Intern - Natural Areas Management

Purpose and development opportunities:

As a Natural Areas Management Intern, your primary goal is to provide valuable support to the Horticulture Department while acquiring in-depth knowledge of vegetation management within the context of natural resource management. The internship places a strong emphasis on invasive plant control, offering comprehensive training in management techniques, equipment usage, chemical applications, and plant identification within the dynamic environment of a museum and public garden.

Minnetrista boasts approximately thirteen acres of diverse Natural Areas, each requiring unique management strategies. Working closely with Minnetrista's experienced gardeners, you will gain hands-on experience in maintaining these natural areas. Your responsibilities will encompass a range of tasks, including chemical applications, manual removal of invasive plants, native plant installation, and various other maintenance activities related to natural areas. Additionally, you will undertake an independent project tailored to your interests and the organization's needs.

Reporting department: Horticulture Department

Reporting supervisor and training provided by: Director of Horticulture, Horticulture Specialist

Length of appointment: 200 hour minimum

Time commitment and Stipend:

20-40 hours per week preferred. Other schedules may be considered (Monday – Friday 7am-3:40pm).

A project and time commitment-based stipend of up to $1,000, dependent on the quality and scope of the completed internship hours and project.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

- Complete an independent project

- Learn and implement vegetation management techniques

- Adhere to all safety policies and procedures

- Expand plant knowledge

- Give a presentation

Other possible duties and responsibilities may be necessary to research, produce, and present your project at the completion of the internship.

-Conduct biodiversity assessment: collect and analyze data related to vegetation management, invasive species control, and native plant installations to assist in decision-making processes.

-Community Engagement:engage with the local community to raise awareness about the importance of natural resource management, possibly through educational programs or guided tours of the natural areas.

-Research and Recommendations: stay informed about the latest research in horticulture and natural resource management; provide recommendations for improving existing practices.

-Habitat Restoration: participate in habitat restoration projects within the natural areas, including activities such as native restoration, tree planting, and erosion control.

-Record Keeping: maintain accurate records of plant species, treatment methods, project and internship documentation.

-Social Media and Outreach: contribute to social media content and outreach efforts to share the progress and impact of natural areas management with a broader audience.

-Training Assistance: assist in training new interns or volunteers in vegetation management techniques and safety procedures.

Qualifications:

The requirements of the job include the ability to work outside in varying weather conditions and to work independently. An interest in the natural environment is a must. Must have had course work in natural resource management; training in plant identification is beneficial. You must have an interest in having training on safe chemical usage. Must be reliable and work well with both staff and volunteers.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this internship. 

Work outside in different types of weather conditions year-round, as well as standing, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, carrying, reaching, crawling, and crouching at any given time. Lifting up to 50-pounds.  Must be able to work in an office environment on occasion. Must be able to move about 40-acre main campus. Work hours require flexibility with some evenings and weekends to provide coverage as needed during assigned operating hours.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.