Fred and Virginia Houk Sustainability Intern

Position Summary:

The primary focus of the Fred and Virginia Houk Sustainability Internship is to help the North Carolina Botanical Garden improve the sustainability of our native plant greenhouse and nursery operations by helping wash/reuse and recycle plastic nursery pots and trial alternative compostable pots; building/upgrading irrigation infrastructure to increase water efficiency; and trialing/using organic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides. Additional activities include seed collection, potting plants, and watering. This is also a great opportunity to become familiar with the flora of the southeastern U.S.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. NOTE: Some positions may require special licenses or certification.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

NC Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Demonstrated ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work. Strong environmental ethic and previous volunteer or paid work experience in sustainability, environmental science, production/marketing, composting/food waste, transportation, or horticulture/gardening are preferred though not required.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to perform physically demanding work (including bending and stooping) and endure exposure to summer sun, heat, humidity, and natural hazards (mosquitos, ticks, fire ants, venomous snakes, poison ivy) on a routine basis with or without reasonable accommodations.

This position requires that you be able to lift/move/maneuver 40 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.

Apply using the link here: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/273919