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Rocky Mountain Conservancy Fellowship

Program Overview

The Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment (GWC) at the University of Colorado Law School is pleased to announce the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Public Lands Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic year. This fellowship provides a Colorado Law 3L with an opportunity to conduct legal and policy research under the supervision of GWC in support of the work of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy (RMC), a nonprofit partner supporting Rocky Mountain National Park. The fellowship is designed to accelerate the career aspirations of a student with a demonstrated commitment to land conservation and outstanding legal skills.Ìý

The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience addressing legal and policy issues affecting national parks, public lands, water resources, and conservation. The Fellow will work on research projects identified in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy and GWC, developing a deeper understanding of the legal and institutional challenges involved in protecting and managing public lands while sharpening research, writing, and analytical skills.

Key benefits include:

• Practical exposure to national park management and nonprofit conservation organizations, including an opportunity to learn more about the management and operations of Rocky Mountain National Park and the role of nonprofit partners in supporting national parks.
• Development of specialized expertise in public lands and natural resources law through sustained research on issues affecting federal lands, national parks, water resources, conservation, and related areas.
• Legal research and writing supported by GWC, addressing real-world issues relating to public lands management, water resources, conservation of private lands, and other issues affecting the stewardship of natural and cultural resources.
• Mentorship and professional development through close supervision by the GWC Executive Director and opportunities to engage with RMC staff and board and GWC faculty, staff, practitioners, and other leaders in the fields of natural resources and environmental law.
• Opportunities to apply legal skills to real-world conservation challenges, including researching legal authorities, analyzing statutes and regulations, evaluating policy questions, and preparing written research for use by the Rocky Mountain Conservancy and its partners.

Eligibility

Open to currently enrolled 3L students at Colorado Law who can demonstrate strong legal research and writing skills and academic achievement along with an interest in natural resources, environmental law, public lands, water law, conservation, or related fields.Ìý

Fellowship Payment and ScheduleÌý

The Fellow will work approximately 10 hours per week from fall 2026 through the spring 2027 semester at $25/hour. Scheduling is flexible to accommodate coursework and other commitments.

The Fellow will be supervised by the Executive Director of the Getches-Wilkinson Center and will work closely with GWC in developing and completing research projects in support of RMC and collaborating with its staff.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following as a single PDF:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in the fellowship and in public lands, conservation, natural resources, or related issues.
• Resume.
• Law school transcript (unofficial accepted).
• Writing sample.

Applications will be reviewed by GWC and RMC staff, and selected applicants may be invited to interview. Application deadline: Sunday, September 20 11:59pm.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact GWC Assistant Director Annie Carlozzi at annie.carlozzi@colorado.edu.