8GWJ: Internship(s): US Forest Service

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it”. Mark Twain

Looking for an exciting internship? One that gets you outdoors and into the Forest? Come explore Internship opportunities at the North River Ranger District, part of the magnificent George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley in Rockingham County, Virginia, the experiences and opportunities here are limitless. Great opportunity for local universities, schools or engaging programs to be involved with a land management Federal agency. We range from a variety of jobs and will work with individuals to help them succeed and give them a quality understanding of the Agency (USFS), federal work, and caring for the land and serving people.

The North River Ranger District is looking for INTERNS at our District Office on a continual or rotating basis.

Intern duties vary based on field,office environments and opportunities: 

In the Office, requirements include: Smiling, being pleasant, providing information and answering visitor questions, answering phones, assisting and educating visitors, checking and/or restocking office supplies, maintaining equipment, developing or maintaining interpretive displays, office related duties.

In the Field requirements include: being able to carry 75 pounds for several feet. The ability to hike several miles in remote or rugged terrain. The ability to withstand changes to the weather and adjust based on conditions rapidly. Many interns support recreation, or silviculture (Plants and trees).

Interns may assist in preparation for USFS events, encouraged to participate in local community events, and maintaining communication with USFS staff.

Other skills such as: GIS, Webpage editing, Map reading and orienteering, First Aid and 'Leave No Trace' ethics, are helpful but not required.

Interns are an important asset that helps make the North River Ranger District special to many of our visitors.  We are flexible to most schools and university requirements and are happy to work with students to give them a quality internship.

Interns are asked to help based on availability, school requirements and staffing.  Weekends and holidays the office is closed and Interns similarly have the time off. In addition, USFS staff is receptive to time needed for all of life's various commitments and schedules.

Nearby attractions to visit while you are here include the High Knob lookout tower, West Side shooting range, Confederate Breastworks and historic Civil War trails, Ramseys Draft Wilderness. As you venture out further more opportunities arise such as the Appalachian Trail, the Natural Bridge Park, Shenandoah National Park, numerous historic locations such as Sharpsburg, Harpers Ferry.  Harrisonburg is also a major hub for cyclists, claiming to be the cycling capitol of the valley and state, as well as receiving many awards from IMBA. Thus, if you like cycling, you will find plenty of amazing trails nearby.

Harrisonburg has a population of 49,000 and has a broad diversity of urban youth (provided by universities such as James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University), and surrounded by fertile fields of farmland. Climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters.

Nearby communities such as Staunton, VA (25 miles) aren’t too far and smaller communities dot the landscape in Virginia. For the explorers out there, nearly 1/3 of the nation’s cities, population is within a day’s travel. Baltimore, MD and Washington DC are less than a 1/2 day drive.

Come be part of an amazing staff, and help us continue to support the National Forests for the American people!

Note: Individuals outside of the USA will need to go through the U.S. State Department before being considered for volunteer opportunities.