7. U.S. National Arboretum
The U. S. National Arboretum offers a limited number of internships to qualified individuals seeking on-the-job work experience and training in horticulture, botany, research, education and arboretum administration. They are supported jointly by the U.S. National Arboretum and the Friends of the National Arboretum. Educational opportunities include experience working with the professional staff in national programs and working on an independent project related to the Arboretum. Interns also participate in regularly scheduled field trips and lectures. Interns are paid $8.47 per hour (GS-3, government scale). College credit, may be arranged by the intern. Housing is not provided. Intern information and applications are also available through the Arboretum web site or from: Internship Coordinator, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave., N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002-1958
Phone: (202) 245-4523, http://www.ars-grin.gov/na/
INTERSHIPS
ASIAN COLLECTION (CHADWICK FELLOWSHIP)
This collection's dramatic landscape features plants collected from the rich floras of China, Japan, and Korea. Intern gains hands-on gardening and maintenance experience throughout the Asian Collection's extensive plantings as well as greenhouse and plant inventory upkeep.
CONIFER COLLECTIONS
Practical learning experience assisting staff in all aspects of garden maintenance and development. The conifer collections comprise some 20 acres and include the Gotelli Collection of Dwarf and Slow Growing Conifers, the Watnong Collection of dwarf pines, and species plantings. Experience with woody plant materials helpful.
DOGWOOD COLLECTION
The Dogwood Collection features many exceptional varieties and species of Cornus in a tranquil setting. Intern gains experience with various garden maintenance tasks, pruning, record-keeping, and pest and disease identification.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING INTERN
The Arboretum's Education and Visitor Services Unit develops programs for the public as well as interacts with visitors. Intern will develop programs specific to a theme for the year 2000 which will be aimed at the general public and school and camp groups. Tasks will include writing/creating programs to be performed by invited speakers, etc. The intern will be responsible for determining and contacting potential speakers, creating children's activities, and interacting with the public on an as-needed basis. Intern will work under the supervision of the Interpretive Specialist. Intern should have some previous program experience and naturalist/science background.
FERN VALLEY NATIVE PLANT COLLECTION (LAHR INTERN)
Collection features several habitats of the Eastern United States, comprising seven acres of natural woodland and meadow. Intern will assist in the maintenance of the collection, including planting, weeding, watering, pruning, and propagation. Interest in North American native plants is required.
FLORAL AND NURSERY PLANTS RESEARCH INTERN - I
The Arboretum's research unit is conducting an evaluation of floral and nursery plant germplasm selections. Intern will assist in evaluation of germplasm selections, including determination of "pathogen-free" status before distribution to cooperators for trialing. Pathogen-free status will be determined using standard methods for pathogen detection using current molecular biology techniques and inoculation of test plants and media. Knowledge of biochemistry and/or cell biology is preferable.
FLORAL AND NURSERY PLANTS RESEARCH INTERN - II
The Arboretum's research unit is also conducting a project involving transgenic plants. The intern will assist with tissue culture, acclimation of transgenic plants to greenhouse conditions, and DNA and serological analysis in an ongoing program to introduce genes conferring resistance to viral, fungal, and bacterial pathogens into ornamental crop species, and evaluate the resulting transgenic plants. Knowledge of biochemistry and/or cell biology is preferable.
FRIENDSHIP GARDEN
Garden in an innovative landscape that includes woody plants, perennials, ornamental grasses, and bulbs designed for year-round interest. Position involves maintenance in this "residential" garden setting. Schedule will be decided between Incumbent and supervisor.
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
This position provides an opportunity to work with a wide variety of plants and the insects and diseases that attack them. Duties include inspection of plants for evidence of pests in all Arboretum collections and greenhouses, application of non-chemical controls, and assistance teaching landscape IPM theories and techniques to professionals and home gardeners. Interest in entomology and plant pathology required.
NATIONAL HERB GARDEN
This 2 ½ acre garden includes 800 kinds of herbs from around the world as well as antique roses. Practical learning experience assisting gardener in all aspects of garden maintenance and development, including greenhouse work, potted plant maintenance, propagation, planting, watering, etc. Interest in herbs as "useful" plants and antique roses required.
ROTATING GARDENS UNIT INTERN - I & II
Intern will assist with general garden maintenance tasks and duties in various collections/gardens within the Arboretum, including, weeding, watering, planting, mulching, etc. Intern will circulate through pre-determined areas in two to three month rotations, thus allowing a broad work experience throughout the grounds of the Arboretum's 444 acres.
SHRUB BREEDING PROGRAM RESEARCH INTERN
The shrub breeding program is responsible for the release of more than 50 ornamental cultivars. The intern assists in the genetic improvement of woody landscape plants such as crape myrtle, redbud, witchhazel, and lilac. Specific duties include hands-on work in molecular biology as well as basic plant maintenance. Knowledge of cell biology and genetics preferred.
WASHINGTON YOUTH GARDEN
Garden with Washington, D.C. school children in a hands-on program that teaches basic vegetable gardening skills and an appreciation for the natural environment. Intern will assist in the development of age-appropriate activities in horticulture and nature crafts. Interest in children and gardening preferable.