Natural History Wanderings

CALIFORNIA BOTANIC GARDEN
1500 North College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711-3157 · Phone 909-625-8767 · Fax 909 626-7670 www.calbg.org

TITLE: Restoration Intern  DEPARTMENT: Conservation Program
STATUS: Full time hourly (Temporary, 6 months)
REPORTS TO: Restoration Project Manager
DESIRED SCHEDULE: Wednesday – Saturday (Four 10 hour days)

Position Overview:

The Restoration Intern will work closely with the Seed Program and Nursery staff on rare/common plant seed banking and propagation/reintroduction contracts. Major duties will include field collections of seeds and cuttings, seed processing, plant propagation and maintenance. Approximately 10-20% of the time will be spent outdoors in rugged terrain. This will be an opportunity to work closely with multiple agencies (national forests, environmental consulting firms, etc.), and to develop hands-on knowledge of collection and propagation of wild plants. The intern must approach all tasks with respect for natural, cultural and fiscal resources, co-workers, volunteers, partner agencies, and organizations. This is a full time seasonal position (40 hours a week), that may require overnight stays in rugged terrain.
This is primarily a nursery based propagation position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under cooperative agreements between California Botanic Garden and other agencies, assists in the execution of seed collection and growing contracts.
• Assists with seed collection, processing and storage.
• Assists in propagation and maintenance of living plants.
• Assists in supervision of volunteers.
• Assists in record keeping and data management.
• Assists with implementing Best Management Practices in the nursery.
• Assists with field collections and surveys.
• Assists with out-planting and restoration site maintenance projects.

Qualifications:

• One or more years of professional experience in related fields (horticulture, nursery production, restoration, botanical field work, etc.) desired.
• Currently seeking or graduated with a degree in horticulture, ecological restoration, botany, or a related field desired.
• A working knowledge of basic taxonomic principles and characteristics of major plant families and California flora and/or willingness to learn required.
• Knowledge of basic horticulture practices and/or willingness to learn required.
• Willingness and ability to apply pesticides and work with other hazardous chemicals with training and supervision.
• Willingness and ability to work with mechanical equipment (e.g. soil auger) as needed.
• Familiarity with MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and Google platform required.
• Valid driver’s license and knowledge and willingness to drive a box truck and 4wd vehicle over rugged terrain.

Physical demands:

• Ability to conduct fieldwork under a variety of environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.) is required.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain through thick chaparral is required.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs is required.
• Ability to do repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Ability to bend and kneel is required.
• Ability to hike, walk, and stand for an extended period of time.
• Ability to camp in outdoor rugged conditions.
• Willingness to do overnight trips as needed.

Qualified candidates please send cover letter, resume, and three references to:
California Botanic Garden
Attention: Billy Sale
1500 N College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
e-mail bsale@calbg.org
Fax to (909) 626-3489