at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, United States
Job Description
The Morton Arboretum Herbarium is a collaborative, authoritative, growing, and permanent repository of the plants and biota of the northern temperate zone, with special focus on plants of The Morton Arboretum, the Chicago Region, and Arboretum research.The Herbarium serves global audiences of scientists, horticulturists, students, and the public as a research and education collection for studying and contributing to biodiversity conservation. We are seeking an intern to assist with our ongoing imaging project, in addition to data entry and/or proofreading, and other activities as needed (e.g. assisting with loan preparation or checking back in). During the course of this internship, the intern will get a breadth of experience in herbarium activities, and learn how herbaria work. The intern will have the opportunity to be part of the Herbarium/Plant Systematics Lab meetings, which will provide broader exposure to ongoing research and herbarium activities.
Position Summary: Assist in laboratory and/or field operations at the Arboretum under close supervision of an Arboretum scientist. Specific responsibilities will vary with each research program. Research programs include soil science, root biology, plant health care, plant systematics, forest ecology, and conservation biology.
Essential Functions:
Provide support to a scientist for the implementation of research and related projects.
Assist with data and sample collection, sample processing, data analysis, and record keeping on research and relatedprojects.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and perform routine lab maintenance by keepinglaboratory and field equipment in good working order.
May maintain living plants in the field and greenhouse.
May voucher and assist with the curation of herbarium specimens.
Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum's employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning and make the Arboretum exceptional.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Current enrollment in Associate or Bachelor's degree program, with an interest in studying biology, environmental sciences, or a related field, or have obtained an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Organization and independent working skills preferred. Willingness and eagerness to learn necessary field, laboratory, and library research skills required. Experience with database, spreadsheets, and statistical/graphics computer programs, and Google applications beneficial. Depending on the position may require possession of a valid driver's license, which is subject to insurability, and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.
Success Factors: Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and field environments. Good written and oral communication skills. Clear thought, visual acuity, and manual dexterity needed.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs. assisted). Use of chemicals may be necessary.
Work Environment: Office environment and Arboretum grounds. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions. Some local or national travel may be required.
Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular field of research, hand tools.
The hiring rate for this position is $20/hour
For full consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter
The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.
