Various Locations

Position Title:  Conservation & Land Management Intern

Organization: US Forest Service

Location: Various locations in AK, MT, CO, UT, ID, WA, OR or SD

Position Overview: These 14 CLM Internship positions are funded by a participating agreement with the US Forest Service for 5 months (22 weeks), 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.

Duties: 

• 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 using the SOS protocol  (training provided).
• Participate in check-in calls with CBG and USFS and monthly national SOS calls
• 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.
• Key Garden competencies/behaviors desired
• Communicates in a manner that gains the trust and support of others at all levels.
• Works effectively with others despite differences of opinion and style; builds alliances.
• Has a tolerance for opposing points of view.
• Strives for collaboration. Works cooperatively, as a positive contributor to the team.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and shows kindness in all workplace interactions.
• Makes decisions appropriate for level of responsibility.
• Can effectively adapt to change; can shift gears comfortably; is flexible, and embraces change with a “can-do” attitude.
• Is self-aware; knows personal strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback and is open to negative feedback as an opportunity for improvement.
• Is cool under pressure; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; is a settling influence during a crisis.
• Recognizes problems, constructively identifies and articulates solutions.
• Follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment and consistently demonstrates safe work behaviors.
• Is welcoming of new hires.

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

Start/End Dates: Start in mid-May to early June, with a term of 22 weeks, and end in mid- to late-October.

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.