summer internships 2012
General Information
Summer internships at UM-MBGNA offer students the opportunity to develop professional skills and experience. Project planning and development, extended learning opportunities and a field trip are all part of the Summer Internship program. These are temporary, hourly paid positions (generally 40 hrs per wk) and run from the beginning of May through the end of August each summer. Many of the work schedules will typically include a rotation of weekends and holidays and include possible evening duty. Most positions require interns willing to work outside in summer conditions. Interns must be able to provide their own transportation to the work-sites (Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens).
To Apply
Listed below are general descriptions for expected internship openings. Please apply with a resume, cover letter and 2 references and specify which position(s) you are interested in to: Jan Stearns, UM MBGNA, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Or email your materials to jand@umich.edu. If applying for more than one position please rank your interest. Applicants are encouraged to visit our sites and to review our website mbgna.umich.edu for more information.
- Available internship position(s):
Childrens Educational Programs (1 position remaining)
Description: Develop and provide activities for regular drop-in through the summer with both daytime and early evening hours, including weekends. Engage children in comprehensive gardening programs in helping to plant and maintain vegetable and herb beds. Develop a series of nature-based art and musical activities. Extend programs from the Gaffield Childrens Garden to include organized adventure hikes along the Sue Reichert Discovery Trail and Sam Graham Trees and Trail at the Botanical Gardens and excursions to Nichols Arboretum as well. Provide guided programs to school and camp groups. (1 to 2 positions)
Educational value: Youth education program assistant interns will gain experience working in professional, informal environmental education. Interns gain experience with independent project development; creating program from conception to completion and will deliver the program to a group of elementary age children. Interns will also gain valuable experience as part of the Education team, working on programs and educational materials that convey the mission and vision of MBGNA.
Required skills: Excellent organization skills and attention to detail. Must be able to work independently and as a team member. Must have an interest in plants, the environment and leading others in environmental education activities. Must have a demonstrated ability to work with children and peers. Be reliable, flexible, enthusiastic, outgoing, and able to remain calm and level-headed in stressful situations. Previous experience is essential.
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Natural Areas Stewardship Internship (1 position remaining)
Description: Assist Natural Areas and Native Plants Specialists as part of a team with a variety of natural areas stewardship projects and tasks at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum, Horner Woods and Mud Lake Bog properties. These will include exotic invasive plant ID, monitoring and control methods, native plant ID, monitoring and propagation, prescribed burning, using brush cutters, chainsaws, herbicide sprayers, driving utility vehicles and tractors, etc. It will require collecting, organizing and presenting data related to this work.
Educational value: Learn concepts and gain field experience in natural areas stewardship, conservation of native species, ecological restoration and native plant propagation. This includes learning to ID Michigan natural communities and many native species and exotic plants. Learning control techniques for a variety of exotic invasive plants, experience with many hand tools, power tools, and power equipment necessary for this work.
Requirements: An understanding of basic ecology and of Michigan natural communities, native plants and experience with exotic invasive plants and their control is desired. Willingness to work outdoors, hike several miles in natural areas and work while exposed to variable weather conditions, insects, and other outdoor hazards is necessary. Ability to use a variety of hand tools, power tools and power equipment is preferred. A love of the outdoors is essential.
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The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
