Fall Intern, Litzsinger Road Ecology Center

Description

The Litzsinger Road Ecology Center (LREC) is recruiting a seasonal intern to assist in restoration and site management of 39 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 for 10 weeks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively works with restoration staff and volunteers to perform prairie and woodland restoration.
• Participates in native plant propagation and seed collection.
• Identifies and manages invasive plant species through use of manual, mechanical, and herbicide application.
• Affords ecological monitoring – stream monitoring (water quality and macroinvertebrates) and vegetation monitoring.
• Data entry and database support (Excel, Access).
• Operates power equipment and hand tools.
• Interacts with volunteers and partner schools as needed.
• Maintains expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Communication – Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration – Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability – Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues’ concerns.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship – Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience

• Strong interest in outdoors, ecology, natural history and restoration.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences including children of all ages, volunteers and adults.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.

Education

• A 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.

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 (50) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
• Must be able to work in high heat/humidity.
• Able 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).
• Able 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.
• Supervisor (title not person): Supervisor, Restoration Ecology.