USA-NPN Training Resource Development Intern

Position Summary:

The School of Natural Resources and the Environment is seeking a student to  select and categorize photos of plant life cycle stages that will be used to enhance the USA National Phenology Network's new Nature's Notebook app. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

We seek a student to develop training resources for the USA National Phenology Network's Nature's Notebook program (https://usanpn.org/nn), a flexible platform that engages thousands of observers across the country in recording the seasonal activities of plants and animals. Specifically, the student will leverage iNaturalist and other online photo platforms to compile reference photographs that illustrate life cycle stages that make up the profiles of hundreds of plant and animal species. These photographs will be used in the new Nature's Notebook mobile app to lower barriers to participation and ensure that those without a background in biology, botany, or other sciences can participate in the program.

The work will involve making careful assessments of photos to find the best representation for each life cycle stage for each species, checking the resolution and dimension of photos, and meticulously recording specific information about the photo including link location, photographer credit and licensing information. The student should have a familiarity with and interest in biology, botany, wildlife biology, ecology, or plants and animals in general. We expect to see this familiarity and interest reflected in the cover letter and resume of any applicants. 

Knowledge, Skills, and  Abilities: 

• Knowledge of plant biology/botany
• Skills in time management
• Ability to follow instructions
• Ability to keep careful records
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form

Minimum & Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum Qualifications: include good written and oral communication, time management, attention to detail, and some familiarity with plant biology. 
• Preferred Qualifications: include experience working with plants.