The Virginia Tech Conservation Management Institute and the Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs (NREA) Branch at Marine Corps Base Quantico is now accepting interns on a rolling basis to support staff in maintaining approximately 52,000 acres of forest and wetland habitat. We are particularly interested in working with undergraduate and graduate students earning course credit, such as those needing internship hours to graduate or students seeking a fieldwork site in Northern Virginia for capstone or thesis research. Along with supporting NREA’s Forestry Section, a priority for internships is engaging students in experiential learning tailored to their career interests. Length of service is dependent on course credit needs or personal interest, though interns are expected to support the Forestry Section 15 or more hours per week. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We are currently looking for Summer and Fall 2025 interns.

Duties and responsibilities of Forestry interns may include but are not limited to: 
Surveying tree stands for fire scars, trailwork, developing a management plan to address invasive plant species, supporting timber harvests, tree plantings, and fire break maintenance. There are also opportunities to help with Fish & Wildlife projects, such as bird banding, nestbox monitoring, frog surveys, pollinator gardening, and more.

Internship benefits include:
Training in natural resource management, arrangement for college credit, research project location and oversight by a Virginia Tech faculty member, and a Letter of Recommendation from NREA Branch Director. Please note these are unpaid internships in Forestry, which is why working with students seeking college credit is ideal.

Qualifications:
College or graduate student interested in forestry, ecology, biology, natural resource management, conservation, or related fields. The ability to work in diverse weather, hike in moderate to difficult terrain, and lift 25+ pounds may be required. Enjoying being outside and working both collaboratively and independently is a must.