2023 Ecological Horticulture Internships at Norcross Wildlife Foundation
Internship Opportunities
Internships positions are available in the Applied Ecology department at Norcross Wildlife Foundation (NWF) for the 2023 growing season. The NWF internship program is designed to aid applicants with their career development via on-site educational experiences. Interns will aid in plant identification and botanical inventories, propagation, landscape design and planting, maintenance, invasive removal, habitat restoration, and all other duties related to ecological horticulture and applied ecology. As an educational program, interns will have the ability to attend lectures/programs, go on field trips, and design and complete an intern project. Interns are provided with housing on-site and a stipend paid bi-weekly.
Qualifications
The major qualification is a desire to learn more about building habitat using native plants. The following qualifications will also be considered when filling the positions:
· Ability to identify plants using a botanical key
· Experience with propagation, horticulture, gardening, farming, wildlife ecology or related fields
· Experience with invasive species removal
· Preference will be given to applicants with academic backgrounds in environmental science, ecology, wildlife biology, botany, and similar fields.
Additional Qualifications
· Ability to handle inclement weather including buggy conditions and hot, cold, or wet weather
· Ability to handle strenuous manual labor associated with outdoor work:
· Safely lift 30-50lbs
· Walk and hike on steep slopes and uneven terrain while carrying equipment
· Preference will be given to applicants who are available for the full duration of the internship (800 hours, or approximately 5 months)
· Unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applicants
The Public Area of Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS)
At the heart of the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary is a 75-acre parcel open to the public where a substantial proportion of the ecological horticulture interns’ time will be spent. This area provides numerous examples of the value native plants offer to the field of horticulture. Ranging from high and dry sites, to swamps, and rich woodlands, the public area is welcoming, beautiful, and above all valuable wildlife habitat chock full of both common and rare native species. Most of those species planted at NWS are grown on-site in our greenhouse and stock beds before being moved to permanent places.
Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary:
The Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1939 by Arthur D. Norcross. Its present area includes thousands of acres of wooded hills, ponds, and streams. It is maintained by the Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc. whose purpose is the conservation of wildlife and the active practice of conservation for the benefit of the public. This includes the propagation of native plants, the preservation of birds and wildlife, and the conservation of land and water.
Additional Duties
Interns will report to the ecological horticulturist with whom they will spend most of their time. As an educational program interns will have the opportunity to work with other members of the NWF staff. Additional duties might include boundary identification and marking, trail maintenance, storm cleanup, and other duties as needed.
Application Details
· Application Deadline: March 15th or as soon as all positions are filled.
· Stipend will be paid at $15.75/hour for all hours of program participation, up to a maximum of 800 hours
· Housing is available, free of charge, on site. Subject to an occupancy agreement
· General housing availability is from late May through mid-October
· This program is 40 hours/week, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with some weekend and/or later hours as needed.
To apply please send a resume, cover letter, and list of references to Leonard Kenney at lkenney@norcrosswildlife.org, please include your name and the words “NWF Internship Application” in the subject line.
The Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not tolerate discrimination based on an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics.
The Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary will consider qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local "Fair Chance" laws.
The Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary is committed to welcoming a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that celebrates the varied communities we serve. Our mission and programs can greatly benefit from a range of perspectives and, as a result, we strongly encourage qualified applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color, and gender nonconforming candidates.