Blueberry Research Internship in Castle Hayne, NC

Please apply using this link: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/228481

This internship offers students and recent graduates meaningful, hands-on experience in applied horticultural research at the NCSU Horticultural Crops Research Station in Castle Hayne, NC, located near Wilmington.

Selected candidates will support an active blueberry breeding program focused on developing varieties suited for mechanical harvest. Day-to-day responsibilities span greenhouse, shade house, and field environments and include plant care, pollination, transplanting, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, harvesting, and field data collection. Interns will also contribute to inventory management and office-based tasks such as data entry and image labeling in support of an ongoing machine learning project — making this a well-rounded opportunity for those with interests in both plant science and data.

Students in this internship will gain transferable professional skills and knowledge, including:

1. Scientific Data Collection & Accuracy – Develop proficiency in field and laboratory data collection methods, reinforcing attention to detail and the importance of accurate record-keeping in research settings.
2. Time Management & Task Prioritization – Gain skills in managing time efficiently across multiple concurrent responsibilities (field work, greenhouse care, data entry) to meet seasonal deadlines and deliver consistent, high-quality work.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork – Work cooperatively within a multidisciplinary research team, contributing to shared goals across plant science, data science, and agricultural engineering domains.
4. Applied Research & Critical Thinking – Build understanding of the scientific process by supporting an active breeding program, from controlled pollination through harvest evaluation, and learn how research decisions are made in applied agricultural contexts.
5. Technology & Data Literacy – Strengthen digital skills through data entry, image labeling for a machine learning project, and use of spreadsheet software, gaining exposure to how modern technology intersects with biological research.
6. Professional Communication – Practice clear and timely communication with supervisors and team members in both field and office settings, building workplace professionalism applicable to future roles.
7. Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Develop resilience and flexibility by navigating variable outdoor conditions and shifting seasonal priorities, skills valued across science, agriculture, and research careers.

Attention to detail, comfort with repetitive tasks, and a willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions are important for success in this role. Scheduling is flexible between 7 am and 6 pm on weekdays. Hours begin at 10–20 per week from September through March, increasing to 20 or more per week from April through August. Candidates who can commit through the core blueberry season (May–July) are especially encouraged to apply.

Preference will be given to candidates pursuing degrees in horticulture, biology, or related fields, and to those who demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and collaboration.

Work Schedule – M-F 8am – 5pm as needed. Some weekends may be required.

Minimum Experience/Education –Some post-secondary education  

Departmental Required Skills (Should include all required skills necessary for the position.  NOTE: A hiring proposal cannot be endorsed for a candidate that does not meet all the departmental required skills.) – 

• Ability to lift 40lbs
• Willingness to work in hot, humid, buggy conditions
• Ability to perform redundant tasks with care and to completion
• Good attention to detail
• Excellent fine motor skills

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education (Should include all skills that are preferred but not required to hire the candidate.  NOTE: A candidate can be hired that does not meet all preferred qualifications.) –  

Applicant should have some knowledge on:

• Plant care
• Using laboratory equipment such as scales, balances, and autoclaves  
• Use and calibration of pH meters
• Making dilutions
• Excel or Google Sheets

Please apply using this link: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/228481