Organization: Texas Conservation Alliance, state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation
Position: Civic Engagement Fellow
Job Type: 10-week Internship
Priority Application Deadline: August 17, 2026 (interviews conducted on a rolling basis until positions are filled)
Start Date: September 07, 2026
End Date: November 13, 2026
Schedule: Average of 10 hours per week (up to 15 hours), including occasional weekends Work Location: Projects are conducted on the fellow’s university or college campus in Texas (large public institutions preferred) and are paired with required virtual cohort meetings and professional development sessions (tentatively Mondays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.),
Stipend: $1,000/semester ($200 distributed bi-weekly)
About Texas Conservation Alliance
Since 1971, Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA) has advocated for wildlife and habitats. TCA educates Texans and builds alliances to enhance and sustain wildlife habitat and to protect our land, air, and water for future generations. TCA has built public support to establish numerous wildlife refuges, state and federal parks, wilderness areas, and other wildlife areas, resulting in more than 250,000 Texas acres protected. TCA has recruited thousands of Texans to active conservation and advocacy through grassroots coalitions and community-driven, hands-on habitat restoration programs that welcome all communities into conservation and promote stewardship for Texas’ wildlife and wild places.
General Summary
Texas Conservation Alliance (TCA) is seeking university and college students who are passionate about civic engagement, community leadership, and the conservation of Texas wildlife to serve as inaugural Civic Engagement Fellows during the Fall 2026 semester.
Developed in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), the Campus Civic Engagement Fellows Program is a pilot leadership initiative that prepares students to organize nonpartisan civic engagement efforts tailored to their campus communities. Fellows will explore the critical role of civic participation and public policy in the American conservation movement while inspiring active, informed participation in our democracy among their peers.
Selected candidates will work alongside TCA staff and their cohort members to design and implement civic engagement activities on their campus. The 10-week internship offers valuable hands-on experience in developing leadership, project management, and community organizing skills alongside professional development opportunities applicable to future careers in conservation, nonprofit leadership, public policy, and public service.
Responsibilities:
Note: Responsibilities below may vary depending on the fellow’s campus, interests, skills, and program needs.
The Civic Engagement Fellows will work collaboratively as a cohort and with the guidance of TCA’s Director of Policy and Advocacy to:
Plan and Implement Campus Civic Engagement Activities:
- Develop and execute a semester-long civic engagement plan tailored to the unique needs, opportunities, and culture of your campus community
- Organize and coordinate nonpartisan activities, such as voter registration drives, educational tabling, presentations, signage campaigns, and other outreach efforts
- Connect your campus community to accurate, nonpartisan election information and official resources related to voting and civic participation
Build Partnerships Across Campus:
- Cultivate relationships with student organizations, university offices, and other campus stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of civic engagement activities
- Partner with other nonpartisan campus and community organizers to strengthen campus outreach and engagement efforts, as appropriate
- Represent TCA and the cohort professionally when serving as a campus ambassador
Participate in the Statewide Cohort:
- Attend the required orientation and weekly virtual cohort meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions (to be determined based on cohort availability)
- Collaborate with other fellows across campuses to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and share successful activities and engagement strategies
- Provide regular updates regarding project planning, progress, and needed support
Document and Evaluate Program Activities:
- Maintain records of internship activities and campus engagement metrics throughout the semester
- Submit periodic timesheets, reports, photographs, and other requested materials
- Contribute feedback and recommendations to strengthen future fellow cohorts
Physical Abilities and Work Environment:
- Ability to work outdoors or in community event settings for extended periods of time.
- Occasionally required to lift and move event supplies, display boards, and educational items up to 25 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation, civic engagement, public service, and/or community leadership
- Experience and/or interest in organizing events, tabling on campus, presenting to student groups, and/or other public-facing outreach activities
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a statewide cohort
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Requirements
- Enrolled student at a Texas university or college for the Fall 2026 semester; students from all institutions are encouraged to apply, with preference for large public institutions
- Availability and internet access for required virtual cohort meetings and professional development sessions (tentatively Mondays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.)
- Must have a reliable form of transportation
- At least 18 years of age
- Eligible to work in the United States
To Apply
- Please download and fill out the application on the internship page of the TCA website
- Email your application, resume, and cover letter to internship@tcatexas.org
- Subject line: First name Last Name – Civic Engagement Fellows
Priority deadline to submit: Monday, August 17, 2026 (interviews conducted on a rolling basis until positions are filled)
Texas Conservation Alliance is firmly committed to inclusion, diversity, and equity as core tenets of the organization, where everyone is respected and valued regardless of race, creed, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or national origin. Individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who do not meet all qualifications are encouraged to apply.
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