Grassland Plant Ecology Internship 2025

Location: Front Royal, Virginia   | Dates: May – September 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. 

The intern’s primary tasks include assisting with our biodiversity surveys that seek to explore the impact of various landscape management and restoration practices on grassland plant ecology. Examples include conducting vegetation surveys to inventory grassland plants on private lands with community scientist volunteers The intern will survey a variety of species and assist in the management and analyses of relevant data; therefore, they will be playing a significant role in advancing our knowledge of local biodiversity and the impacts of land management and conservation practices on grassland ecology.  

Desired Qualifications

• Some knowledge of grassland plants is preferred, but strong applicants with the aptitude to learn plant identification quickly will also be considered. 
• Experience conducting vegetation surveys, organizing and working with large datasets, and using a GPS.  
• Interest in studying grassland plant communities and motivation to explore research gaps in grassland plant conservation in relation to land management techniques. 
• Excellent organizational skills and experience managing data using Excel spreadsheets. 
• A strong work ethic and a positive professional attitude. The intern will likely be in a position where they will interact frequently with landowners and volunteers. 
• Must be able to walk long distances and begin work in 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, at minimum, being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and wearing masks in indoor workspaces. 
• 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:

• Learn and assist with field work for the 2025 season, including detailed and accurate data collection for plant surveys.  
• Support VWL staff in mentoring VWL community scientists on grassland plant 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.