Tyler Pollinator Preserve Seasonal Intern
Employment Type
Paid Internship (Part-time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
The Pollinator Preserve Seasonal Intern is a temporary Non-Exempt position, 20 hours per week running from mid-April through Labor Day with possible extension through October 2025. The position receives $15/hour, no benefits and reports to the Pollinator Preserve Coordinator.
He/she will assist with the day-to-day needs of the Pollinator Preserve including garden maintenance, monitoring the balance and health of plants and insects, participating in the weekly Education Stations and interacting with the volunteers and visitors. Weekend hours are expected.
About Us
Tyler Arboretum is a 650-acre Arboretum located in the heart of Delaware County, Pennsylvania- the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Tyler Arboretum’s mission is to conserve our historic landscapes and connect people to the natural world. The Arboretum is unusually wealthy in natural areas, with extensive forests, meadows, the only two state-classified unimpaired streams in Delaware County, 17 miles of hiking trails, and the Pink Hill Serpentine Barrens, a globally rare ecosystem with populations of over 20 endangered, threatened, and near threatened species. Tyler Arboretum is a vital resource for the region, providing nature-based programming and educating members and other visitors about the natural world. Tyler is host to over 60,000 visits annually, including students from the local school districts, universities that use Tyler as a research destination, and many residents from throughout metropolitan Philadelphia who use Tyler as a sanctuary and recreational landscape.
Duties & Responsibilities
• Provide recommendations and resolutions to the day to day needs and issues within the entire Pollinator Preserve
• Complete garden maintenance as discussed with the Pollinator Preserve Coordinator. Lead volunteers in the completion of weekly gardening tasks.
• Assist with reinforcing training provided by the Pollinator Preserve Coordinator, including when new volunteers join the team.
• Actively participate in providing interpretation for visitors, school groups and campers touring the gardens, especially when volunteers are not on duty. Be available when needs dictate, prioritizing issue resolution, school and tour groups and campers.
• Meet regularly with the Pollinator Preserve Coordinator to review needs, goals and assess progress of program strategies. Ensure associated displays, documentation and learning tools are available as needed.
• Support, plan and participate in educational presentations to visitors.
• Work one weekend day per week and occasional evenings when Tyler is open for an event.
• Option to identify and conduct a related focus project, presenting findings by end of season.
• Assist in the creation of blogs, videos and social media if time/talent allows.
Education and Experience
• Training in conservation, and a basic knowledge of native perennial plants and host plants is required
• Knowledge of Lepidoptera, other pollinators and garden insects common to this area will be required and can be learned during the initial training period. Must be comfortable around insects, including caterpillars, wasps and bees.
• Gardening and plant identification skills are highly desired
• Strong people skills are required
• Strong communication skills are required.
• Able to lead by example.
• Experience in public speaking or leading tours is ideal.
• Requires frequent and prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, twisting and climbing.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors in heat and humidity
Application Instructions
Please send cover letter and resume to Nancy Heinbaugh via email to: nheinbaugh@tylerarboretum.org This should outline how this internship can support your career goal(s). No phone calls please.
Application Deadline:February 28, 2025