Mosquito Control Biology Intern

The City of Virginia Beach Department of Public Works Biology Internship Program is designed to recruit diverse college students majoring in Entomology; Biology; Animal Science; Environmental Health; Environmental Science. The program provides viable work experiences during the summer that assist students in making connections between textbook knowledge and real-world experiences.  

Eligibility: Must be a currently enrolled student (in an associate's, bachelor's, master's degree or PhD program) and be in good academic standing as determined by the school, college, or university.

Duties:

Summer Workers will work directly with the mosquito control biologist and her assistant to survey adult mosquito populations and perform mosquito-borne disease surveillance. Duties include, but are not limited to set-up, collections, and maintenance of various types of mosquito traps, mosquito speciation and preparation of specimens for arboviral isolation, collection and identification of mosquito eggs & larvae, collection of blood samples from sentinel chicken flocks, care and maintenance of the sentinel flocks and other related tasks.  

*Training on mosquito speciation, sentinel flock maintenance and specimen preparation will be provided on-the-job.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Candidates must possess a valid Driver’s license. Candidates must be currently seeking a degree in Entomology; Biology; Animal Science; Environmental Health; Environmental Science, or closely related field. 

Requirements:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques 
• Good fine-motor skills
• Ability to work both in a team and independently with instruction from the biologist.
• Ability to work outside during inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to stoop, lift and carry at least 50 lbs. and traverse uneven terrain on foot.
• Ability to work with sentinel chickens (training in handling and sampling skills will be provided)
• Ability to stay on task for extended periods of time.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
• Attendance at an employer sponsored defensive driving course after acceptance but before first day of work.

Schedule and Hours: 
The Internship will run from approximately May 1, 2026 – Oct. 8, 2026. The candidates will work Mon. – Thurs. with 20-25 hours per week on average  Daily schedules vary. We will try to accommodate Fall 2026 academic schedules but ask that our interns commit for the entire mosquito season (through Oct. 8, 2026). The applicant is responsible for providing their own transportation to work and housing during the summer internship.

Application Attachments: 

Please include a resume, cover letter and transcripts (unofficial will be accepted).  Incomplete applications will not be considered for the internship program. Interviews will be scheduled for qualified applicants in early April 2026. References may be requested at time of interview. 

The City of Virginia Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.