Natural Areas Conservation Intern

Monday Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden ( NCBG) has been a leader in native plant conservation, horticulture, and education in the southeastern United States for more than 50 years. As part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we further the University's tripartite teaching, research, and public service mission through our own mission to cultivate connections between plants, people, and place through science, engagement, and conservation. As a garden focused on conserving the biodiversity of southeastern native plants, we recognize that just as biodiversity is critical to a healthy ecosystem, diversity in people and perspectives makes our organization and community stronger. NCBG is committed to creating an environment in our gardens and natural areas where everyone's voice is heard, and everyone feels safe and welcome.

The Natural Areas Conservation Intern will work to support the conservation and restoration efforts of the North Carolina Botanical Garden within NCBG-managed nature preserves. This internship is a great introduction to applied conservation and natural area management and is ideal for undergraduates or recent graduates. The internship provides hands-on experience working mostly outdoors with staff and volunteers to advance the Botanical Garden's management plans. The intern will learn about local botany, ecology, trail maintenance, land management, and conservation issues, from the perspective of an education-, research-, and conservation-oriented public garden.

General Position Duties:
-Restoring managed lands by removing invasive plants using hand tools, herbicide, and other methods
-Maintaining hiking trails and other visitor-supporting infrastructure
-Working with and leading volunteer groups
-Maintaining and operating hand tools, battery powered tools, and small engine tools and equipment.
-Occasionally, supporting Conservation department projects such as propagating collections of restoration plants, monitoring plant populations, or processing native seed materials
-Other tasks as needed, such as developing interpretive information, providing information to educate visitors, and self-guided research

This position requires driving. A driving record check will be conducted as part of the hiring process.

Graduation from high school and some experience in horticultural work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Special Licensure or Certification: May require North Carolina Pesticide License; North Carolina Commercial Driver's License.

-Experience working outdoors in variable conditions
-Previous experience volunteering with or working with conservation organizations
-Coursework in biology, ecology, environmental science, environmental studies, sustainability, park management, or a related field.
-Experience working with plants

Ability to perform physically demanding work (including bending, stooping, moving objects up to 40 pounds and/or operating equipment) on varied terrain, and enduring exposure to summer sun, heat, humidity, and natural hazards (mosquitos, ticks, fire ants, venomous snakes, poison ivy) on a routine basis with or without reasonable accommodations.

H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.