Department of Forestry Conservation Assistant (Federal Work Study) (Student Wage)

In conjunction with Student Financial Services the Department of Forestry is recruiting for a Conservation Assistant. The Department of Forestry office is located at 900 Natural Resources Drive Charlotteville, Virginia 22903. The position is intended to be hybrid in nature after training and is open to both undergraduate and or graduate students. The position would be best suited for Graduate Urban Planning Program Students, Undergraduate Urban Planning Program Students, Graduate Environmental Science Program Students, or Undergraduate Environmental Science Program Students. Organizational Background: The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) Office of Working Lands (OWL) works to retain a landscape of farms and forests in the Commonwealth to support continued and sustainable management of working lands by, 1) developing conservation easements with landowners; 2) acquiring new DOF public state forests; 3) helping landowners access existing programs that incentivize forest and farm conservation; 4) advise localities on how to preserve their local farms and forestlands and by 4) always exploring new and innovative ways to help conserve Virginia’s farms and forests. Job Description: The DOF OWL is currently hiring for a Conservation Assistant to assist with the geographic information system (GIS) needs of the program. The position will mostly help complete a large, complex forest land conservation project. The project represents the single largest private landowner conservation transaction ever proposed in Virginia, encompassing approximately 22,000 acres of forest land. The cumulative conservation outcomes will achieve extraordinary public benefits by protecting 35 square miles of highly productive working forests from development which shall ensure continued sustainable timber management. The goal is to provide the Conservation Assistant with real world, state agency experience to enhance their marketability as an employee post-graduation. Working on a state project on this immense scale and complexity will provide invaluable experience to the applicant. The GIS work includes but is not limited to: Creating spatial data related to conservation projects Entering survey coordinates to create property boundaries Manipulating data to visual show aspects of conservation projects with maps Organizing and helping to maintain GIS data related to conservation projects Develop and implements solutions to problems involving geographic data and products Desired Qualifications: Enrolled in a degree program in natural resources management, urban & environmental planning, GIS or related field OR Completed sufficient GIS coursework to establish baseline competency, additional experience preferred (enhanced comprehensive knowledge) Familiarity using ESRI ArcGIS Pro 3X software & ArcGIS Online Ability to effectively communicate ideas verbally and in writing Must be willing/able to conduct occasional field work This is paid internship position undergraduate students will earn $18.00 per hour while graduate students will earn $21.00 per hour. The anticipated work schedule would be 10-15 per week. Please submit a resume and cover letter for further consideration by the hiring manager. Position begins August 26, 2025 and ends May 8, 2026. The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment. In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia and inaugurated a bold experiment. Two centuries later, Jefferson’s vision thrives. Across Grounds - and throughout the world - UVA students, faculty, staff and alumni challenge convention, break barriers and pursue the greater good. The University of Virginia is made up of eleven schools and affiliated foundations in Charlottesville plus the College at Wise in Southwest Virginia. The University of Virginia Health System is a renowned academic medical center committed to providing outstanding patient care, educating tomorrow's health care leaders and discovering new and better ways to treat diseases. The University's Medical Center, School of Medicine and Physicians Group are recognized for their excellence in patient care, education and research. At UVA, we offer a rich collection benefits, which have long been recognized and valued for their comprehensiveness and competitiveness in the market. In addition to a robust array of traditional benefits such as health care, time off, and retirement, UVA offers a comprehensive list of benefits and services to help staff and faculty meet their personal and family needs. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job