idealist.org

Position Title: Horticulture Intern

Purpose: To learn about plant germplasm preservation and management through hands-on experience working with Seed Savers Exchange’s collection of thousands of vegetable and fruit varieties.

Job Description: The Horticulture Intern will work with the Vice President of Gardens and Collections and the Collection Curator in our germplasm conservation projects. The focus will be on learning about the processes that support the regeneration, and maintenance of the collection. Interns will have the opportunity to work with germplasm being maintained as seeds, in tissue culture, and vegetatively in the field. This is a full-time paid internship, funded for 44 weeks. A typical working week is Monday-Friday, 8 hrs/day with some weekends expected.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with regeneration activities in the greenhouse and field which include; seed production, vegetative propagation, controlled pollinations, species identification, characterization of varieties, monitoring of plant health, data collection, and documentary photography

• Perform laboratory tasks including maintenance of tissue culture, performing germination tests, and germination evaluation

• Perform harvesting, processing, conditioning, packaging, and inventorying of seeds

• Assist in the maintenance of collection databases, filling and digitizing specimen images, and planning/preparation for field regenerations

• Coordinate the activities of 1-3 seasonal staff members in the laboratory and the field

• Perform small research projects, develop and refine methodologies, and attend collection staff meetings

• Perform maintenance and data collection in the orchard and vineyard.


Reports to: Matthew Barthel, Vice President of Gardens and Collections

Position Requirements:
• Candidates should have completed or are currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Plant Biology, or a related field. At minimum, applicants should have completed advanced coursework in Botany and Plant Physiology. Additional coursework in the areas of Plant Nutrition, IPM, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Weed Science, Plant Breeding, Plant Taxonomy, Plant Genetics, or Sustainable Agriculture is preferred

• Previous laboratory experience, including familiarity with sterile technique and use of a stereoscope, is preferred

• Applicants must be capable of working independently, have good organizational skills, have attention to detail, and be able to work in a wide range of weather conditions

• Must be competent with computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Familiarity with Microsoft Access and Adobe Photoshop is helpful

• Candidates must be available for a year long, full time internship (8hrs/da, 40 hours a week, for 44 weeks) including some weekends. The period of the internship begins January 18, 2010 and continues until December 17, 2010 (with some flexibility). The period of the internship allows for 2 weeks of unpaid vacation and observance of most major holidays

Compensation: An hourly pay of $9.00/hr is provided

Applications:
Applicants should submit a resume with cover letter describing their qualities and
interests as related to the position. Applicants that have not finished their degree need to describe how this internship will fit into their overall educational experience.

An un-official copy of your educational transcript and three references should also be submitted.

Application deadline is November 30, 2009. Phone interviews will be conducted with selected applicants.

Email, or mail your application materials to:

Matt Barthel – Hort Intern
Seed Savers Exchange
3094 North Winn Road
Decorah IA 52101
Email: matt@seedsavers.org

Please email your application as an attached MS Word or PDF file.