Adventure Storytelling Fellow (TN & MI)

🌳 About the Organization

Adventure Scientists is a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect the planet by pairing scientists with individuals uniquely capable of gathering difficult-to-obtain data. Our team collaborates with scientists worldwide to solve pressing environmental challenges, from biodiversity to climate change. Every role here offers a chance to make an impact on a global scale!

🙋 ♀️ About the Role

Do you already spend time hiking, exploring forests, taking photos, making reels, or telling stories about the outdoors? Then this role would be perfect for you!

We’re looking for an Adventure Storytelling Fellow to help document and protect two of North America’s iconic and imperiled Eastern forest tree species: American Beech and Butternut trees 🌳

This is a seasonal, part-time fellowship for someone who is already excited to be outside and would love to turn a few forest days each month into something bigger: conservation data, public awareness, and community action.

You’ll collect simple field observations on tree health, capture photo and video content, and help share the story of this project with outdoor communities in your region. You do not need to be a professional scientist. You do need to be curious, reliable, comfortable outdoors, and excited to help people care about forests! 💚

🤩 This role is for someone who…

• Already hikes, bikes, backpacks, explores forests, or spends time outdoors regularly
• Loves taking photos, has an engaged group of followers on social media, loves creating short videos and sharing stories online
• Cares about forests, conservation, native plants, climate, biodiversity, or community science
• Is comfortable working independently
• Enjoys talking with people and getting others excited about protecting wild places
• Wants a flexible, seasonal opportunity with nature impact

💼 Responsibilities

Field Data Collection

• Spend at least 3 field days per month between June and mid-August 2026
• Collect observational data on beech and butternut tree health while hiking, biking, backpacking, or exploring forested areas
• Submit field data according to the project instructions and timeline
• Work independently in outdoor conditions and plan around weather, trail access, and your own schedule

Content Creation

Each month, you’ll capture and submit:

• 15 to 30 photos
• 3 short videos or reels
• 3 drafted social media posts

Content may include forest landscapes, tree observations, behind-the-scenes field moments, educational clips, volunteer/community moments, and personal reflections from the field. All up to your creativity! 🎨

Community Engagement

• Host 1 field day event for volunteers in your region
• Help spread the word by sharing flyers, connecting with local outdoor shops, and engaging relevant community partners
• Share positive, accessible environmental messages in person and online
• Act as a friendly ambassador for Adventure Scientists’ Beech & Butternut project

🎯 Skills & Requirements

• Expertise in content creation (with a professional camera or high quality camera phone) and storytelling through photography and short-form video
• Based in or able to spend at least 3 days/month in the project’s Eastern forest areas between mid-May and mid-August
• Passion for forests, plant genetics, community participation, and the outdoors
• Confidence being on camera and engaging with people in person
• Ability to work independently in field conditions
• Stable internet connection for uploading files

💪 Extra Awesome Qualities

• Knowledge of beech trees, butternut trees, forest ecology, plant health, or native species
• Experience with conservation, forestry, ecology, environmental education, or science communication
• Existing relationships with local outdoor groups, nature clubs, campus groups, or conservation communities
• A portfolio, social media account, or past project that shows your storytelling style

🌎 Location

This is a field-based role with remote reporting.

We are especially looking for fellows based in or able to regularly access one of the following regions:

• Huntsville, Alabama / Chattanooga, Tennessee area
• Grand Rapids, Michigan area

💎 Compensation

This is a 3-month contract with a stipend of $500 per month for the duration of the contract. Expected fellowship period: June to August 2026

🗓️ Hiring Process

At Adventure Scientists, we believe in a transparent, enjoyable, and thorough hiring experience that ensures mutual alignment.

1. Initial Conversation: Quick call with our People Operations team to learn more about your story and interests.
2. Portfolio Review: Share photo/video/social samples or past projects.
3. Final Interview: Conversation with the project team to align on expectations.

The process typically takes 2–3 weeks.

Adventure Scientists is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to achieving our mission. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and we’re committed to providing a fair and supportive hiring process for everyone. We consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, formal education, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other status. If you have any questions about the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know – we’re here to help!

If you’re already out there noticing the forest, documenting what you see, and wondering how your adventures could support something bigger, we’d love to hear from you!

Please APPLY ON OUR WEBSITE :) https://www.adventurescientists.org/forests-field-marketing-fellow.html

• A link to your portfolio, social media accounts, and LinkedIn.
• Short answers to the application questions (no cover letter required).

We’re excited to learn more about you and appreciate the time you take to share your story with us 💚