Natural Resources Summer Intern

Newfields is seeking a Natural Resources Intern to work collaboratively within our team structure to implement projects and maintenance support for The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. This position is integral in performing general, daily maintenance of the park, invasive species removal, and performing data collection tasks using ArcGIS. The Natural Resources Intern will focus on the support of native garden installation and maintenance, trail maintenance and park maintenance tasks, and the removal of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera mackii). This position includes a project-based learning component which will support habitat management in the park. This is a full-time, 12-week position.

Tasks and responsibilities include daily maintenance of the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park including trail maintenance, lawn maintenance, and garden maintenance.  Significant time will be dedicated to the removal of invasive plant species in Fairbanks Park while working in tandem with park personnel, weekly tracking and mapping of invasive species removed from the park spaces, and the development of an ecosystem restoration strategy, building upon current best practices to create dynamic native plant and wildlife habitats where invasive species were removed. Work will also include as-needed turf maintenance, trash removal, erosion control, volunteer and programming support, and support of new construction projects including new art installations in Fairbanks Park.

 

Responsibilities

• Aid in the installation and maintenance of native gardens in Fairbanks Park
• Remove invasive plant species from Fairbanks Park
• Mix and apply herbicides with proper training, PPE, and oversight
• Track invasive species removal using Field Maps
• Update time-sensitive maps of invasive species removal using ArcGIS
• Create habitat restoration and reclamation plans for native tree and forb restoration following invasive species removal
• Operate equipment as assigned including mowers, weed eaters, skid-steer loader, tractor, chainsaw, chipper, forestry mower, mini excavator, stump grinders, trenchers/pullers, box grader, and others
• Undergo proper equipment maintenance tasks and training as needed
• Provide support for projects by participating in large-scale ground preparation, planting, and plant care
• Perform horticultural maintenance tasks, including planting, weeding, pruning, laying sod, snow removal, trash removal, and pesticide application
• Serve as a Newfields ambassador in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park through excellent service and guest relations, responding to any number of internal or external requests for assistance
• Work with volunteers and volunteer groups on a variety of small or large scale projects
• Attend learning opportunities and field trips in conjunction with Horticulture Department fellows
• Other duties as assigned

 

Required Skills

• Interest in learning the identification and care of native plants and invasive species
• Willingness to use hand and power tools, including chainsaws and pesticide application equipment
• Working knowledge or some experience using ArcGIS or GPS
• Operational skills or willingness to learn grounds equipment including mowers, tractor, backhoe, chainsaw, etc.
• General knowledge of mechanics sufficient to recognize the existence of mechanical problems and preventative maintenance practices to avoid damage to equipment
• Ability to evaluate changing weather conditions and make appropriate decisions regarding snow and ice removal
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedural manuals
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Math skills sufficient to calibrate equipment and make errorless calculations on pesticide application rates
• Ability to apply common sense and carry out detailed written or oral instructions
• Ability to follow safety procedures when working with mechanical and chemical equipment

 

Educations and/or Experience

• Must be working toward or recently obtained a degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field

 

Physical Demands of Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of that that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this hob, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/ or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color, vision peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

A cultural campus featuring art galleries and botanical gardens.