EDF fellowship program
Build professional career skills as an EDF fellow
EDF fellowships provide recent graduates — whether from an undergraduate, graduate or doctoral program — a unique opportunity to work directly with experts in science, law, economics and other disciplines in North America.
Our fellows work alongside experts in their chosen field and make a direct impact while taking on the biggest environmental challenges of our time.
We provide high-quality experiences, including relevant projects and opportunities for networking, that form the foundation serious candidates need to pursue a fulfilling environmental career.
Key university partners
EDF has established relationships with several universities to sponsor or co-sponsor fellows to work on one-year or two-year immersive projects.
Current university-sponsored fellowships:
Legal fellowships
Defend stronger environmental laws through our legal fellowships.
Legal fellows at EDF work in a high-intensity, fast-paced, multi-disciplinary setting to influence, implement and defend U.S. laws, regulations, standards and policies.
Legal fellows work on a range of topics critical to the health of communities and the climate across the U.S. This includes litigation regarding the Clean Air Act, the major national sources of climate and air pollution (transportation, oil and gas, power plants), climate financial risk and more.
Fellows have contributed to landmark cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, D.C. Circuit and other appeals courts, and federal agencies such as the EPA. EDF legal fellowships are two years in length.
Postdoctoral fellowships
Create bold, research-based solutions to drive lasting change through postdoctoral fellowships.
Our postdoctoral science and economics fellowships have put EDF at the forefront of addressing the biggest environmental challenges of our time.
Postdoctoral fellows have conducted research on methane quantification, wetland management, soil carbon economics, life cycle analysis and more. They have also made significant contributions to peer-reviewed publications, white papers, policy briefs and other materials used in EDF’s advocacy work.
Postdoctoral fellowships are two years in length.
Community-based fellowships
Forge partnerships and center communities through our Tom Graff fellowships.
Since 2008, Tom Graff Fellows have worked on expanding access to solar energy in Illinois, advocating for safe and affordable drinking water in California’s Central Valley, engaging with community leaders in Puerto Rico to advance a clean energy microgrids and more.
They focus on increasing EDF’s staff diversity, forging partnerships and strengthening EDF’s environmental justice and community engagement work.
This program is named after Tom Graff, the legendary and beloved founder of EDF’s West Coast office. Tom transformed environmental politics and water policies in California and inspired countless environmentalists over the more than 35 years he worked at EDF. Tom Graff fellowships are two years in length.
Project management fellowships
Collaborate and bring problem solvers together through project management fellowships.
These fellowships provide recent graduates the opportunity to solve critical issues related to the environment. Each fellow receives training to become an accredited project manager, and is placed on a team working on projects aligned with their preferred environmental career interest.
Past fellows have engaged in projects around justice and equity practices, carbon pricing, agricultural methane and petrochemicals. Project management fellowships are one year in length.
Competitive benefits
We are proud to support the needs of everyone who works at EDF — in and out of the office.
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Health and family
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement plans with EDF contributions
• Generous paid parental leave
• Mental health support
• Adoption reimbursement
• Life and disability insurance
• Pet insurance
• Emergency care and travel assistance -
Work/life balance
• Unlimited vacation days
• Paid holidays
• Summer Fridays (June-August)
• Flexible working arrangements — remote, hybrid or in-office
• Resources to support work from home comfortably
• Paid volunteer service days to give back to the community of your choosing -
Professional development
• Tuition and professional development reimbursements
• Science Days and Learning Lunches, where EDF experts share their knowledge
• EDF educational portal for self-directed learning
• Access to conferences and events
• Powerful EDF alumni network • Annual off-site All-Staff Retreat
Benefits listed vary by location.
Fellowship FAQ
What can I expect at EDF?
EDF fellows work on a wide range of critical issues that contribute to building a vital Earth for everyone, while helping to develop fellows into successful environmental professionals. Fellows gain subject-matter expertise, put learning into practice and receive training and mentorship from EDF experts.
What is the benefit of being an EDF fellow?
Fellows are full-time employees at EDF and receive competitive annual salaries and benefits. We provide a high-quality work experience with opportunities to cultivate the skills and relationships needed for a successful and impactful environmental career. Fellows have the potential to move into ongoing positions within EDF.
What types of fellowships does EDF offer?
We host postdoctoral science and economics fellows, legal fellows and a range of fellowships for graduate students with master's and bachelor's degrees. Some fellowships are sponsored by universities for their graduates.
What is your hiring timeline?
Fellowship posting times vary according to program needs and aim to align with academic timelines. Jobs may be posted year-round, generally about six months prior to the start date.