Summer Internship Opportunities at the Highlands Biological Station Positions (see below for descriptions): Botanical Garden Assistant Assistant Naturalist at the Highlands Nature Center Deadline to apply: March 15, 2013
To apply: visit www.highlandsbiological.org/positions/. Botanical Garden Assistant Wage: $290/week ($7.25/hr), free group housing, and possible college internship credit. Hours: Full-time, temporary (40 hours per week, no overtime or benefits available), position is May 13 – Aug 17, but some flexibility may be possible. Description: The Botanical Garden Assistant helps to identify, label, and maintain native plant species; and maintain grounds and gardens, trails, boardwalks, and bridges throughout the Station. This position may include working with the public to interpret the natural history of local plants and assisting with identification of native plant species. This job may involve heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.) and will sometimes involve working alone and in rainy weather. Occasionally, the individual will be asked to assist other Station employees in the office, library, or Nature Center. The successful applicant must be able to trim, cut, and pile brush; use a shovel, hoe, and other garden tools, as well as a wheel barrow, to do general gardening and trail repairs; help with lawn mowing and lawn maintenance on the campus; learn to identify wildflowers; collect and mount plant specimens; learn to make plant labels; and assist others as required. Qualifications: Applicants should be majors in biology, botany, horticulture, or some other environmental science. The ideal candidate should have training and/or experience in field biology and landscaping, and good skills in dealing with people. Familiarity with southern Appalachian plant species and with horticultural practices is desirable. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a valid driver’s license. Non-smokers are preferred. To apply: A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) must be completed. Send application, cover letter, and a list of 3 references to Erika Selman, Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands NC 28741. Applications must be received by March 15, 2013. For more information, please call 828-526-0188. Assistant Naturalists at the Highlands Nature Center Wage: $290/week ($7.25/hr), free group housing, and possible college internship credit. Hours: Full-time, temporary (40 hours per week, no overtime or benefits available, Saturdays and some evenings required), position is May 13 – Aug 17, but some flexibility may be possible. Description: Two Assistant Naturalists help with daily operations of the Highlands Nature Center. Primary duties include working with the public to interpret the natural history of the southern Appalachians and related Nature Center exhibits, answering questions about local natural areas and recreational opportunities, actively developing and teaching several environmentally-based educational programs for both children and adults, and serving as co-counselor for a series of Nature Day Camps for children ages 4 to 14. Staff will also assist with the implementation of special evening programs for the public, and with the weekly evening lecture series. Work also involves the feeding, cleaning, general care, and interpretation of live animal exhibits (mainly reptiles and amphibians). Other general duties are also the responsibility of all Nature Center staff and include word processing; maintaining program schedules; participant registration; handling money; cleaning and maintaining exhibits, bathrooms, and animal enclosures on a daily basis; empty trash and recycling bins; care of live plants; etc. Summer staff may also be occasionally asked to assist other Station employees in the office, library, or Botanical Garden. These jobs may include heavy lifting (no more than 50 lbs.). Assistant Naturalists work a 40-hour week, but the schedule will require flexibility including weekend and some evening work. Qualifications: Applicants should be majors (or recent graduates) in biology, zoology, botany, environmental science, science education, outdoor recreation, or other related fields. Proficiency in dealing with the public is a must. Ideal candidates should have experience working with children; familiarity with (or enthusiasm to learn) a variety of environmental education activities such as Project WILD; experience in a museum, visitor’s center, camp, or similar setting; and experience caring for animals. A basic knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians is also desirable. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a valid driver’s license, and must be in good physical condition to lead hikes. Willingness to work a flexible schedule is a must. Non-smokers are preferred. To apply: A State of North Carolina job application (PD107) must be completed. Send application, cover letter, resume, and a list of 3 references to Patrick Brannon, Highlands Biological Station, 265 N. Sixth Street, Highlands NC 28741. Applications must be received by March 15, 2013. For more information, please call 828-526-2623. -- Michelle Ruigrok Program Assistant | Highlands Biological Station 265 N. 6th St. | Highlands, NC 28741 Tel: (828) 526-2602 | Fax: (828) 526-2797 www.highlandsbiological.org Mission: To foster research and education focused on the rich natural heritage of the Highlands Plateau.
