Careers in Conservation

Internships & Fellowships

The James River Stewardship Program offers 12-week positions to support James River riparian buffer maintenance. Internships typically start in late May to late August and recruitment starts in February. More info » 

The Virginia Department of Forestry offers paid summer internships each year. They have entry level jobs that do not require a forestry degree. Many have significant fire-response duties. Careers in Forestry brochure »

The Virginia Cooperative Extension, a Virginia Tech program, offers paid summer internships across the state, primarily in agriculture or 4-H youth development. More info »

The Student Conservation Association offers stipened internships across the country. Reach out to them directly and ask for advice on curating your profile to get matched with an opportunity that is right for you.  More info »

The National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates offer fellowships that can help  if you are looking to get into a Masters program. More info »

The Appalachian Conservation Corps partners with land management agencies and organizations to accomplish critical conservation projects and offers internships and AmeriCorps positions . More info »

The Allegheny Mountain Institute offers tuition-free farm fellowships designed for individuals interested in rural agriculture and sustainable farming. More info »

Appalachian Voices is Hiring a Communications Associate

The Communications Associate at Appalachian Voices plays an integral role on the Communications Team by providing assistance in developing, distributing, and maintaining content across the organization’s public-facing communications channels. The Communications Team collaborates with all of the organization’s program staff to develop and execute effective communications strategies. The team’s goal is to help win campaigns and grow movements to end harmful fossil fuel practices and further energy solutions that protect our land, air, water, and communities.

To read more, or to apply, visit appalachian.bamboohr.com/careers

Virginia Interfaith Power & Light (VAIPL) is Hiring a Project Manager for Greener, Cooler, Healthier Richmond Campaign

VAIPL, a nonpartisan organization, collaborates among people of faith and conscience to grow healthy communities by advancing climate and environmental justice. VAIPL is a regional affiliate of the national organization Interfaith Power & Light. Our office is in Richmond, VA; however, our campaigns and outreach encompass the state of Virginia. We are looking for a full-time program manager to oversee the daily operations of an exciting urban forestry and outreach campaign to address the impact of the urban heat island on Richmond. The ideal candidate will manage grant deliverables and support event planning and execution of a five-year grant.

To read more, or to apply, visit vcnva.org/job-finder/

Virginia Conservation Network is Hiring a Campaigns and Policy Manager: Land Use & Transportation

VCN seeks a committed and motivated individual to lead its land use and transportation policy work. The Campaign & Policy Manager for Land Use & Transportation will work with VCN’s Network Partners to develop and implement strategic advocacy campaigns, improve coordination among allies, and advance Virginia’s sustainable land use and transportation policy. VCN’s Land Use & Transportation workgroup is composed of the leading environment non-profit advocates working on policy in the Commonwealth on issues including: public transportation, electric vehicles, walkable communities, bike lanes, smart growth, and more.

To read more, or to apply, visit vcnva.org/job-finder/

Appalachian Conservation Corps and Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative are Hiring Conservation Field Assistants as part of the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) 

In partnership with the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Collaborative, we are seeking two Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) Members. The WLCC will train the next generation of conservation leaders for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry. The WLCC is a part of the American Climate Corps (ACC), and service members will receive technical skills training, education awards, and career pathway opportunities. WLCC members will receive on-the-ground experience with partners and organizations who conduct programming to support the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices and systems. 

To read more, or to apply, visit jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationLegacy/Careers/jobs/

Appalachian Conservation Corps and James River Association are Hiring a Restoration and Outreach Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) Placement 

This WLCC Member will support JRA’s riparian forest buffer efforts through a unique position that calls for a creative person that loves the outdoors. This position will include two key roles: 1) outreach and communications support to raise awareness of the benefits of riparian forest buffers and connect landowners to technical and cost assistance programs, and 2) technical field support to include assessment and monitoring of riparian forest buffers in the Middle James River watershed. This position could be teleworking from home or out of JRA’s Scottsville, VA office, and will include field time and frequent travel.

To read more, or to apply, visit jobs.silkroad.com/ConservationLegacy/Careers/jobs/

Southern Grasslands Institute at Austin Peay State University is Hiring Field Technicians

Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for two full-time Field Technician positions to study and restore native grasslands on national parks across the Eastern United States as part of our Grasslands Restoration, Inventory, and Monitoring team. Field Technicians will be responsible for collecting baseline data from grassland remnants and proposed grassland “reconstruction” sites at a diverse array of national parks across the Eastern U.S., as well as carrying out restoration and land management work, and collecting post-treatment data from all sites. Field Technicians will travel extensively throughout the year, often working alternative work schedules to reach the different project areas (up to 90% of time will be spent in the field), with overnight stays and travel expenses covered by grant funds. These positions will be remotely based in the Blacksburg and/or Roanoke, Virginia areas.

To read more, or to apply, visit conservationjobboard.com/

Virginia Forestry and Wildlife Group is Hiring Seasonal and Full-Time Natural Resource Management Technicians

The technicians will be part of a field management crew. Activities will include (but are not limited to) the implementation of natural resource management activities: primarily invasive species control (75%), prescribed fire, forest management, wildlife habitat establishment and maintenance, tree/shrub planting, field surveys and assessments and biodiversity restoration work. Excellent communication with company principals, staff and clients (private landowners, public agencies and non-profit organizations) is an important part of the position.

To learn more, or to apply, visit vaforestwild.com/jobs.