NURSERY AND LAB SUPPORT INTERN

Location: Meadowview Research Farms, Abingdon, VA

 The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific organization with one of the most ambitious rescue missions in the natural world: return the iconic American chestnut to its native range. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Asheville, NC, TACF and its 16 state chapters are working to restore the American chestnut tree to eastern forests.

Our Mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range

Our Vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor

TACF’s Values: Optimism, Patience, Science-Based Decisions, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration 

Position Summary

The Nursery and Lab Support Intern will support Meadowview Research Farms in the continued management and improvement of containerized chestnut seedlings and conducting science that adds to the mission of TACF. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in activities including, but not limited to: plant propagation, greenhouse and shade house management, Integrated Pest Management strategies, irrigation/fertilization, as well as fungal inoculum preparation and leaf tissue sample processing.

Interns will receive a stipend based on an hourly rate of $16-18/hr, DOE.

Housing (10-minute drive from internship site) is provided.

Internship runs from mid-May through mid-July for approximately 10 weeks with exact dates to be decided upon job offer.

Expected Project Deliverables

The Intern is expected to work 32- 40 hours/week for 10 weeks. During the first 2 weeks of the internship, the Intern will design an individual project based on their personal interests or skills that supports The American Chestnut Foundation’s mission. At the completion of the internship, the intern will present to their supervisor and other team members their project and findings over the 10 weeks, including suggestions for further development of their project.

Required Skills

• Comfortable working outdoors daily in variable weather conditions
• Adaptable and self-motivated
• Strong communication skills
• Highly organized
• Legally authorized to work in the United States
• Must be 18 or older
• Must have reliable transportation

 Preferred Skills

• Interest in forest conservation and American Chestnut restoration
• Familiarity with gardening and working outdoors
• Creative and able to execute on ideas and projects
• Proficient at data collection
• Landscaping or Nursery experience
• Basic laboratory experience a plus
• Combination of relevant experience and education will be considered

Anticipated Skill Development

The Intern will better understand chestnut and eastern forests ecology as well as tree breeding, tree rearing, the chestnut blight, and the importance of the history and future of the American Chestnut. The intern will gain a deeper understanding of working in a non-profit organization and participate in the ever-evolving nature of the work. They will gain skills in tree nursery operations, basics of plant disease testing and rating, and elementary laboratory practices. 

Physical Demands

• Able to lift up to 40lbs
• Comfortable with standing and walking for extended periods of time, sometimes on uneven surfaces
• Comfortable with being exposed to long periods of direct sunlight and summertime heat

 Physical Requirements

• Manual Dexterity: Frequent repetitive hand movements, grasping, holding, and finger dexterity required daily.
• Visual Skills: Daily visual inspection and color distinction; occasional close-range measuring/assembling.
• Communication: Frequent reading, writing, talking, and hearing.
• Mobility: Daily standing, sitting, and walking; occasional stair climbing.
• Lifting: Ability to lift up to 30 lbs daily; occasional lifting of 30–60 lbs.
• Pushing/Pulling: Daily pushing and pulling tasks.
• Posture: Frequent bending and reaching; occasional squatting and crawling.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to dust daily; occasional exposure to fumes, chemicals, and outdoor temperatures.
• Equipment Use: Weekly use of office equipment; daily driving of standard/automatic vehicles.
• Other: Occasional overtime; awareness of electrical hazards.

Benefits

Benefits include health, vision, dental, short and long-term disability, and life insurance, as well as flexible spending account (FSA) options. Benefits begin the first day of the month following hire.

TACF also offers a 403(b)-retirement plan, including 5% company match contributions after two years of service to help your long-term financial plan grow quickly. In addition to at least 12 paid annual holidays, TACF offers ten paid sick days and two weeks of paid vacation which increases with tenure and performance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply on company website and should include submission of a cover letter, resume, and references. The application deadline is Monday, January 19th at 5:00 pm Eastern. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.

TACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all qualified individuals who are seeking employment, and to all current employees.  It is the policy of The American Chestnut Foundation to provide equal employment opportunity to all Team Members and applicants for employment and not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any persons employed or seeking employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer‐related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services (as defined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994) as well as state military and naval service. All Team Members, regardless of the classification or position, are considered employed “at-will.”  This means employment may be terminated at the will of the Team Member and/or the Company at any time; with or without cause and/or with or without notice.  No officer, agent, representative, or Team Member has any authority to enter into any Agreement with any Team Member or applicant for employment on other than on an at-will basis.