The Plant Records Management Intern is a recent college graduate that will gain experience in the operations and management of a plant records office at a public garden. The intern is immersed in the office’s daily operations which include maintaining the plant records databases, plant nomenclature and plant labels for a collection of over 11,000 taxa. The intern is trained, mentored, and assigned work by the Plant Records Manager. He/she is an integral part of the plant records office which is within the Library and Information Services unit of the Education Department and will work to achieve goals that support Longwood Gardens’ mission.
The essential functions of the position are:
- Accession newly acquired plants.
- Verify plant nomenclature utilizing a wide range of publications, databases and other information resources, including archival files.
- Produce both display labels and brass accession tags.
- Map woody plant material using a GPS.
- Provide reference assistance for students, staff, and external guests which may include research and/or plant identification.
- Inventory plants throughout the collection.
- Work a weekly shift at the Longwood Library reference/ circulation desk.
- Update What’s in Bloom on Longwood Gardens’ website.
- Actively contribute to all required Longwood student/intern work projects as defined by the Director of Domestic and International Studies, as well as participates in student/intern activities as appropriate considering the intern’s professional interests and work priorities.
All tasks are performed in alignment with Longwood’s organizational values and are in support of achievement of Longwood’s Strategic Plan.
Skills and knowledge we are looking for in a candidate:
- Familiarity with plant identification
- Familiarity with principles of plant nomenclature
- Familiarity with plant records databases
- Familiarity with geospatial software
- Great organizational skills
- Be able, comfortable, and willing to work independently and as part of a group
- Be able, comfortable, and willing to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to interact with people in a courteous, patient, and professional manner
This is a 12 month internship starting in May or September.
The position extends throughout one full year, full time, 40 hours per week. This is a paid position at a rate of $10.00/hour with optional free housing (a taxable benefit) provided. Located in Kennett Square, PA, Longwood Gardens is approximately 45 minutes southwest of Philadelphia.
For more information on housing, student activities, hours and wages, go to http://longwoodgardens.org/education/college-and-university-programs/internships-for-us-students or contact EDU-Studies@longwoodgardens.org
A completed application should include
1. The application form (found here: http://longwoodgardens.org/education/college-and-university-programs/internships-us-students/apply-now/application)
2. A copy of your resume (uploaded in a word pdf file)
3. A statement of your professional objectives, approximately 200 words (uploaded in a word pdf file)
4. Official transcripts of all college courses, must show cumulative GPA, minimum GPA of 2.5 required (uploaded in a word pdf file)
5. A letter of reference from your academic advisor (or professor) regarding your scholastic achievements and potential as an intern (uploaded in a word pdf file)
6. A reference from a current or former employer, preferably from within your field of interest (uploaded in a word pdf file)
ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.
Must be received by February 1, 2018 for May start date.
Must be received by May 1, 2018 for September start date.
