Rare Care Internship Position – Summer 2019

Washington Rare Plant Care and Conservation (Rare Care) is a program at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens dedicated to conserving Washington’s rare native plants. We build partnerships with public agencies and non‐governmental organizations to provide critically information needed for the conservation and recovery of rare plant species.

Rare Care has two internships available for the summer of 2019 for qualified individual seeking hands‐on experience in plant sciences and land resource management fields. Interns will learn about plant conservation science principles, impacts of climate change and tools used to manage rare plant populations on public lands. Selected individuals gain training and experience in monitoring techniques, using plant identification keys, using field equipment such as handheld GPS units, collecting seeds for seed banking, and using ArcGIS for mapping. The interns are supervised by the Rare Care program manager and receive training in the field from the Rare Care program manager and botanists with the National Park Service.

Individuals from underserved urban, rural and tribal backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The University of Washington is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Duration: Full‐time for approximately 12 weeks, starting in June (date TBD)

Location: The interns are stationed at the Center of Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens in Seattle. The work involves a significant amount of fieldwork in Mt Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades National Parks, including backcountry travel and camping. Overnight travel for up to five days per week will be required.

Compensation: $17.49/hour, housing is not provided in Seattle (per diem and travel costs are covered for fieldwork).

Qualifications:

  • Applicants need to have completed at least three years of undergraduate education with coursework in botany, biology, environmental science or a related field. Bachelor’s degree in one of these fields is desirable.
  • Ability to work outdoors on uneven terrain, carry a 40‐pound pack, and work and travel in variable weather.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Familiarity and comfort with camping and backcountry travel is desirable.

To apply, send the following materials electronically to Wendy Gibble at the address below:

  • One‐page cover letter describing qualifications, specific dates of availability, and contact information for two references knowledgeable about your work ethic and relevant experience
  • Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable)
  • Resume
  • Three references, including name, email address and affiliated organization.
  • A letter of recommendation from one of your references. The letter should be submitted by someone familiar with your background as it pertains to the work of this internship, for instance professors, past employers and volunteer coordinators.

Applications will be reviewed beginning Feb 25th. For more information, please contact:

  • Wendy Gibble, University of Washington Botanic Gardens, Box 354115, Seattle WA 98195 (wjgibble@uw.edu ; P: 206‐897‐1646)