The Nature Conservancy · 5 hours ago
Coastal Drone Intern
Nassawadox, VA
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$18.25/hr - $18.25/hrThe Nature Conservancy is a conservation-focused organization seeking a Coastal Drone Intern for their Virginia team. The intern will assist in collecting, processing, and analyzing aerial imagery to support conservation efforts and will gain hands-on experience with UAS operations and spatial analysis.
Environmental ConsultingNatural ResourcesNon ProfitWaterWildlife Conservation
Responsibilities
Develop and refine standardized UAS flight methodologies for monitoring restoration sites, marshes, shoreline, and island habitats
Pilot UAS flights to collect high-resolution imagery for mapping and change detection
Process and analyze UAS imagery using GIS and photogrammetry software
Integrate UAS data with existing spatial datasets to support conservation planning and reporting
Assist with field validation and ground-truthing of aerial data
Support public engagement and outreach through UAS-based storytelling, maps, and visual products
Maintain UAS equipment, batteries, and flight logs in accordance with FAA and TNC policies
Work requires being outdoors. You may work in various weather conditions and under physically demanding circumstances
This position requires some travel and working from small boats
Qualification
Required
Current college student or recent graduate (within one year)
Majoring in Geography, GIS, Environmental Science, Engineering, Natural Resources, Remote Sensing, or a related field
Demonstrated interest in UAS operations, aerial imagery, or geospatial technology
Basic experience with GIS software (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, or similar)
Experience in collecting, managing, and organizing spatial and image-based data
Comfortable working outdoors in remote coastal environments, including heat, wind, insects, and physically demanding conditions
Must have a valid driver's license, safe driving record, and ability to provide personal transportation
Ability to meet all Conservation Youth Qualifications requirements and background checks
Willingness to travel by vehicle and boat to field sites
Preferred
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification (or willingness to obtain prior to start date)
Experience flying UAS platforms
Familiarity with photogrammetry software
Knowledge of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and coastal environments
Experience with field data collection, GPS, or environmental monitoring
Strong organizational documentation and communication skills
Comfortable working on the water, including boats and shallow marsh environments
Benefits
Health care benefits
Flexible spending accounts
A 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
Parental leave
Accrued paid time off
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Employee assistance program
Other life and work well-being benefits
Company
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization that works to protect terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.
Founded in 1951
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
The Nature Conservancy has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (26)
2024 (21)
2023 (13)
2022 (18)
2021 (13)
2020 (12)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$120.09MKey Investors
Global Affairs CanadaBezos Earth FundNFWF
2025-11-17Grant· $7.94M
2025-10-23Grant
2025-06-09Grant
Leadership Team
Jennifer Morris
Chief Executive Officer
Matt Merrifield
CTO
Recent News
2025-12-03
Company data provided by crunchbase