Plant Conservation Program Intern

Summary
The intern will assist in a variety of duties related to the Plant Conservation Program's day to day operation.
The focus of the intern will be propagation and plant care support, where the intern will be learning about and assisting with lab, greenhouse and field work and as well as with logistic and data management considerations for volunteers and staff in the program.
The intern will be involved especially with native orchid propagation for the Classroom Cultivation program in which the Plant Conservation Program is participating.

Position is for a summer internship, up to 10 weeks in duration.

Responsibilities
1. Assist Plant Conservation Program in program efforts to locate, identify and collect seed and plant samples and propagate plants and fungi, as well as manage data resultant to research activities. 30%
Assist PCP staff in conducting scientific-based research and monitoring related to rare plant conservation. Activities to include seedbanking, propagation (both lab and greenhouse), genebanking, plant rescues and salvage, population monitoring, and general plant surveys.
a. Learn about PCP activities while participating in them

• Works with staff to understand and contribute to lab, greenhouse and field activity strategies for each project
• Conducts lab, greenhouse and fieldwork in a safe and effective manner and coordinates with participating staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Gathers, manages, and analyzes data - using available databases.
• Assists in reporting findings to necessary parties, including but not limited to funding, permitting, and/or partner organizations.
• Develops skills in laboratory and greenhouse propagation and plant care methodologies
• Develops skills in botanical and field survey methodology.
• Conducts work in a collaborative and inclusive manner.

b. Supports activities, data collection and management, and annual priorities for other PCP programs and projects in coordination with other staff and volunteers.
c. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Research and/or PCP supervisor.

2. Assist in production and care of native orchid material for the Classroom Cultivation program. 50%
Assist PCP staff in native orchid propagation and research, including fungal isolation and propagation, in support of a classroom learning project, Classroom Cultivation.
a. Learn about Classroom Cultivation activities and participate in them
b. Assist in orchid propagation and prep for classroom distribution
c. Assist in orchid fungal symbiotic research

3. Assist in general plant care for Plant Conservation Program priority species. 20%
a. Propagation and germination testing for target species
b. Care of plants in lab and greenhouse settings
c. Record and manage data for plant inventories and accessions

Requirements
Able to work in a variety of outdoor environments for prolonged periods of time. A substantial amount of time will be spent working outside, in the field in remote natural areas, or at MLA. Outdoor exposures may include temperatures above 90 degrees and below 32 degrees, biting insects and poisonous plants. Physical requirements include the ability to lift 30lbs and hike up to 5 miles/day while carrying 20lbs over variable terrain. Indoor exposures may include typical laboratory chemicals such as cleaning solutions, reagents, and other dry or liquid materials. Physical requirements for indoor activities include the ability to lift 30lbs and stand at a bench/desk for several hours at a time.

Preferred
Candidates should be passionate about plant conservation, have some familiarity with the flora of Minnesota and associated ecological systems, excellent speaking and writing skills, an ability to work as part of a small, active team, and a proactive view of their education.
Experience with volunteers and data management is preferred.
Interns must respect and maintain the confidentiality of rare species locations and sensitive data.
The position requires frequent travel during the field season, either using a personal vehicle or a staff vehicle. Potentially 25-50% of the incumbent's time during the field season might be travel or field work. Position requires occasional weekend and evening work, as well as occasional (less than 25%) overnight travel around the state

Required Qualifications

• Current undergraduate student
• Able to work in a variety of outdoor environments for prolonged periods of time. A substantial amount of time will be spent working outside, in the field in remote natural areas, or at MLA.
• Outdoor exposures may include temperatures above 90 degrees and below 32 degrees, biting insects and poisonous plants.
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift 30lbs and hike up to 5 miles/day while carrying 20lbs over variable terrain. Indoor exposures may include typical laboratory chemicals such as cleaning solutions, reagents, and other dry or liquid materials.
• Physical requirements for indoor activities include the ability to lift 30lbs and stand at a bench/desk for several hours at a time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates should be passionate about plant conservation, have some familiarity with the flora of Minnesota and associated ecological systems, excellent speaking and writing skills, an ability to work as part of a small, active team, and a proactive view of their education.
• Experience with volunteers and data management is preferred.
• Interns must respect and maintain the confidentiality of rare species locations and sensitive data.
• The position requires frequent travel during the field season, either using a personal vehicle or a staff vehicle. Potentially 25-50% of the incumbent's time during the field season might be travel or field work.
• Position requires occasional weekend and evening work, as well as occasional (less than 25%) overnight travel around the state

Pay Range: $20.00 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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