2026 INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT

Research & Education

OVERVIEW

Piedmont Discovery Center seeks three qualified interns to join our biological assessment team to assist with various research projects in Spring, Summer, and Autumn of 2026. Interns will assist with ecological assessments on private and public properties from the Potomac River to Southside, Virginia. Some work will focus on the biologically rich land at our new headquarters in Schuyler, Virginia. Activity will include collecting data to find and map plant communities and inventorying plants and animals. Interns will assist with research focused on finding and documenting old growth remnant Piedmont savanna patches. Undergraduate or graduate students interested in botany, plant taxonomy, grassland ecology, and/or conservation are encouraged to apply. The selected interns will gain valuable field experience around qualitative and quantitative data collection while assisting with vegetative plot sampling, species and community identification, physiographic assessment, data entry, and education outreach. Great opportunity to learn while working with PDC staff on cutting edge research.

EXPECTATIONS

  • Expect long strenuous workdays in adverse weather conditions and challenging terrain
  • Expect biting insects, snakes, muck, and brambles in summer heat
  • Applicants must have unwavering high standards for scientific protocols and methods
  • Experience identifying species in the field to species level using a dichotomous key is a plus
  • Must be able to carry heavy loads up to 50lbs across rugged terrain
  • Punctual, works well with others, and able to adjust to a variety of responsibilities
  • Ability to adapt to a strategic schedule, location changes, and last-second planning

COMPENSATION

Total paid workload will not exceed 180 hours (20-25 days) for the 2026 research season. Compensation will be a lump sum of $4,500. Position duration will be April 15 – November 15.

Applicants are encouraged to apply before April 10, 2026, but positions will remain open until filled. Send CV & cover letter to Devin Floyd, Executive Director at Piedmont Discovery Center: director@piedmontdiscoverycenter.org

Learn more about PDC here. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, political ideology, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination.