Venus Flytrap Intern

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

The North Carolina Botanical Garden ( NCBG) has been a leader in native plant conservation, horticulture, and education in the southeastern United States for more than 50 years. As part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we further the University's tripartite teaching, research, and public service mission through our own mission to cultivate connections between plants, people, and place through science, engagement, and conservation. As a garden focused on conserving the biodiversity of southeastern native plants, we recognize that just as biodiversity is critical to a healthy ecosystem, diversity in people and perspectives makes our organization and community stronger. NCBG is committed to creating an environment in our gardens and natural areas where everyone's voice is heard, and everyone feels safe and welcome.

The Venus Flytrap Intern will work with the Conservation Department at the North Carolina Botanical Garden ( NCBG) to support and advance rare plant conservation research. This position provides hands-on experience in field botany, plant conservation, and applied ecological research.
The intern will assist with a research project examining how climate change and fire affect Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) and associated plants' populations and how shifting climate conditions may influence optimal prescribed fire frequency in wet pine savanna ecosystems. This project also
investigates whether Venus flytrap can serve as an indicator species for understanding how other fire adapted rare plant species respond to climate change. The intern will have the opportunity to design and conduct an independent field or laboratory research project focused on one or more rare plant species associated with the wet pine savanna community. Additional responsibilities include assisting the Conservation Botanist with rare plant surveys throughout the North Carolina Coastal Plain and helping with long-term demographic monitoring of Venus flytrap populations.
This position has the possibility to extend into the next academic year, with hours reduced to a maximum of 15 hours per week during that period.
* This position requires driving. A driving record check will be conducted as part of the hiring process.*

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

- Coursework in botany, plant science, biology, ecology, horticulture, environmental science, or related field.
- Ability to conduct applied plant conservation field work outdoors for extended periods in extreme environmental conditions.
- Ability to follow instructions to execute research procedures or perform other repetitive tasks
- Strong written and oral communication skills to work effectively with representative individuals and groups.
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications, statistical software (R or similar), or computer-based mapping software.

Ability to perform physically demanding field work, including bending, stooping, moving up to 40 pounds, and operating equipment across varied terrain with or without reasonable accommodation. The position requires routine exposure to summer heat, humidity, sun, and natural hazards such as mosquitoes, ticks, fire ants, venomous snakes, poison ivy, and other poisonous plants, with or without reasonable accommodations. Occasional overnight travel and evening work are required. Valid driver's license is required.

H-1B sponsorship is not available for this position.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.