Ecological Studies in Urban Landscapes Internship

TITLE:                         Ecological Studies in Urban Landscapes Internship

DEPARTMENT:           Horticulture 

REPORTS TO:             Plant Ecologist

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Phipps Conservatory is seeking an Ecological Studies in Urban Landscapes Intern to support its Horticulture team. Interns will work directly with staff to contribute to ongoing research on urban ecosystem resilience, with a focus on assisted migration strategies, urban green infrastructure, and nature-based climate solutions. The intern will support efforts to understand how vegetation and soil systems in cities can enhance biodiversity, improve carbon sequestration, and mitigate climate risks such as urban heat and stormwater runoff.

This 8-week, full-time, paid internship consists of the intern working 40 hours/week from June 22nd to August 14th. Candidates should be available to work weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and have flexibility to adjust schedules as needed. 

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming as we honor employee experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with field-based data collection, including quantifying vegetation structure and collecting soil and water samples from various green infrastructure, including meadows, lawns, and rain gardens. 
• Ecological monitoring across urban–suburban gradients including ecological surveys and vegetation mapping in nearby urban and suburban parks, including Wightman Park, South Park, North Park, Boyce Park, Schenley Park, and Frick Park. 
• Assess how different land management approaches influence ecosystem structure, function, and sustainability. 
• Support outreach and engagement with public and professional groups to assess needs related to sustainable land care, biodiversity conservation, urban green infrastructure planning, and climate-resilient landscape management.
• Assist with routine cleaning and maintenance on tools and equipment to ensure functionality and safety. 
• Support horticulture duties as needed including, planting, watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and general cleanup as needed. 
• Perform other activities and duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Experience with plant identification (including dichotomous keys), for northeastern U.S. flora and fauna preferred.
• Experience with Excel or similar tools for data entry, management, and basic analysis is required. 
• Familiarity with GIS, ecological monitoring, or environmental data analysis is preferred. 
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong planning skills and forward thinking. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with the public and co-workers in a pleasant and courteous manner.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

• Physical ability to perform manual labor in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain), including the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, and to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards in a public garden setting.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions (particularly heat and humidity) is expected.
• Mental effort:  reading, writing, analyzing and visualizing.
• Sensory requirement: ability to communicate and respond to staff, volunteers and public in a friendly and fair manner.
• Strong work ethic in all areas of job performance.
• Ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the phone to the general public, staff, volunteers and board members in a friendly, knowledgeable and professional manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Outdoor atmosphere – must be able to perform labor tasks in weather conditions such as a hot, humid, sun-filled climate.
• Willing to work both independently and in groups. 
• May have occasion to work in or pass through various areas of the Conservatory.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES: 

• Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college/university. Senior and graduate level applicants preferred. 
• Major or previous coursework plant science, botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field. 
• Previous experience working in a labor-intensive position preferred. 
• Ability to provide own transportation to worksites is preferred.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.