyllic setting in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the Foundation manages the renowned Leopold Shack and Farm National Historic Landmark, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. The organization’s operations are centered at the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, a LEED Certified Platinum "green" building. The Foundation oversees the stewardship of 4,000 acres known as the Leopold-Pines Conservation Area (LPCA), which sits within a massive 12,000-acre Important Bird Area. Through its work, the Foundation fosters a land ethic locally and globally, actively engaging educators, citizens, and natural resource professionals to improve land health.

Fellowship Overview

The program runs for 12 months, beginning on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and ending on Saturday, May 29, 2027.

• Compensation: Fellows will be paid $14/hour.

• Housing: Housing is provided on campus in the Future Leaders Center.

• Benefits: Includes 40 hours of vacation, 48 hours of sick leave, 48 hours of floating holiday, and a $300 gear stipend.

• Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week). Schedules vary by season and role (includes some weekends).

Program Tracks and Responsibilities

The fellowship specializes in two distinct program areas. Applicants may apply for one or both:

1. Communications Fellow

• Focus: Outreach, marketing, visitor services, and mission-based communications.

• Key Duties:

  • Staffing the Leopold Center information desk and leading interpretive tours.

  • Creating content for social media, blogs, and news articles.

  • Assisting with fundraising initiatives and donor engagement.

  • Leading an independent project addressing strategic planning needs.

2. Land Stewardship Fellow

• Focus: Land management, habitat restoration, and on-site programming.

• Key Duties:

  • Invasive species management, timber stand improvement, and prescribed fire operations.

  • Maintenance of foundation equipment and vehicles.

  • Leading interpretive tours (specifically Sandhill Crane migration).

  • Physical labor in varied weather conditions (heat, cold, standing water).

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Education: College degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.

• Status: Eligible to work in the United States and possess a valid driver’s license.

• Commitment: Must commit to the full 12-month program.

• Physical: Ability to hike 1 mile+ outdoors; Stewardship fellows must be prepared for physically demanding work.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted via email to [email protected] by Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The email subject line must read: "2026-2027 Fellowship Application" (specify Communications, Land Stewardship, or both).

Required Documents (PDF recommended):

1. Resume

2. Cover Letter: One page, specifying which fellowship you are applying for.

3. Two Letters of Reference: Academic and/or professional.

4. Essay Response (Max 400 words):

   • Prompt: Describe how you see a land ethic as relevant to the issues and opportunities facing natural and human communities in 2026. In your response, reflect on how your identity, background, or lived experiences have shaped your relationship with the natural world and influenced your commitment to conservation.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY : APPLICATION DETAILS

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Disclaimer: Global Intern Desk (GID) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GID, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.