Avian Point Count Internship 2025

Location: Front Royal, Virginia   | Dates: April – August 2025 

Stipend: $1400-1600/ month based on experience; housing provided 

Virginia Working Landscapes (VWL) is a program of Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) that promotes the conservation of native biodiversity and sustainable land use through research, education, and community engagement. Interns will have a unique opportunity to develop skills in wildlife biodiversity research, native species conservation, and sustainable land use practices on Virginia’s working landscapes, while connecting with professionals in the Smithsonian’s network. 

Benefits of interning with VWL: 

• Participation in current research on grassland biodiversity in Virginia.
• Participation in multiple projects that will reinforce their skills in biodiversity monitoring and conservation.    
• Connections with partnering conservation organizations working in various areas of conservation.   
• Exchange of ideas with researchers in different science areas at NZCBI.   
• Participation in seminars, VWL workshops and events, and other educational activities at NZCBI. 

At VWL, we value the strength that comes from a variety of perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive space for our entire team. As such, we encourage individuals from all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply for our internship opportunities. 

This intern will be part of VWL’s grassland bird research and conservation team, gaining new skills in project management, field ecology, and communications of scientific results to the general public. Interns will also assist with public engagement activities related to grassland bird and biodiversity conservation. By participating in this internship, this intern will play a significant role in advancing our knowledge of local biodiversity and the impacts of land management and conservation practices on wildlife. 

Desired Qualifications

• Prior point count survey experience and ability to identify Mid-Atlantic bird species by both sight and sound. 
• Strong interest in grassland bird conservation and/or experience working in grassland systems. 
• Excellent organizational skills and experience managing data using Excel spreadsheets. 
• A strong work ethic and positive professional attitude. Interns will engage in fieldwork both as a team and individually and will likely be in a position where they will interact with landowners and volunteers. 
• Must be able to walk long distances and begin work in the early mornings. Daily field conditions include walking through fields in hot, humid weather during the summer with ticks, and occasionally poison ivy.  
• Ability to share housing with others, good communication, and flexibility to adapt to a changing schedule. 
• Willingness to comply with the Smithsonian’s COVID-19 guidance, which may include being fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  
• Driver’s license required. 

Learning Objectives

This is a paid internship opportunity through the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Through this internship, the intern will assist with the following as they gain important experience with conservation science and engagement:

• Develop project management skills through coordinating research activities on various privately-owned properties participating in VWL’s grassland biodiversity research program. 
• Learn how to create a research calendar for site visits and coordinate with VWL community scientists and private landowners to schedule surveys. 
• Build a portfolio of avian field research techniques including field identifications, systematic nest searching, mist-netting, tagging, and telemetry.  
• Support VWL staff in mentoring VWL community scientists on grassland bird identification skills.  
• Learn how to create data summary reports and visuals for various research projects.  
• Develop communications skills by assisting with outreach events and meetings with stakeholders, key conservation organizations, and partners in the region.   
• Learn data management and organization skills through the maintenance of large spreadsheets and databases. 
• Assist with managing output from an array of projects to be carried out by staff, graduate students, other interns, and community scientists.  
• Learn technical skills using software programs such as ArcGIS, R-Studio, and Excel.  
• Develop skills in science writing and communication by contributing to VWL’s monthly Conservation Science Newsletter. 
• Develop skills in social media communications and web-based outreach including creating content and materials for the grassland biodiversity research program.