Plant Diversity Intern

Stone Barns Center•Tarrytown, NY

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Diversity Intern reports to the Senior Ecological Monitoring Coordinator and Director of Ecological Monitoring. This is an opportunity for individuals currently studying Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field who are interested in participating in and supporting an extensive ArcGIS-based ecological monitoring program on a diversified working farm, primarily on pastures grazed by cattle, goats, and chickens. As an Intern, your work will help build an understanding of how decisions affect the health of the soil, water quality, plants, and biotic communities we steward. Findings will inform creative solutions to food system issues and how our food choices can impact the land. Working under a variety of field conditions (e.g. sun, heat, insects, rain, and dense vegetation), you will investigate plant diversity across the farm landscape. Primary work will include conducting line intercept plant surveys on 72 grassland and 18 woodland plant transects. Other duties may include assisting with invasive and rare species surveys, forage quality sampling, biomass sampling, and tree surveys. While plant monitoring will be your primary focus, all interns will be expected to work collaboratively to achieve the overall goals of the monitoring program. This individual will gain a deep understanding of how ecological data is used in conjunction with various areas of focus on the farm through collaboration and scheduled check-ins with Stone Barns Center leaders and other interns. This cross-departmental opportunity will allow the individual to obtain valuable professional work experience, knowledge and skills.

Nice To Haves

Committed to exploring the intersection between food and farming culture
Able to follow a research project through to the end report and to integrate feedback from collaborators and organizational leaders throughout the process
Interested in learning to use GIS and basic database software for data entry and basic analysis
Able to work effectively in a variety of environmental conditions (heat, rain, insects, etc.)
Pursuing studies in Environmental Science, Biology or related field, with a strong preference for a robust background in plant biology, field plant ID, and/or ecology
Proficient in plant ID skills and the skills to pursue difficult plant identifications
Able to work independently and as a part of an academic pod
Effective in verbal, written and interpersonal communications; able to communicate clearly with various personnel to share/gather information
Experienced with field work, sample collection, and data organization/entry

Responsibilities

Identify plant species in grassland and forest habitats in accordance with Stone Barns monitoring protocols and enter into our ArcGIS database using mobile field apps
Collect samples of all new species encountered and press for preservation
Complete forage sampling and calculation of available biomass in pastures
Conduct basic analysis and summary of the incoming data
Assist with presentation of information to the team and stakeholders in verbal or written format
Participate occasionally in pastured livestock activities with the Livestock team
Other ecological monitoring projects and assignments as needed