Plant Biodiversity Explorer

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Inc • Santa Barbara, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Career paths into the conservation field are not straightforward or obvious for many. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Conservation Internship Program is designed to give career-building, hands-on conservation experience to individuals who are interested in a career in the conservation and research space but have not yet had the opportunity or guidance into this rewarding field. Through this internship, we aim to bring in people curious and passionate about the environment who will bring in fresh ideas and new energy strengthening this field and facilitating shared leadership.

Although the California flora has been carefully studied for decades, legions of plant mysteries remain to be investigated, and many plants that are new to science remain to be formally described. Join the Garden’s plant systematists in investigating one of these plant taxonomic mysteries in a careful study of plant morphology. This temporary position is being offered at 20 hours per week, for 8-10 weeks, between June and September 2026. The Plant Biodiversity Explorer reports to the Ken and Shirley Tucker Plant Systematist and Curator of the Clifton Smith Herbarium. Join us to explore California’s undescribed plant biodiversity!

Requirements

• To be a college-level student (you need not be currently enrolled) OR have relevant experience or education
• A strong interest in botany, rare plant conservation, ecology, or related fields with career goals in this direction
• Have manual dexterity sufficient to make careful plant dissections, handle priceless museum specimens, or precisely sample and transfer small volumes of fluid using micropipettes.
• Basic computer skills
• Support for the Garden’s mission and goals
• A reliable means of transportation to and from the Garden
• Sit for up to 2 hours at a time and using computer for lengthy periods
• Stand/walk for extended periods of time
• Work regularly onsite at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Letter of interest describing your commitment to conservation
• One letter of recommendation

Responsibilities

• Work with specimens from the Garden’s herbarium and elsewhere to quantify aspects of the focal plant’s appearance
• Make measurements of macromorphological features such as leaves using digital calipers, or assess truly ‘micro’ features using our scanning electron microscope
• Interns who are able to commit a greater length of time may be incorporated into field work and potentially manuscript preparation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed