Natural Resources Summer Intern

Newfields a Place for Nature & The Arts•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Newfields is seeking a Natural Resources Intern to work collaboratively within our team structure to implement projects and maintenance support for The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. This position is integral in performing general, daily maintenance of the park, invasive species removal, and performing data collection tasks using ArcGIS. The Natural Resources Intern will focus on the support of native garden installation and maintenance, trail maintenance and park maintenance tasks, and the removal of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera mackii). This position includes a project-based learning component which will support habitat management in the park. This is a full-time, 12-week position.

Requirements

Interest in learning the identification and care of native plants and invasive species
Willingness to use hand and power tools, including chainsaws and pesticide application equipment
Working knowledge or some experience using ArcGIS or GPS
Operational skills or willingness to learn grounds equipment including mowers, tractor, backhoe, chainsaw, etc.
General knowledge of mechanics sufficient to recognize the existence of mechanical problems and preventative maintenance practices to avoid damage to equipment
Ability to evaluate changing weather conditions and make appropriate decisions regarding snow and ice removal
Must have a valid driver’s license
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedural manuals
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages
Math skills sufficient to calibrate equipment and make errorless calculations on pesticide application rates
Ability to apply common sense and carry out detailed written or oral instructions
Ability to follow safety procedures when working with mechanical and chemical equipment

Nice To Haves

Must be working toward or recently obtained a degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field

Responsibilities

Aid in the installation and maintenance of native gardens in Fairbanks Park
Remove invasive plant species from Fairbanks Park
Mix and apply herbicides with proper training, PPE, and oversight
Track invasive species removal using Field Maps
Update time-sensitive maps of invasive species removal using ArcGIS
Create habitat restoration and reclamation plans for native tree and forb restoration following invasive species removal
Operate equipment as assigned including mowers, weed eaters, skid-steer loader, tractor, chainsaw, chipper, forestry mower, mini excavator, stump grinders, trenchers/pullers, box grader, and others
Undergo proper equipment maintenance tasks and training as needed
Provide support for projects by participating in large-scale ground preparation, planting, and plant care
Perform horticultural maintenance tasks, including planting, weeding, pruning, laying sod, snow removal, trash removal, and pesticide application
Serve as a Newfields ambassador in The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park through excellent service and guest relations, responding to any number of internal or external requests for assistance
Work with volunteers and volunteer groups on a variety of small or large scale projects
Attend learning opportunities and field trips in conjunction with Horticulture Department fellows
Other duties as assigned