Intern at the Pitkin Forest Nursery in Northern Idaho
We are seeking 6 paid interns for summer 2023 to learn operational greenhouse forest seedling production for reforestation and forest restoration.
The Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery at the University of Idaho is an operational forest nursery that grows native conifer seedlings for reforestation in the Inland Northwest. The nursery produces over 400,000 containerized seedlings each year that are sold to reforest lands damaged by wildfires and other natural disturbances, as well as following timber harvesting.
The Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery at the University of Idaho is an operational forest nursery that grows native conifer seedlings for reforestation in the Inland Northwest. The nursery produces over 400,000 containerized seedlings each year that are sold to reforest lands damaged by wildfires and other natural disturbances, as well as following timber harvesting.
Interns will work at the Pitkin Forest Nursery where they will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of containerized forest seedling nursery production. They will learn how to adjust greenhouse environments, seed testing and preparation, principles and practices of semi-automated irrigation and fertilization, identification and management of common pests and diseases, customer relations and sales, mechanical operation and maintenance. In addition, interns will gain hands-on experience watching seedlings grow and critically evaluate necessary steps required to manage the growth and health of seedlings. Interns will visit numerous local and regional forest nurseries throughout the summer. Interns that complete this program will be highly competitive for forest nursery careers.
Application Procedure
Submit an application package in a single document that includes:
• Statement of interest detailing your interest in a career in the forest nursery industry, no more than 500 words
• Resume that includes past work experiences with detailed job duties, education, and professional development credentials
• 2 academic or professional references (names, relation to candidate, phone number, email). Interns must be authorized to work in the USA, pass a criminal background check, and drive university vehicles. Submit application to Andrew Nelson (asnelson@uidaho.edu). Priority Application Date December 31, 2022
Who Should Apply
Those seeking hands on experience growing forest seedlings in an outdoor and greenhouse environment. Capable of multitasking, has a strong attention to detail and motivated to get the job done efficiently and effectively.
Fast Facts
- The forest nursery program at the University of Idaho was established in 1909, making it the oldest programs in the country.
- Previous employees now work at prominent forest and native plant nurseries and are in high demand due to operational experience
- We are one of two university-run forest nurseries that grow seedlings for reforestation needs.
- Interns will interact with and learn hands on skills from professional nursery staff with many years of operational experience.
- $18/hour pay for 40 hours of work per week over the course of 10 weeks in the summer (May 29-August 4, 2023).
- Housing will be provided
- Start and end dates may be flexible.
Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research | University of Idaho (uidaho.edu)
Position listing at The Wildlife Society Job Board
