Careers in the Plant Sciences

Conservation and Land Management Internship - USFS Seed Collection Interns (29)

Chicago Botanic Garden - Various locations, Various locations, USA

Position Title: Conservation and Land Management Internship - USFS Seed Collection Interns (29)
Position Type: Temporary Position
Application Review Begins: Wednesday, February 01, 2023
Application Deadline: Friday, May 05, 2023
Institution: Chicago Botanic Garden
Department/Division: Conservation Training
Field (e.g., systematics): Seed collection, restoration, field botany
City: Various locations, Various locations, USA
General Information: These CLM Internship positions are funded by a participating agreement with the US Forest Service for 4-5 months, primarily scouting and making collections of native seed on Forest Service land under the national Seeds of Success program. When not scouting or collecting seed, there may be opportunities to assist USFS staff on additional tasks for the Forest. These positions will start from mid-May to early June, and end in mid- to late-October.

Please apply at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=21ef98a3-d325-4110-a85a-7729320b6f80&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=428779〈=en_US&source=EN

Please direct questions to Chris Woolridge at: cwoolridge@chicagobotanic.org

We are currently accepting applications for several Seeds of Success (SOS) focused CLM internships with the US Forest Service at the following National Forests:

- Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF in Dillon, MT
- Lolo NF in Missoula, MT
- Helena-Lewis & Clark NF in Helena, MT
- Lincoln NF in Ruidosa, NM
- Manti-La Sal NF in Price, UT
- Boise NF and Payette NF in Boise, ID
- Caribou-Targhee NF in Idaho Falls, ID
- San Bernardino NF in San Bernardino, CA
- Colville NF in Tonasket, WA
- Umpqua NF in Idleyld Park, OR
- Umpqua NF in Cottage Grove, OR - Dorena Genetic Resources Center
- Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, IL
- Tongass NF in Ketchikan, AK
- Chugach NF in Moose Pass, AK

These positions are funded under the Public Land Corp (PLC) program, engaging adults 16-30 years old, and veterans age 35 and younger, in crews and internships on natural and cultural resource projects located on eligible service lands. Upon completion of a minimum of 640 hours and at least 120 hours on Forest Service lands, interns may qualify for a Public Land Corp Act Certificate to be used towards future Federal hiring and non-competitive hiring status for a period of not more than 2 years after completion of the PLC service.
Qualifications/Requirements: Qualifications:
- B.S. in Botany, Plant Science, Ecology, Biology, or a related field
- Strong plant identification skills (to species) and knowledge of plant taxonomy; strong knowledge of plant biology. Familiarity with plants and ecosystems of the western U.S.
- Experience maintaining accurate and detailed data records (in field and in electronic databases – Excel/Access)
- Capable of conducting field work safely in rough terrain in harsh environmental conditions
- Experience hiking and backcountry camping, and the willingness to do so for this position
- Experience driving large field vehicles with 4-wheel drive; driving on gravel and dirt roads
- Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training
- Excellent organization skills and ability to handle several projects and deadlines at once
- Self-starter, independent worker, able to learn quickly and adapt to challenges
- This position is funded under the Public Land Corps (PLC) program, and therefore to qualify, interns must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, and veterans age 35 or younger, as well as be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident of the United States. For more information on the Public Land Corps, please see: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title16/chapter37/subchapter2&edition=prelim
Responsibilities: - Help identify potential collection locations of priority species through scouting, analysis of herbarium records, previous SOS collections, and vegetation mapping.
- Help collect herbarium vouchers for each potential collection site. Take appropriate photos as instructed for seed certification.
- Help monitor phenology of target plant populations to plan and execute collections
- Ensure collection of all required population scouting data, seed collection data, and photos are properly recorded and shared with CBG and the USFS.
- As part of the team, make seed collections
- Participate in check-in calls with CBG and USFS
- Communicates to all parties clearly, effectively and timely
- Timely, accurate reporting of time and effort activities, adherence to all Chicago Botanic Garden policies and procedures for employees, and communication with the Chicago Botanic Garden manager.
- Timely completion of end-of-season duties, including data entry into SOS Data Portal, and final report.
Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): Please apply at: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=21ef98a3-d325-4110-a85a-7729320b6f80&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=428779〈=en_US&source=EN

Please include a cover letter and contact information for three references.
Web Link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=21ef98a3-d325-4110-a85a-7729320b6f80&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=428779〈=en_US&source=EN
Compensation Range: 18.12/hr
Contact Name: Chris Woolridge, cwoolridge@chicagobotanic.org