Aquatic Education & Outreach Intern

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is seeking an Aquatic Education & Outreach Intern for a paid 12-week internship from May 16 to August 1, 2025, in Henrico County, VA. Ideal candidates are college students passionate about outdoor education and community engagement in freshwater fishing. Responsibilities include planning outreach programs and creating educational content. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, enrolled in college, and possess a valid driver's license.
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Title: Aquatic Education & Outreach Intern

State Role Title: Paid Intern

Hiring Range: $16.00 per hour

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Agency Website: www.dwr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public – G

Job Duties

This is a great opportunity for a college undergraduate or graduate student, who has a demonstrated passion for the outdoors and an interest in introducing diverse communities to freshwater fishing. The successful incumbent will gain experience and knowledge with planning, developing, implementing, and analyzing angling outreach programs, by working with Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) professionals who share the same passion and interest. The DWR is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are leading wildlife conservation and inspiring people to value the outdoors and their role in nature.

DWR values Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion by striving to become a workforce that is reflective of the population it serves and recognized as the “employer of choice for all” in state government for recruiting, retaining, and sustaining a ready, diverse, and highly skilled workforce. We will ensure that policies and practices support an inclusive culture, not only in a manner that complies with all applicable laws, but also fosters an environment in which every individual has the opportunity to prosper and contribute to the mission of the agency.

The successful incumbent will be highly motivated and detail oriented. Position requires an individual who is an excellent communicator across multiple channels including written and verbal communication. Incumbent should also be highly organized and able to develop processes and procedures and have an interest and/or familiarity with DWR priorities including wildlife and conservation.

The 12-week internship is from May 16, 2025, thru August 1, 2025, and will average 30-40 hours per week.

Housing is NOT provided for this internship opportunity. The successful incumbent will be responsible for securing their own housing and transportation needs.

Opportunities for Professional Development

-Learn program design process, program analysis, evaluation, and methodology

-Gain experience planning, developing, and implementing fishing workshops with diverse audiences

-Gain experience communicating to diverse audiences and creating educational content in written and video form

-Learn the mission of DWR and gain experience working in the field across the various DWR outreach programs including hunter education and archery education among others

Minimum Qualifications

—Applicant must be at least 18 years of age and be enrolled as a college undergraduate or graduate for the fall 2025 semester;

—Must currently be authorized to work in the United States, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements (www.uscis.gov/l-9);

—Minimum GPA of 2.8 and be able to provide official college/university documentation of current GPA;

—Have a valid driver’s license;

—Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel);

—Able to work independently, while following supervisor’s instructions and guidance;

—Have the ability to collect, organize, analyze and disseminate information with attention to detail and accuracy; and

—Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

—A minimum of 5 years experience with freshwater fishing

—Knowledge and experience participating in other outdoor recreational opportunities.

—Knowledge of aquatic natural resources, habitat, and outdoor angling recreation including recruitment, retention, and reactivation of anglers.

—Knowledge of freshwater fish of Virginia

—Ability to work independently and in small groups.

—Have effective presentation and public speaking skills

Additional Considerations

—Student working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in the field of Natural Resources, Fisheries, Wildlife Management, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science or a related field

—Experience in fly fishing

—Experience in hunting and shooting sports

—Experience working with and/or engaging the public in a workshop type setting