Intern, LREC

*Please include a cover letter in your application*

Summary: The Litzsinger Road Ecology Center (LREC) is an outdoor facility associated with the Missouri Botanical Garden that is dedicated to ecological education, research and restoration in the heart of metropolitan St. Louis.  Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, located in Ladue, Missouri, is committed to partnering with students and educators in realizing local and national education objectives through the investigation and restoration of local ecosystems.

Description:

The Litzsinger Road Ecology Center is recruiting two interns to assist in restoration and site management of 34 acres of prairie, woodland and urban creek in St. Louis.  This position is a paid entry-level internship that will require 40 hours per week from June until August.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively works with restoration staff and volunteers to perform prairie and woodland restoration.
• Participates in native plant propagation and greenhouse activities.
• Identifies and manages invasive plant species through use of manual, mechanical, and herbicide application.
• Assists in ecological monitoring – stream monitoring (water quality and macroinvertebrates), erosion monitoring, climate monitoring, phenology monitoring, and vegetation monitoring.
• Data entry and database support (Excel, Access)
• Operates power equipment and hand tools.
• Interacts with volunteers and partner schools as needed.
• Interns expected to complete independent research project

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship:  Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications/Experience:  

• Strong interest in outdoors, ecology, natural history and restoration.
• Current enrollment in college is preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences including children of all ages, volunteers and adults.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination will be required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

   Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent with an interest in biology, natural resource management, environmental studies, horticulture, or related field.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Other Skills and Abilities: N/A

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills:  

• H.S. basic math aptitude; requires proficient ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel and Word) or similar software packages on a PC or MAC.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Must have and maintain valid Driver’s license.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain and on and off trails.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).
• Able to lift up to (60) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
• Must be able to work in high heat/humidity.
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time - 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing)

Work Environment:

• Climate controlled buildings.
• Shared office space.
• Work outdoors in temperatures of (100°F or more), humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc.) as needed.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to visitors, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the LREC environment.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden: 

• Garden Employees, Volunteers, Guests
• Client teachers and students