About the Internship  

Appalachian Headwaters' Summer Internship Program for College Students is a 10-week program focused on ecological data collection, habitat improvement work/monitoring, and community education. This is a paid internship program based at Headwaters Wood Thrush Park (334 Richland Ln) in Greenbrier County, WV.   

Schedule  

Mon, June 1 – Fri, August 7th, 2026  

40 hrs./week   

Weekly schedule set by supervisors and is subject to occasional weekend work 

Interns Will  

• Gain hands-on experience in field-based science, community science, and habitat restoration work focused on plants and wildlife  
• Create and implement educational 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   

Through their work at Appalachian Headwaters, interns will not only contribute to our programs but will also gain valuable 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 staff. This internship will help students build a solid resume in ecological and environmental sciences, outdoor education, and related fields.  

Internship Core Responsibilities   

• Contribute to youth education programming, including high school mentorship and educational/outreach work in the community  
• Participate in plant nursery and grounds work  
• Participate in native habitat restoration and improvement projects  
• Participate in the planning/implementation of wildlife surveys and ecological data collection  
• Participate in data management activities  
• Creation of a mini research project  

Most 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 as part of a team, and an enthusiasm for learning throughout the internship. Interns will have the opportunity to define a research 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 $5,000 stipend for participation in the 10-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, and at times transportation to and from field sites.  

Selection Criteria  

• Students must be currently enrolled in an academic program or have graduated within 3 months (2026) 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 desired, but not required for the right candidate.  
• Students must be available for the full 10 weeks to be eligible. 
• Applicants who are first-generation college students 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.