Plant Records Summer 2024 Internship - The Arboretum at Penn State

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  CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  

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  If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
  

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Opportunity: 

The Arboretum at Penn State is offering one paid (starting at $14.00/hour) summer internship in plant records and collections management for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates interested in career paths in museum studies, horticulture, plant science, ecology, GIS, or related topics. This position runs for at least 14-weeks (May-August), with the potential to extend into fall 2024. This is a short-term position for up to 40-hours per week: full-time equivalent hours will not exceed 16 weeks. Start and end dates are negotiable. Scheduled internship activities generally take place between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays with few exceptions for professional development opportunities and field trips. 

Experience: 

This internship will help develop skills relevant to a career in plant curation and professional horticulture. Work with the Arboretum’s Curator of Living Collections to manage the Arboretum’s plant collections utilizing IrisBG recordkeeping software and other technology, as well as mapping, labeling, and inventorying the living collections. This position will also introduce interns to the world of research, public gardens, and visitor services.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Assist in the management of the arboretum’s plant records system using IrisBG recordkeeping software (e.g., verify plant nomenclature; accession, de‐accession, update records, export and import reports and data) for internal and public use.

• Collect GPS field data using mobile mapping and GIS technology to assist with plant records and mapping projects at the Arboretum.

• Create and fabricate public-facing plant display labels, accession tags, and commemorative plaques for the Arboretum’s plant collections.

• Conduct plant field inventories in the Arboretum’s botanic gardens and greenhouse facilities.

• Research plant-specific information about the Arboretum’s collections for web, print, and social media content.

• Assist with plant specimen collection for research, herbarium, educational, or disease testing purposes.

• Compile, organize, and archive images of Arboretum plants and commemorative assets.

• Assist with supply inventories and other operational/visitor service tasks as needed.

Qualifications: 

• Applicants should be undergraduates, graduate students, or recent graduates and should demonstrate a strong interest in horticulture, plant science, ecology, environmental studies, GIS, geography, museum studies, or library and information science. This position will often require working outside in variable weather conditions. The preferred applicant will demonstrate a working knowledge of plant ID skills or the desire to learn. Strong organizational ability, attention to detail, and familiarity working with data sets, Microsoft Office suites, ArcGIS (desired), and the ability to learn new software and technology will be expected. Preference will be given to candidates who can explain how this opportunity will help them reach their career goals. 

Requirements: 

• Resume or CV 

• Cover letter 

• Contact information for two references

Application: 

• Applications must be submitted online via the Penn State Jobs website at https://hr.psu.edu/careers by Wed., 1/31/24. This position is listed as Job # REQ_0000050742.

• Please make certain to include a cover letter, resume or CV, and references page with your application materials.

• Instructions for using the PSU Jobs website are available at https://hr.psu.edu/content/frequently-asked-questions-careers .

Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews to be scheduled beginning in February 2024. 

This job requires the following publicly available clearances:

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check

• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form

• FBI Criminal Background Check

This job requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid US driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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