Internship with the Virginia Big Tree Program

All internships are currently full. Please check back in January 2020 for the next internship application period.


Internship Details

  • Employed 12 weeks, 20 hours per week, at the hourly rate of $12
  • The start and end date and the weekly schedule are very flexible
  • Travel around the state and overnight trips will be required
  • Mileage will be reimbursed for personal vehicle use or a state vehicle will be issued
  • Lodging will be provided for overnight trips

Intern Duties & Responsibilities

  • Develop a work plan to recertify champion trees around Virginia that have not been measured in 10+ years
  • Coordinate site visits around the state to recertify champion trees
  • Collaborate with Big Tree Volunteers to recertify champion trees
  • Maintain database and hardcopy records in the Virginia Big Tree Register
  • Provide weekly progress reports to the Big Tree Coordinator

Intern Qualifications

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Work productively with minimal supervision
  • Identify tree species accurately
  • Use tools and meters to measure physical dimensions of trees accurately
  • Construct web maps and orienteer using a compass and/or GPS
  • Navigate difficult terrain in remote locations
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Residency in Blacksburg during the internship is preferred, but not required

Applications
Applicants must currently be a Virginia Tech student in the sophomore year or above. To apply, you must complete an online application, submit a résumé, and submit the names of two references.

If you have questions about the internship or the application process, please contact program coordinator Dr. Eric Wiseman, pwiseman@vt.edu or 540-231-5148.

To complete the online application, click here.