STEP Summer Internships 2026 – The Nature Conservancy Virginia
Location:
Virginia, USA (Multiple locations: Charlottesville, Richmond, Waverly, Nassawadox, Abingdon)
Organization:
The Nature Conservancy – Virginia Chapter
Contract Type:
Summer Internships (10 positions) + 1 Long-term Internship (6 months, June-December)
Main Description:
The Nature Conservancy Virginia is offering 11 STEP (Short Term Experience Program) positions for 2026. These internships provide hands-on experience across diverse conservation areas including policy, ecological monitoring, landscape architecture, seagrass conservation, land stewardship, coastal conservation, environmental education, communications, and drone technology. One extended position with the Clinch Valley Program is designed specifically for recent graduates.
Positions Available:
Stream and Wetland Ecological Monitoring Coordinator – Develop a process to collect and analyze ecological data from SWMP restoration sites, work with Volunteer Team to coordinate community data collection efforts (Charlottesville)
Apply: https://nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalCareers/job/Charlottesville-Virginia/Stream-and-Wetland-Ecological-Monitoring-Coordinator_JR101612
Seagrass Monitoring Coordinator – Coordinate a submerged aquatic vegetation monitoring community science program in the Chesapeake Bay (Richmond)
Apply: https://nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalCareers/job/Richmond-Virginia/Seagrass-Monitoring-Coordinator_JR101516-1
Coastal Conservation Intern – Rotate between Marine Habitat Restoration Team, Migratory Bird Team, Community Engagement and other work with Eastern Shore Program (Nassawadox)
Apply: https://nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalCareers/job/Nassawadox-Virginia/Coastal-Conservation-Intern_JR101524
Environmental Education Intern – Work with Eastern Shore Team to bring environmental education to local rising 5th and 6th graders (Nassawadox)
Apply: https://nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalCareers/job/Nassawadox-Virginia/Environmental-Education-Intern_JR101526
Coastal Drone Intern – Expand uncrewed aerial systems use at VCR preserve, creating databases, new maps, and online tools (Nassawadox)
Apply: https://nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalCareers/job/Nassawadox-Virginia/Coastal-Drone-Intern_JR101525
Clinch Valley Program Intern – 6-month position designed for recent graduates, work with entire Clinch Valley Team gaining experience in forestry, mapping, volunteer management and other areas (Abingdon – runs from June to December)
Apply: https://nature.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/ExternalCareers/job/Abingdon-Virginia/Clinch-Valley-Program-Internship--6-month-_JR101736
Additional positions (search on TNC careers portal):
- State Policy Intern (Charlottesville)
- Landscape Architecture Intern (Richmond)
- Preserve Steward Intern (Charlottesville)
- Pinelands Intern (Waverly)
- Lands and Lives Intern (Richmond)
Requirements:
Requirements vary by position.
Benefits/Conditions:
Hands-on conservation experience with a leading international conservation organization. Opportunity to work across multiple conservation disciplines and locations in Virginia.
How to Apply:
Application links are provided above for available positions. Additional positions can be found at https://careers.nature.org (search for "STEP Virginia 2026").
For PDF job descriptions, flyers about STEP, or questions about the program or application process, contact:
Taylor Fanelli
Short Term Experience Program Manager
taylor.fanelli@tnc.org
The Nature Conservancy Virginia Chapter
919 East Main Street, Suite 1525
Richmond, VA 23219
