Pitkin Forest Nursery, University of Idaho Seeks Interns for Summer 2022
Position Title 
Intern
Position Summary
We are seeking 5 paid interns for summer 2022 to learn operational greenhouse tree seedling production for reforestation and forest restoration. The Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Research Nursery at the University of Idaho is an operational reforestation nursery that focuses on propagation of native conifer seedlings for reforestation in the Inland Northwest. The nursery routinely grows over 400,000 containerized seedlings each year that are used to help reforest lands damaged by wildfires and other natural disturbances, as well as following timber harvesting.
Interns will be stationed at the Pitkin Nursery where they will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of containerized tree seedling nursery production. They will learn how to control greenhouse climate conditions, learn the principles and practices of semi-automated irrigation and fertilization, identify and learn ways to control common pests and diseases, and gain hands-on experience watching tree seedlings grow and critically evaluate necessary steps required to manage the growth and health of the crops. During the summer, the interns will travel to local and regional reforestation nurseries to learn how other nurseries produce seedlings. Students will also take field trips to planting sites with landowners to learn about the seedling characteristics that lead to seedling success in the field. Interns that complete this program will be highly competitive for seedling nursery careers.
To learn more, visit: https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/center-for-forest-nursery-and-seedling-research
Fast Facts:
- $15/hour pay for 40 hours of work per week over the course of 10 weeks in the summer (May 30-August 5, 2022)
- On campus housing will be provided
- Start and end dates will be flexible to accommodate student's academic schedules.
- Interns will interact with faculty who specialize in tree and native plant propagation, nursery staff with over 25 years of operational experience, and other students interested in propagation
To apply:
Please submit an application package in a single document that includes: (i) a statement of interest indicating why horticulture interest you, and your future career interests, no more than 500 words, and (ii) a resume that includes past work experience, your university, you major, current GPA, and at least 2 academic or professional references. The internship is available to currently enrolled students or recently graduated (within the previous 6 months) at universities across the USA. Interns must be able to work in the USA, pass a criminal background check, and drive university vehicles.
Submit your application to Dr. Andrew Nelson (asnelson@uidaho.edu), Director of the Pitkin Nursery.
Applications are due by January 15, 2022. Applicants will be notified by January 31, 2022.