Appalachian Headwaters Ecology Internship

Appalachian Headwaters

College Internship

Summer 2025

About the Internship 

Appalachian Headwaters’ Summer Internship Program for College Students is an 11-week program focused on ecological data collection, habitat restoration work, and youth education. This is a paid internship program based at Headwaters Wood Thrush Park (334 Richland Ln) in Greenbrier County, WV.  

Schedule 

Mon, June 2 – Fri, August 15 

Weekdays, 40 hrs./week  

Weekly schedule set by supervisor with rotations between the wildlife, youth edu, and plant teams 

Interns Will 

• Gain hands-on experience in field-based science, community science and habitat restoration work focused on plants, pollinators and other wildlife
• Create and implement innovative programming at a nature-centered day camp serving local youth as well as serve as mentors for High School interns
• Gain knowledge, skills and perspectives from working with a diverse team, including field experts, high school interns, and community members in Central Appalachia
• Develop ecological data collection skills, utilizing field sampling techniques for wildlife and plants
• Contribute to Appalachian Headwaters scientific research and communication projects
• Engage in readings and group discussions on environmental topics such as climate change and environmental ethics

Through their work at Appalachian Headwaters, interns will not only contribute to our programs but will also gain valuable wildlife and ecology field experience, and practical skills. Interns will work with other interns/apprentices daily and will be supervised and mentored by the Director of Ecology and experienced Headwaters plant nursery staff. This internship will help students build a solid resume in the ecological and environmental sciences, outdoor education, and related fields. 

Internship Core Responsibilities  

• Contribute to youth education programming, including high school mentorship
• Participate in plant nursery work
• Participate in native habitat restoration and improvement projects
• Participate in the planning/implementation of wildlife surveys and ecological data collection
• Creation of a group research and/or science project

All internship activities are field-based and will thus involve long periods of physical activity outdoors in sometimes difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions. Interns will establish team goals with the Director of Ecology and will be expected to maintain a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and an enthusiasm for learning throughout the internship. Interns will have the opportunity to define a group project to complete during the internship period. Additionally, interns will serve as mentors and role models for local high school students during the internship.

Compensation and Housing 

Students in the program will earn a $5,400 stipend for participation in the 11-week program. This stipend will be paid in monthly installments, with the final payment upon successful completion of the internship. 

Shared housing provided onsite at no cost.  

Headwaters Park is a rural park located six miles from the nearest town (Lewisburg). Interns are responsible for their own transportation. 

Selection Criteria 

• Students must be currently enrolled in at least year two (rising junior or above as of May 2025) of an academic program or have graduated within 3 months (2025) from a bachelor’s program with a focus on environmental science, ecology, botany, wildlife biology, or related field.
• Courses and/or previous experience with ecological data analysis, field sampling, or restoration encouraged, but not required.
• Applicants must be available for the full internship to be eligible. Applicants who are first-generation college students, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and/or are from the Appalachian region are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are a first-generation student, please indicate this in your cover letter.