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Internship, Conservation Projects Specialist (Summer 2026) at Rockbridge Conservation (W&L CBL)

Washington and Lee University
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This is a summer 2026 internship opportunity based in Lexington. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and positions are open until filled or May 22, 2026. To apply, attach a resume and cover letter here in Handshake.

Position – Conservation Projects Specialist

  • Location: Lexington, VA
  • Duration: June 8, 2026 - July 24, 2026 (7 weeks)
  • Hours: Approximately 25 hours per week 

About Rockbridge Conservation

Rockbridge Conservation’s mission is to promote and enhance the protection, sustainable use, and stewardship of our community’s natural and cultural resources. We are a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that was started by a group of concerned citizens in 1976 to protect our natural resources. Learn more here: https://rockbridgeconservation.org/ 

Internship Overview

We have two project opportunities for an intern. Please indicate in your cover letter what project interests you most, why, and what qualifies you for the position. 

Project 1: Rockbridge County Water Monitoring Mapping Project. Rockbridge Conservation currently works to monitor streams and rivers within Rockbridge County through various sub-committees. We monitor for various indicators of water health, including, but not limited to: dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, and e.Coli. The Conservation Projects Specialist will work with the Executive Director to:

  • Create a roster of our current water monitors
  • Create a map showcasing where we are currently monitoring, and for what
  • Identify gaps in monitoring locations
  • Create informational material to help inform the public about our water monitoring
  • Create a recruitment plan to recruit new water monitors
  • Identify and work on grants to help fund the program
  • Related tasks as assigned

Project 2: Rockbridge Conservation Trails Improvement Project. Rockbridge Conservation manages two trails: the Uncas Trail in Lexington and the Sunnyside Preserve adjacent to Kendal. We have sub-committees that periodically work on trail maintenance. The Conservation Projects Specialist will work with the Executive Director to:

  • Create a roster of trail maintenance volunteers
  • Create a schedule of trail maintenance throughout the year for the trails
  • Research and identify ways to improve trail kiosks and signage
  • Create informational material to help inform the public about trails
  • With mentorship support from the executive director, learn how to develop a 2-3 year strategic plan in collaboration with stakeholders
  • Create a recruitment plan to recruit new trail volunteers
  • Identify and work on grants to help fund the program
  • Related tasks as assigned

Qualifications

  • Essential Skills: Strong verbal, written, and online communications skills, comfortable speaking with new people, strong organizational skills, ability to research and analyze information, ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, work independently and as part of a collaborative team, knowledge of Google applications (Drive, Calendar, etc.), an interest in improving the Rockbridge Community, and an interest in the outdoors.
  • Desired Skills: Experience writing for the web, marketing skills, graphic design skills, trails experience (for project #2), ability to travel to different locations.

Internship Structure

This internship is part of the Office of Community-Based Learning’s (CBL) internship program. As an intern, you will receive ongoing support from CBL staff and your on-site supervisor. You will also participate in weekly cohort meetings for training and reflection.

Students are encouraged to apply for summer funding through the Career and Professional Development Office (applications due January, March, and April) and the Johnson Opportunity Grant (applications due January or March). Please note that funding is limited and not guaranteed. Subsequent need-based funding is available through the Community-Based Learning office upon request. This internship qualifies for EXP credit (CPD 451) through the CPD office. Sign up for the CPD Canvas Course (go.wlu.edu/Canvas) to receive alerts regarding summer funding and course credit.  

For questions, please email Bethany Ozorak, Associate Director of Community-Based Learning (bozorak@wlu.edu) or Prof. Sascha Goluboff, Director of Community-Based Learning (goluboffs@wlu.edu).