Native Plant Intern

Native Plant Intern at Huntley Meadows Park

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a Native Plant Intern at Huntley Meadows Park (HMP) to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. HMP in Alexandria a 1560-acre park rich in natural resources, including wetlands, forest and meadows. HMP welcomes more than 200,000 annual visitors to the park.

Description: Work with professional park staff to preserve and enhance native plant communities. Work in the field and with GPS and computer software to complete a study and develop a scientific report. Write a short article to share your intern experience.

Duties can include: Assist resource management crew with habitat management for wetlands, meadows, and forests. Develop a new study or continue a current study at
the park. Develop a scientific report based on data collected using GPS and software. Assist with vegetation classification, monitoring, and recording, including rare plant species and plants, trees and plant communities of significance. Promote native and rare plant communities by controlling invasive exotic plants. Opportunity to visit and work at the native plant propagation garden. Write an article for FCPA social media, VNPS newsletter and FOHMP newsletter describing the summer internship.

Skill development: plant identification skills, natural community classification, GPS and software skills, project management skills, resume building and completed project.

Compensation: Interns will be temporary, part-time employees of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Compensation is $16.49- $18 per hour for up to 440 hours. May-August. Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday -Friday (telework not an option.)

Start Date: May (No later than May 27). End Date: August (No later than August 31).

Requirements: Microsoft Office skills including Word and Excel. Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year or master’s program in natural resource management, biology, botany, or environmental science. Ability to do moderate lifting (Up to 20lbs), walking and hiking on rough unpaved, or off-trail surfaces. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures. Ability to stand or sit for long periods to conduct field work or to perform office tasks. Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor, incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment. Work location 6901 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22310.

Preferred Qualifications: Completed botany coursework and/or previous field experience with flora.