A summer internship opportunity at Battle Park
Note: This internship is open to current undergraduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill only.
Applications due: 3/14/2021
Location: Battle Park and other NCBG natural areas in Chapel Hill
Duration: 3 months (approximately mid-May to mid-August 2021)
Hours: Full time; typically Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break
Pay: $10.61/hour
About the Garden: 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 inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature. 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.
Job Description: The Battle Park Intern will primarily work to further the restoration and conservation efforts of the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Battle Park, the Coker Pinetum, and the Piedmont Nature Trails. This internship is a great introduction to “boots-on-the-ground” conservation and natural area management, and is ideal for (and restricted to) undergraduates, from rising sophomores through rising seniors studying ecology, environmental science or studies, biology, or related fields.
The internship provides hands-on experience working mostly outdoors with staff and volunteers to advance the Botanical Garden’s management plans in our natural areas/preserves. The intern(s) will learn about local botany, ecology, trail maintenance, park management, and conservation issues, as part of an education-, research-, and conservation-oriented public entity. The intern may assist with the management of other Botanical Garden properties as time allows. General tasks of the internship are found below. Please note that each internship season is variable, depending on project priorities:
- Invasive plant eradication using manual and chemical methods;
- Pedestrian trail maintenance, improvement, and construction where appropriate;
- Working with and leading volunteer groups;
- Monitoring the location and health of specific plant populations;
- Propagating collections of restoration plants;
- And other tasks as needed, such as general support and maintenance activities at historic Forest Theatre, wooden bench maintenance, developing interpretive information, and providing information to educate visitors.
Education and Experience: Must be a current undergraduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill (rising sophomores through seniors). High school diploma or equivalency and demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Previous experience volunteering with or working with conservation organizations is a plus.
Special Physical and Mental Requirements: The ability and desire to perform physical labor out of doors in summer conditions is necessary. Must be able to safely lift or move up to 40 lbs.
How to apply: Interested parties should send their resume and a cover letter to our Battle Park Manager, Nick Adams, at nsadams@email.unc.edu by 3/14/2021.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.