Intern, Outdoor Leadership Corps (Assistant Crew Leader)

About the role

This is a part-time temporary position which works up to 28 hours a week from August 24, 2026, to December 18, 2026. Schedule for this position is typically Tuesday-Thursday with an additional day in the office. Some Saturday workdays will be scheduled.

Responsibilities

• Controls invasive plant species through the use of manual, mechanical, and/or chemical methods.
• Participates in native garden, woodland, and stream restoration efforts, by planting native plants, removing invasive species, and maintaining natural areas.
• Affords assistance with tool prep and clean-up for all projects and workdays.
• Maintains database metrics to track management activities.
• Assists with regular site maintenance, operating manual and power equipment to maintain native gardens, restoration areas, and trails.
• Affords assistance during GRG community engagement events.
• Provides correct information, processes, and positive interactions to community members.
• Interacts with community members, volunteers, and other conservation professionals on a regular basis.
• Affords assistance during GRG community beautification projects including picking up trash, removing graffiti, and other tasks.
• Participates in planned professional development workshops and trainings.
• Uses herbicides while following proper safety protocols under the supervision of designated Garden employees with a valid Missouri Commercial Pesticide Applicator license.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards.
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Maintains expected attendance guidelines.
• 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.

Qualifications/Experience

• Minimum one year related experience strongly preferred;
• Strong plant identification skills and familiarity with invasive species and native flora of the lower mid-west preferred;
• Demonstrated experience with project topics including: invasive species removal, native pollinator garden maintenance, community beautification, and environmental stewardship projects;
• Experience with the safe use of landscaping equipment including loppers, shovels, hand-saws, cultivator, and more;
• Experience with the use of computers for data recording and management.

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

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent required;
• Some college and/or professional training preferred.

Education

• Education: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent required; some college and/or professional training preferred.

Language Skills

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

Mathematical Skills

• Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.

Reasoning Ability

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

Computer Skills

• Proficient experience using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Access.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Ability to achieve First Aid and CPR certification upon hire.

Physical Demands

• Position requires extensive outdoor work.
• Works at times with power equipment and/or carrying loads of up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stools, etc.).
• Requires extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods of time-- 75% or more of the workday is standing on feet.

Work Environment

• Ability to perform physical labor working indoors and outdoors throughout day in all seasons - Ability to work outdoors in temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden

• Works cooperatively with staff from all Garden departments across the main Garden and all remote sites.
• Works cooperatively with community partners including Great Rivers Greenway staff and volunteers.
• Works cooperatively with community members.