Title: Internship-Forest Management
State Role Title: Paid Intern
Hiring Range: $16.50 an hour
Agency: Department of Forestry
Location: Charlottesville, Nat Resrcs Dr
Agency Website: www.dof.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
2026 Forestry Careers Internship Program - The Virginia Department of Forestry has summer internship opportunities for college students in good academic standing at two-year and four-year undergraduate level programs or for veterans transitioning to civilian roles in Forestry and Natural Resource Management.
Interns will have the opportunity to experience forestry, conservation, and recreation management across the Commonwealth.
If you enjoy the outdoors and safeguarding the resources of our land — this practical experience and opportunity is for you.
DOF was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. Since our inception, we have grown and evolved to encompass other protection and management duties:
•Protecting Virginia’s Forests from Wildfire
•Managing the Forest Resource
•Protecting Virginia’s Waters
•Conserving Virginia’s Forests
•Managing the State Lands and Nurseries
•Regulating Incentive Programs for Forest Landowners
Our internships aim to raise awareness of professional opportunities among students of all backgrounds and promote practical experience in the field of Forestry & Natural Resource Management. Interns will work in tandem with agency field staff including our local foresters and forest technicians.
Interns will participate in a variety of administrative and field activities that have direct impact on DOF programs in support of the agency’s mission throughout the state. Some of the field activities will include state forest management projects, timber harvest inspections, evaluation of private and state forest land, forest health evaluations, and outreach & education programs.
Students should have completed their First year of college, pursuing a degree program in Forestry or Natural Resources Management.
NOTE: This is an hourly wage ($16.50/hr.) Summer Intern position that is approved for up-to 360 hours. The duration of the internship program from June 8, 2026-August 7, 2026.
Typical hours of work will be 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday. This Internship is a combination of field and office work; teleworking options are not available.
Minimum Qualifications
Interns must be knowledgeable of forestry best management practices and forestry data collection techniques, familiar with basic forest management practices. They must have the ability to effectively communicate in both oral and written formats, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with cooperating agencies, the private sector, and the general public. Interns must have the ability to work independently and in remote locations and to negotiate different types of forested and rough terrain on foot and in all types of weather. The ability to use a PC and Microsoft Office software is a must.
Additional Considerations
n.a
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information
Name: Kristina Clore
Phone: 434-529-7244
Email: kristina.clore@dof.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.