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Internships

Launch Your Environmental Career with a DRBA Internship

Real-World Experience in Environmental Science, Communications & More

Are you a college student passionate about the environment and ready to turn your knowledge into action? DRBA offers dynamic internships for students in environmental science as well as those interested in communications, marketing, and public outreach.

Whether you're collecting water quality data, developing conservation strategies, creating engaging social media content, or planning community events, DRBA gives you the opportunity to apply your skills in ways that make a real difference. You’ll gain hands-on experience, grow your professional network, and work alongside a team dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River Basin.

No matter your focus—fieldwork or outreach—there’s a place for you here.
Start your journey with DRBA and help shape a more sustainable future.

An application is required to be considered for a DRBA internship.

Year-Round Internship Opportunities

Education & Outreach Intern
Support DRBA’s environmental education programs by assisting with the development and delivery of hands-on learning experiences for students, community groups, and the public. You'll gain experience in curriculum development, event planning, and outdoor instruction while helping foster a deeper connection between people and the natural environment.

Marketing/Graphic Design Intern
Help shape DRBA’s public image by creating compelling visual and written content for digital platforms, print materials, and social media campaigns. Ideal for students with a creative eye and strong communication skills, this internship offers experience in branding, storytelling, and strategic outreach that supports environmental awareness and engagement.

Office and Development Intern
Gain behind-the-scenes insight into the daily operations of a nonprofit organization. Assist with fundraising campaigns, donor communications, data management, and general administrative support. This role is perfect for students interested in nonprofit management, development, or organizational leadership.

Volunteer/Public Outreach Intern
Work directly with DRBA’s volunteer network to coordinate events, support community cleanups, and promote public involvement in conservation efforts. You’ll help build relationships with local partners and community members while developing skills in event coordination, communication, and community engagement.

Recreation and Planning Intern
Get involved in trail planning, river access projects, and outdoor recreation initiatives across the Dan River Basin. Interns in this role support fieldwork, mapping, and planning efforts that expand and maintain public access to nature, making it ideal for students interested in parks, planning, or environmental design.

Program Specific Internships

Contact the DRBA lead staff directly for consideration of these opportunities

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) Intern

Location: Southern Virginia and Northern North Carolina
Duration: December - June; 1-3 days per week
Compensation: Unpaid

Duties: Assist with delivery of materials/equipment to schools; assist teachers with tanks; repair systems as needed; respond to calls from teachers and/or school officials dealing with TIC; assist in preparing and delivering presentations to classrooms; assist with trout releases; report all inquiries to supervisor; and other related tasks

Qualifications:

must be enrolled in a biology related degree and have some understanding of ecology
must have own transportation and cell phone
must be willing to travel, on-call if necessary and flexible
must be able to lift 25lbs
must be willing to get dirty and/or wet and possibly work in inclement weather conditions
positive attitude, neat appearance and ability to work with students and faculty of all ages
ability to pass a background check, if needed
ability to work independently with little to no supervision

Direct Contact Information: Krista Hodges, khodges@danriver.org

Summer Water Quality Monitoring Program Intern

Location: Dan River Basin
Duration: 10 (or more) weeks; Start and End dates flexible; 1-3 days per week
Compensation: Unpaid

Duties: Intern is to provide general support to DRBA staff and the Citizen Water Quality Monitoring program as needed. Intern will be expected to become trained in DRBA water testing protocols and data entry. Intern will have the opportunity to be trained in different areas of water testing including chemical and biological monitoring. Intern may be involved in other areas of the mission including recreation and education, in addition to stewardship.