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Native Plant and Ecological Restoration Internship

University of Virginia
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Native Plant and Ecological Restoration Internship

The State Arboretum of Virginia, located at the University of Virginia’s historic Blandy Experimental Farm (Boyce, VA), is offering a summer internship focusing on native plant gardening and restoration ecology in a public garden setting. This internship provides the opportunity for hands-on restoration ecology work, as well as native plant and perennial gardening experience. A key part of this internship is the opportunity to develop a personalized project that aligns with both your professional goals as well as the needs of the arboretum. 

By the end of the internship, we hope the candidate will develop a strong understanding of both the theoretical framework of ecological restoration as well as the practical steps required to make restoration projects a reality. The candidate will also develop fine gardening skills by working alongside experienced staff to improve the Arboretum’s numerous gardens, which have a special focus on native plants.

The Native Plant and Ecological Restoration Intern will receive a $4,000 stipend paid in two installments during the program 

 

Approximate Breakdown of Internship Responsibilities

  • 40% of work time – Develop and work on a personalized project that aligns with your professional interests and the needs of the Arboretum. These projects may incorporate the various tasks outlined below but can also include other elements such as interpretation or public outreach. Examples of possible projects include creating and executing an ecological restoration plan for a given area, close studies of garden performance and ecological benefits of specific native plants, or development of interpretive materials for the Native Plant Trail. 
  • 25% of work time - Gardening-related tasks in the native plant trail and perennial gardens, working alongside volunteers and staff. Tasks may include weeding, planting, watering, mulching, and other plant care.
  • 20% of work time – Invasive plant species control in wild and natural spaces. Tasks may include pulling/digging out weeds, learning to properly use a hand saw or chainsaw to remove small trees, learning to properly operate a riding mower or tractor with bush-hog attachment.
  • 15% of work time - Assisting curatorial staff with data collection on the Native Plant Trail and in other natural spaces at Blandy. Tasks may include laying out plots in grassland, shrubland, and forested areas, learning to correctly identify plants and estimate their coverage, and organizing and digitizing data collected from the field.

 

Qualifications

Be enrolled in a degree program or have a degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, Plant Science, Horticulture, or related field. Demonstrate curiosity about the natural world and an interest in native plants or restoration ecology.

 

Physical Demands 

  • Ability to perform moderate physical labor including standing, bending, kneeling, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

 

More information

  • Internship will run from May 27th to July 18th (holidays off for Juneteenth, Thursday 6/19 and Independence Day, Friday 7/4)
  • The intern will be expected to work 40 hours per week, from 8:30 to 5. Some flexibility in start and end times is expected due to scheduled activities and weather conditions.
  • Dormitory style housing may be available on site. 
  • Travel expenses are not covered and are the responsibility of the selected intern.

 

Application Process and Timeline

Applications are due by midnight, March 23.

Please email applications to jackmonsted@virginia.edu with Internship in the subject line, and attach the following materials:

  • Resume detailing school and employment history, as well as relevant volunteer or extracurricular experience. 
  • Cover Letter – In a 1-page cover letter, please answer the question: If you were a plant that’s native to your home region, which one would you be and why? Try to tie in things that make you uniquely qualified for this internship and showcase your skills and interests. 

 

For more information on Blandy Experimental Farm please visit our website: https://blandy.virginia.edu/

Blandy Experimental Farm is in Boyce, Virginia, approximately 70 miles west of Washington DC. For more information on our location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gMdku6pY67q79Ejw6

 

All questions and inquiries can be sent to Jack Monsted at jackmonsted@virginia.edu