Title: Internship-Cybersecurity

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 Cybersecurity Internship - The Virginia Department of Forestry has an exciting opportunity for college students in good academic standing at two-year and four-year undergraduate level programs or for veterans transitioning to civilian roles.

If you enjoy the Virginia Forests and safeguarding the resources of our land — this practical experience and opportunity is for you.

VDOF was established in 1914 to prevent and suppress forest fires and reforest bare lands. In addition to safeguarding our natural resources, we also protect and manage critical information systems that support our mission. This internship offers hands-on experience in cybersecurity operations and information security governance.

The Cybersecurity Intern will assist the Information Security Officer and IT team with a variety of tasks aimed at strengthening VDOF’s security posture. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in cybersecurity, information technology, and risk management to gain practical experience in a government environment.

Duties
-Assist with vulnerability scans and document findings.
-Support remediation efforts by tracking and verifying corrective actions.
-Review and update information security policies to ensure compliance with state standards.
-Assist with audit preparations, including gathering evidence and organizing documentation.
-Support SharePoint security and governance tasks, such as permission reviews and content security checks.
-Work with SPLUNK Enterprise Security for security monitoring and incident response.
-Prepare materials for annual information security training.
-Participate in information security projects, including risk assessments and process improvements.
-Perform related tasks as required.

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.

This position will be located at our Charlottesville Headquarters. Typical hours of work will be 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday. Teleworking options are not available.

Minimum Qualifications

-Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles (confidentiality, integrity, availability).
-Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.
-Interest or exposure to SIEM tools (e.g., SPLUNK) and log analysis.
-Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
-Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
-Willingness to learn and adapt to changing priorities.

Additional Considerations

This is an internship position, and candidates may be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited college or university program in cybersecurity, information technology, computer science, or related fields.

Experience in the following software is preferred: Microsoft365 (Word/Excel/SharePoint), SPLUNK, basic scripting knowledge. Experience with vulnerability scanning tools, SIEM platforms, policy review or audit processes is a plus but not required.

Our internships aim to raise awareness of professional opportunities among students of all backgrounds and promote practical experience in the field of Cybersecurity in Natural Resource Management.

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.