Ecology Center Horticulture Intern (2 positions)
St. Louis MO
Summary:
Primary responsibility is to assist horticulture staff with the restoration and horticulture work at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, a 34 acre environmental education center. This program will have a strong focus on understanding and conducting restoration and horticulture through a flexible weekly curriculum consisting of reading, field research, and on-the-ground work. Intern is required to develop an independent, site-based research project.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Actively works hands-on with horticulture staff to complete prairie and woodland restoration efforts (i.e. pulling weeds, planting seeds and small plants to revegetate the land, etc.).
Identify and tag invasive plant species for eradication process; assists in control of invasive plant species through the use of manual, mechanical, and/or chemical methods.
Operates power equipment and hand tools.
Assists in trail maintenance – restore trail erosion (i.e., fill in with soil or other materials) to prevent and/or divert further water erosion; trash clean-up, etc.
Collects and cleans seeds; plant and propagate cuttings.
Assists with gathering data to complete plant population surveys
Stream monitoring; track and record depth/height of stream; conduct various types of water analyses using a microscope.
May interact with volunteers and high school groups; perform hands-on demonstrations.
Internship Project – Required to independently develop a site-based research project.
Works cohesively as a team with LREC staff.
Qualifications/Experience:
Strong interest in outdoors, ecology, natural history.
Current enrollment in college is preferred.
Ability to work with diverse audiences including children of all ages, families, volunteers, and adults.
Good planning and organizing skills
Strong technical ability.
Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
Education:
High school diploma or equivalent and some college with an emphasis in biology, natural resource management, environmental studies, horticulture, or related field.
An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
Must have and maintain valid Driver's license.
Physical Demands:
Ability to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain and on and off trails.
May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).
Able to lift up to (60) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
Must be able to work in high heat/humidity.
Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time - 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).
Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing)
Work Environment:
Climate controlled buildings.
Shared office space.
Work outdoors in temperatures of (100°F or more), humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc.) as needed.
Comfortable working in immediate proximity to visitors, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the LREC environment.
Application instructions: https://missouribotanicalgarden.applicantpro.com/jobs/338404.html