Fall Intern, Litzsinger Road Ecology Center

Summary: The Litzsinger Road Ecology Center (LREC) is an outdoor facility associated with the Missouri Botanical Garden that is dedicated to ecological education, research and restoration in the heart of metropolitan St. Louis. Litzsinger Road Ecology Center, located in Ladue, Missouri, is committed to partnering with students and educators in realizing local and national education objectives through the investigation and restoration of local ecosystems.

Description:

The Litzsinger Road Ecology Center is recruiting a seasonal intern to assist in restoration and site management of 39 acres of prairie, woodland and urban creek in St. Louis. This position is a paid entry-level internship that will require 40 hours per week for 10 weeks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Actively works with restoration staff and volunteers to perform prairie and woodland restoration.
• Participates in native plant propagation and seed collection.
• Identifies and manages invasive plant species through use of manual, mechanical, and herbicide application.
• Assists in ecological monitoring - stream monitoring (water quality and macroinvertebrates) and vegetation monitoring.
• Data entry and database support (Excel, Access)
• Operates power equipment and hand tools.
• Interacts with volunteers and partner schools as needed.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Strong interest in outdoors, ecology, natural history and restoration.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences including children of all ages, volunteers and adults.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent with an interest in biology, natural resource management, environmental studies, horticulture, or related field.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills:

• H.S. basic math aptitude; requires proficient ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals, etc.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., PowerPoint, Excel and Word) or similar software packages on a PC or MAC.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Must have and maintain valid Driver's license.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk up to three miles on uneven terrain and on and off trails.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., climb ladders, etc.).
• Able to lift up to (50) pounds (i.e., load, unload and move supplies and equipment).
• Must be able to work in high heat/humidity.
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time - 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet (e.g., extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing)

Work Environment:

• Climate controlled buildings.
• Shared office space.
• Work outdoors in temperatures of (100°F or more), humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0°F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions and some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. wet, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, etc.) as needed.
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to visitors, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the LREC environment.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Garden Employees, Volunteers, Guests
• Client teachers and students

Supervisor (title not person):

• Supervisor, Restoration Ecology