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PAID - For new graduates - Urban Refuge Internship - apply by 5/6

Patuxent Research Refuge (Laurel, MD)


Duration:  6 months from starting date – hopefully, late May to late November
Housing:  Housing available at Patuxent Research Refuge

Internship Description:  The intern will work with FWS partners in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to formulate and carry out schoolyard wildlife habitat design, establishment, and maintenance in Northern Virginia.  The intern will utilize and supervise local volunteers as much as possible, including students completing community service, 4-H members and Boy Scouts.  Sustainable landscaping practices will be applied to these sites and the surrounding school property. Part of the site selection criteria will be choosing sites that can support a diversity of native pollinators, with Monarch butterflies being of particular interest.  This work will involve coordination with school administrators , science teachers, facilities staff and other potential partners (such as the National Wildlife Federation) to determine appropriate schoolyard sites, appropriate native plants and storm water management considerations.  The intern will work with key sustainable landscaping staff to draft a policy for the FCPS district.   

It is anticipated this position will spend approximately 75% of their time in Fairfax County, VA, and 25% of their time on the refuge.

Minimum Education Level and Major Required:  Undergraduate (rising senior)-Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Recreation Management, Biology, Natural Resource Management (emphasis on Environmental Education preferred).

Desired Skills/Experience: 

  • Experienced working with diverse groups
  • Good written and oral communication
  • Experience in Public speaking
  • Working knowledge of native plants and their establishment

Key Requirement: Valid state driver’s license and weekend work is required

To Apply:  Send letter of interest and resume (including three professional references with telephone numbers) to Mark Goldbach atmgoldbach@wmrcd.org

Deadline:  May 6