Nongame & Endangered Freshwater Fisheries Intern

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is offering a 12-week Nongame & Endangered Freshwater Fisheries Internship in Blacksburg, VA, for college juniors or higher. The role involves hands-on field experience in fish sampling and aquatic resource management, requiring physical ability and comfort in water. Interns must secure their own housing and transportation. The position averages 30-40 hours per week from May 16 to August 1, 2025.
This is a great opportunity for a rising college junior or higher, who has a demonstrated interest in advancing their knowledge of Virginia’s nongame and endangered freshwater fishes and aquatic resource management, by working with Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) professionals who share the same passion. 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 have a basic understanding of fisheries science and aquatic resource management, be willing and able to work in and around a variety of aquatic environments, inclement weather, and physically demanding conditions, have the ability to lift moderate to heavy loads, and be available for occasional travel with overnight stays to various parts of the state (typically 1-2 nights, but up to 4 nights). Incumbent must be comfortable in and around water.

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.

The successful applicant will be required to earn a DWR Safe Boating Certificate prior to the start date. To find a DWR certified safe boating class near you, go to https://dwr.virginia.gov/boating/education/requiremenl/stepsto-requiremenl/. Online and classroom options are available.

Opportunities for Professional Development

—Gain hands-on field experience with common fish sampling techniques and fish identification.
—Advance their knowledge of Virginia’s freshwater fishes and major drainage basins.
—Gain skills in fish and aquatic macroinvertebrate identification underwater, live in-hand, and preserved.
—Learn multiple stream and species conservation and restoration techniques.
—Learn the basic steps to conducting stream surveys, measuring habitat characteristics, recording data, and field equipment care, maintenance, and decontamination.
—Opportunities to assist on projects outside of nongame fish, including game fish, mussel, and wildlife work. This may include boat electrofishing in lakes and big rivers, helping at agency-owned hatcheries, assisting in mussel propagation and release, assisting with bird banding, and more.