Application Guide

How to Apply for Human Resources Fellow

at EARTHWORKS

🏢 About EARTHWORKS

EARTHWORKS is a mission-driven nonprofit that fights to protect communities and the environment from the impacts of mining and energy extraction. Working here means you'll be part of a dedicated team advocating for clean air, water, and corporate accountability—making a tangible difference in people's lives.

About This Role

As the Human Resources Fellow, you'll be the backbone of EARTHWORKS' people operations, supporting recruitment, onboarding, benefits, and compliance. This role is impactful because you'll help build and sustain a team of passionate advocates, ensuring the organization can effectively pursue its environmental mission.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing new job applications in your ATS, then coordinating interview schedules with hiring managers and candidates. After lunch, you could process benefits paperwork for a new hire, update compliance records, and end the day drafting an internal HR policy update—all while collaborating via Slack with a mission-driven team spread across the US.

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🎯 Who EARTHWORKS Is Looking For

  • You have 1-3 years of HR experience (including internships) and are eager to apply your skills in a nonprofit setting focused on environmental justice.
  • You communicate clearly and empathetically, with strong attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
  • You are culturally competent and committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all HR practices.
  • You are highly organized and can manage multiple hiring processes and compliance tasks simultaneously in a remote environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to EARTHWORKS

1

Highlight any experience with nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, even if not directly HR-related—show you understand the sector's values.

2

In your resume, quantify achievements (e.g., 'Coordinated interviews for 20+ candidates' or 'Reduced onboarding time by 15%').

3

Tailor your cover letter to mention EARTHWORKS' specific campaigns (e.g., mining reform, fracking) and connect them to your interest in HR.

4

Since the role is remote, emphasize your self-discipline, communication tools proficiency (Slack, Zoom, ATS), and experience working independently.

5

Include a brief note on how you handle confidential information—reference a past example (e.g., managing employee records or sensitive data).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for environmental protection and alignment with EARTHWORKS' mission.", 'Your HR experience (even if entry-level) with specific examples of recruitment, onboarding, or compliance tasks.', 'Your ability to work remotely and collaborate across time zones, plus your organizational skills.', "Your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an example of how you've supported an inclusive workplace."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review EARTHWORKS' current campaigns (e.g., mining, fracking, corporate accountability) to understand their advocacy focus.
  • → Read their latest annual report or impact statement to see how HR contributes to organizational goals.
  • → Check their blog or news section for recent updates on policy wins or team changes.
  • → Understand the challenges of remote HR in nonprofits—e.g., limited budget for tools, need for creative engagement.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Why do you want to work in HR for a nonprofit environmental organization specifically?
2 Describe a time you had to handle a confidential HR matter. How did you ensure discretion?
3 How would you support employee relations in a remote team where you may not have daily in-person contact?
4 What experience do you have with HR compliance (e.g., labor laws, recordkeeping) and how do you stay updated?
5 How would you approach recruiting for diverse candidates to ensure our team reflects the communities we serve?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention EARTHWORKS' mission or specific campaigns.
  • Focusing only on corporate HR experience without acknowledging the nonprofit context or resource constraints.
  • Failing to demonstrate remote work readiness—e.g., no mention of virtual collaboration tools or self-motivation.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to EARTHWORKS!

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