Horticulture internships

Vegetable disease field internship

cdc25 — Tue, 07 May 2013 19:27:45 +0000

Student research/field/lab assistant opportunity in plant science
Department of Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University

A summer undergraduate internship is available in the Fry Lab. This lab works on one of the most important and devastating of all plant disease: late blight of potato and tomato caused by Phytophthora infestans. The internship will involve assisting graduate students in the lab and an independent research.

Activities will occur in both the field and lab, involving such diverse activities as preparing field experiments, taking data, analyzing data, maintaining field plots. In the lab such activities will include the conduct and maintenance of experiments involving microbiological and molecular assays. The intern is also expected to contribute significantly to lab maintenance. The independent research will be guided by one of the three graduate students in the lab. An interest in biology, microbiology, plant science or an agriculturally-related science is desired.

Work locations: Cornell campus and Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm

Employment term: June – August (negotiable)

Work hours: Full/part-time (negotiable)

Contact information :

Bill Fry (wef1@cornell.edu)
Kevin Myers (klm25@cornell.edu)

Tomato disease and insect resistance internship, Ithaca, N.Y.

cdc25 — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:32:52 +0000

The internship is for 10 to 12 week, starting mid to late May. Work study NOT required. There is also a possibility for continued work in the fall. The intern will work on project related to disease and insect resistance in tomato. Project combines work in the field, greenhouse and laboratory.

We are looking for a motivated student, just finishing Sophomore or Junior year at Cornell, who desires an opportunity for real experience in vegetables and plant breeding. We prefer someone who is majoring in Plant Science, or a biological major with experience/interests in plants/agriculture.

Please send resume to Martha Mutschler (mam13@cornell.edu) and copy to Brian Leckie (bml66@cornell.edu). Also send information regarding times during the next two weeks when you could be available for interview.

Nursery research internship, Aurora, OR

cdc25 — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:08:59 +0000

The Nursery Intern Program at NWREC is designed for students interested in ornamental crop production. The program focuses on research methods for solving common nursery-related problems.
We accept students from throughout the United States and around the world. We accept only the most ambitious students. The intern program challenges students to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills.

There are two primary learning objectives for this program. First, improving research skills by developing experiments to solve common production problems in Oregon nurseries. Second, developing communication skills by helping students with written and oral presentations about nursery-related issues.

More info.

Public garden internship, Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, WA

cdc25 — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:41:37 +0000

Compensation: $11.00 per hour
Schedule: Full time (40 hours per week), for 12 weeks in summer (June to September, start & end dates flexible)
To Apply: Visit http://www.bloedelreserve.org/join-support-us/opportunities/internships
Complete application & cover letter of interest
# Available: 1 to 2
Deadline: May 6
Contact: Ed Moydell, Executive Director – emoydell@bloedelreserve.org
Summary
The Bloedel Reserve Internship Program offers students an outstanding opportunity that includes focused work experience, practical skill and leadership development and education in the field of horticulture, and formal instruction on the most important attributes desired by employers. The Internship Program capitalizes on the diversity and uniqueness of its setting: the 150-acre public garden becomes a living laboratory. The Reserve is a unique blend of natural woodlands and beautifully landscaped gardens, including a Japanese Garden, a Moss Garden and Reflection Pool, and the Bloedel’s former estate. Though focusing on environmental horticulture and sustainability, this Program will also help prepare students for the fundamental skills and attitudes needed in any career.
The College Intern(s) will work with Staff on a specific final project, for example, designing and planting a seating area near the Swan Pond or creating a plant inventory and map of the Japanese Garden.
Student Experience and Selection
The mission of the Internship Program is to train the next generation of horticulture professionals and leaders. Students will work full time (40 hours per week) for a total of ten weeks. Four and one half days per week, the content of the Internship Program will center on working with experienced gardeners and horticulturists in a variety of work, guided by a specific list of skills and work experience. This training will be supplemented with one half day of formal instruction from Reserve Staff and members of various occupations in the community. The College Intern(s) will also help Bloedel Reserve Staff supervise the High School Interns. Depending on the student’s experience and area of interest, a College Intern may assist or teach classes for the High School Interns.
Applications will be accepted from students from all colleges and universities. Ideal candidates will be junior or senior level students majoring in horticulture, landscape architecture, or a related field, with a passion for the natural environment. Some related work experience is a plus. Selection will be first on the basis of demonstrated interest in horticulture, and secondarily on responsible effort in school work and participation in allied activities.
Horticultural and Garden Experience
 Work on specific garden renovation projects (including the Japanese Garden)
 Complete group landscape project (2013 – Swan Pond seating area)
 Work daily with a horticulturist in all areas of the garden
 Apply basics of garden maintenance and sustainable horticulture
 Apply safe work practices
 Learn and apply basics of plants propagation, pruning, plant identification, and planting and transplanting
Formal Instruction (Participation depends on the student – either attend, assist, or teach)
 Overview of horticulture
 Basic botany
 Plant propagation
 Composting, green waste management, soil biology & fertility
 History, terminology, pruning and maintenance of Japanese gardens
 Public garden management

Integrated Pest Management Intern, Pittsburgh, PA

cdc25 — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:19:11 +0000

Phipps is seeking an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Intern to assist in developing and coordinating Phipps’ IPM program in the Conservatory, production houses and outdoor gardens, including the newly installed Center for Sustainable Landscapes, with the goal of minimizing pesticide use while maintaining the health and beauty of all plants thoughout the Phipps campus. Essential duties and responsibilities will include:

• Under the direction of the IPM Specialist, monitoring and diagnosing all plant health problems, biotic and abiotic.
• Aiding in implementing the IPM program for structural pest control.
• Keeping the IPM database current and maintaining records of all control measures implemented and the monetary costs associated with them.
• Aiding in designing, implementing, collecting and analyzing data for a research project on a relevant topic.
• Keeping abreast of current best practices regarding IPM recommendations and practices.
• Recommending the least toxic course of action for treating pests and diseases, being prepared to think outside the box.

Requirements include: B.S. degree in entomology, plant pathology or related field, or equivalent combination of skills and experience; minimum of 2 years’ experience (academic or applied) with IPM, including training in common horticultural pests and diseases; experience with research, experimental design or statistical analysis; and ability to acquire Pennsylvania pesticide applicator license within 2 months of hire. Please include a cover letter and resume when responding.

Many thanks!

Scott Creary, M.Sc. Entomology
ISA Certified Arborist
IPM Specialist/Display Horticulturist
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
(412) 622-6915 x 6303

http://phipps.conservatory.org

Ecology/Botany Field Technician, Parsons, WV

cdc25 — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:21:35 +0000

Summer Ecology/Botany Field Technician Position
Location: Central WV (near Parsons, WV)

We are seeking a highly skilled Ecology/Botany technician for the 2013 field season based in Parsons, WV. Technicians will assist with data collection on vegetation surveys for a three month period starting in early May. Positions will require: Identifying and quantifying abundance and cover of both herbaceous and woody vegetation.
Candidate will also assist with the collection of small soil cores for seedbank sampling. Additional duties may include assisting with the upkeep of deer exclosures.

Qualifications:
Familiarity with regional flora and strong plant identification skills are required. Must be able to work with a small field crew in a variety of physical conditions, have a positive attitude, good work ethic, and enjoy field work. Some lifting of heavy materials may be required in constructing and/or maintaining deer exclosures.

Miscellaneous:
Dates: May through the end of July. Specific start and end dates are somewhat flexible.
Location: Parsons, WV. Housing is provided.
Salary: $12/hour

Contact:
Jake Slyder
University of Pittsburgh
jbs52@pitt.edu

How to Apply:
Please email a short letter of interest, CV, and contact information for at least two references to jbs52@pitt.edu. References should be able to comment on your quality of work and ability to identify herbaceous vegetation of the region.

Temporary ecology research positions, Newton, GA

cdc25 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:35:12 +0000

The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center invites applications for two (2) full-time, temporary Research Hourly Worker positions. These positions will begin in April 2013 and are 3 month positions to start, with the potential of being extended. On-site housing is provided on a limited basis, but is optional. The employee’s main duties will be the maintenance of a native seed propagation garden, including planting, weeding, herbicide application, and seed collection. The employee will also assist with plant sampling projects and data entry. This position will report directly to the Plant Ecology Lead Technician.

The 28,000-acre Research Center is located approximately 30 miles south of Albany, Georgia. The Center’s research, education, and conservation programs focus on ecology and natural resource management. The site includes 16,000 acres of longleaf pine forests, over 1,000 acres of wetlands, and 26 miles of stream and river ecosystems.

Job Requirements: Ability to conduct moderate to strenuous physical activity in the field, under demanding field conditions (i.e., heat, high humidity, and insects), and to independently follow instructions is required.

Qualifications: B.S. degree or coursework in biology, botany, horticulture, plant ecology, or a related field. Computer and laboratory-related experience is also preferable.

Wages: $8.00 per hour (limited housing available)
$9.50 per hour (without housing)

Qualified applicants should send a cover letter, resume, list of pertinent courses, and list of references with phone numbers by email to:
jobs@jonesctr.org, Subject: Plant Ecology Hourly Position, or mail to Attn:
Cindy Craft, Joseph Jones Ecological Research Center, 3988 Jones Center
Drive, Newton, GA 39870-9651 or FAX (229)734-4707. Review of applications
will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

For specific questions or more information on this position, contact: Lisa Giencke, Plant Ecology Lead Technician by email: lgiencke@jonesctr.org or
phone: (229)734-4706.

Tree inventory intern, Durham, NC

cdc25 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:27:40 +0000

Spend the summer surveying and learning about managing the trees on Duke’s Campus! The Grounds Department at Duke University is sponsoring an internship focused on completing our tree inventory across the Campus. This position is great for someone with an interest in urban forestry who already has familiarity with tree identification and wants to go deeper into management considerations.

Qualifications:

Must have an active interest in tree management, and be able to identify the common species of North Carolina. Ability to identify landscaped/exotic trees a plus. Be able to walk for 6 hours a day, have the ability to crouch and bend, and enjoy learning. Please have a great attitude, and some experience dealing with summer heat! Preference will be given to undergraduate/graduate students residing in North Carolina. Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Job Logistics:

Will spend the first week training on honing tree identification and our management system in the field. Afterwards, will work independently or in pairs for 6 hours a day walking around campus entering trees into our mobile database. During the hottest parts of the day we will work in the library doing data clean up or creating work orders based on our inventory.
The job will run from the middle of May to the middle of August (13 weeks total), with 5 days off and some flexibility on the start and end date. We will start by working from 8-4:30, but move to starting and ending earlier as the summer heat sets in. Pay is $12/hour.

To Apply:

Submit your resume and a SHORT cover letter by April 1st. For questions, email Katie Rose (KatieRose.Levin@duke.edu).

Student ecosystem research assistants, Temple, TX

cdc25 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:24:19 +0000

Student research assistants needed May 20th through August 16th 2013 to assist with studies of the effects of global change on grassland ecosystems at the Grassland, Soil and Water Research Laboratory in Temple, Texas.

Duties: The student will assist with several research projects studying the effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide on native grassland productivity and diversity, the effects of precipitation variability on the productivity of native grasses used in bioenergy production, and the differences in productivity between diverse and monoculture grasslands. Duties will include field measurements of plants and soils, preparation of plant and soil samples for laboratory analysis, data entry, and setting up of experiments. Applicants must be able to work independently.

Work conditions: Work conditions in a laboratory, or field setting may range from sedentary to primarily physical. Work may require walking, standing, bending, and carrying items ranging from lightweight to moderately heavyweight in hot and humid outdoor conditions. Work involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions.

Skills: To be considered, students must have completed their sophomore year with at least a 3.0 grade point average overall and a 3.5 grade point average in math and science classes. The position may be extended depending on funding and performance.

How to apply: To apply, send a letter of application, copy of current transcripts, and contact information for two references with firsthand knowledge of your classroom/laboratory science experience and aptitude by April 1st . Send applications in electronic form only to: Dr. Lara Reichmann, lara.reichmann@austin.utexas.edu

Horticulture Apprentice, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, Crestwood, KY

cdc25 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:21:25 +0000

Job description:

Position Summary: The Horticulture Apprentice position is a one year appointment which is structured to assist a recent graduate in developing the skills and industry connections needed for successful employment in the field of horticulture.

This program is designed to provide a vehicle for transfer of horticultural knowledge from Yew Dell’s professional horticulture staff to horticulture students newly graduated from either 2 or 4-year horticulture programs. This program will ensure that practical knowledge is successfully transferred from current to developing professionals and provides apprentices a springboard to a creative and productive career in various horticultural fields.

During that 12-month experience, the apprentices will operate as regular full-time horticulture staff members. They will work with and learn from Yew Dell’s staff of experienced horticulturists, work periodically with other horticulture professionals in the region and attend professional meetings and other activities in order to help the apprentices develop a professional network. Each apprentice will work with their supervisor to develop and complete an independent project during the program. Independent projects can take a variety of forms from field research to development of a particular expertise (grafting, irrigation design etc.), creation of educational materials, garden construction etc.

Please note: provided housing is a small one room log cabin located on the grounds of Yew Dell.

More info:

Paul E. Cappiello, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
P.O. Box 1334
6220 Old LaGrange Road
Crestwood, KY 40014
o 502.241.4788
f 502.241.8338
paulc@yewdellgardens.org

Website: http://www.yewdellgardens.org/