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Penn State University · 2 months ago

Arboretum Plant Collections Management Internship

University Park, PA

Internship

Hybrid

Intern

$14/hr - $15/hr

Start in 2026 Spring

Penn State University is offering a paid internship in plant curation and collections management at the Arboretum. The role involves assisting in the management of plant collections, utilizing recordkeeping software, and participating in various horticultural activities to support the Arboretum's mission.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Assist in the management of the Arboretum’s plant records system using IrisBG recordkeeping software (e.g., verify plant nomenclature and ID; accession, deaccession, update records, export and import reports and data) for internal and public use

Assist with maintenance and improvements to the Arboretum’s public plant finder/visitor service tool (Arboretum Explorer)

Collect GPS field data using mobile mapping applications and GIS technology to assist with plant records, public mapping projects, and research efforts at the Arboretum

Conduct seasonal plant field inventories in the Arboretum’s botanic gardens and greenhouse facilities to document and track our plant collections

Create and fabricate public-facing plant display labels and accession tags in-house to document the Arboretum’s plant collections

Assist with the design and execution of interpretive signage and other special project requests (ex. educational programming; arboretum events, commemorative gifts, and research projects)

Assist with the creation and public distribution of seasonal plant lists

Research the Arboretum’s plant collections in order to prepare content for web, print, and social media distribution

Assist with plant specimen collection and distribution for research, herbarium, educational, or disease testing purposes

Collect and archive images of Arboretum plants and commemorative items

Participate in meetings and field trips to foster Arboretum donor relationships

Assist in the development of collections management resources and procedural documentation

Assist with supply inventories and other operational/visitor service tasks as needed

Qualification

Plant curationGIS technologyBotanical recordkeeping softwarePlant ID/taxonomyArcGIS applicationsMicrosoft OfficeOrganizational abilityAttention to detail

Required

Applicants should be undergraduates, graduate students, or recent graduates and should demonstrate a strong interest in plant science, horticulture, biology, environmental studies, GIS, geography, museum studies, or library and information science

This position will require working outside in variable weather conditions

Strong organizational ability, attention to detail, familiarity working with large data sets, Microsoft Office suites, ArcGIS applications (desired), and the ability to learn new software and technology will be expected

Preference will be given to candidates who can explain how this opportunity will help them reach their career goals

Resume or CV

Cover letter

Contact information for at least two professional references

Written letters of recommendation are highly preferred

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check

This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties

A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks