Garden/Botany Internship Details and Applying

About Our Organization ECSS: Sweetbriar Nature Center is a private not-for-profit, 501c3, a corporation that exists to provide natural science education services for Long Island residents of all ages and to engage in native wildlife rehabilitation services. Sweetbriar Nature Center has 54 acres of varied garden, woodland, field, and wetland habitats on the Nissequogue River. Hundreds of species of plants and animals make homes here. Our grounds are open to the public year-round. Our center cares for and rehabilitates over 2,000 sick, orphaned, and injured wild animals yearly. Sweetbriar is also home to over 100 non-releasable and domestic animals. We provide hundreds of environmental and natural science programs to schools, libraries, and other organizations throughout the year. Through education and examples, ECSS encourages responsible decision-making, appreciation, and respect for the unique wildlife and ecosystems found on Long Island.

Internship Description: Sweetbriar Nature Center seeks an organized, efficient, and driven intern to help plan, plant, and maintain our volunteer gardens. This includes learning about our gardens, working with volunteers, and identifying invasive species. Interns are required to develop and complete a project related to their internship that would benefit the local community or center.

This internship is eligible for academic or course credit if approved by your educational institution.

Qualifications:

• Applicants should be interested in natural sciences, biology, sustainability, or related fields

• Experience with gardening is recommended

• Enthusiasm and curiosity about the natural world

• Positive attitude

• Ability to work efficiently and independently

• Must be okay with lifting and being outside during the summer.

• Your own transportation

Great for Students Majoring in: Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences, Biology, or other related fields

Hours:

• 25-35 hours per week (anytime between 7 am-5 pm)

• Flexible, but we prefer you to work the same hours each week.

To Apply: Scroll to the bottom of this page for the form

Please read through everything on this page before applying

Additional questions- Please email Veronica Sayers at programs@sweetbriarnc.org

Typical Garden Intern Day:

Morning weeding and any cooler part of the day activities. Check in with the garden board and/or staff for monthly or weekly plans. As you’re doing garden work, make note of any issues such as fungus, pests, and more. Let staff know, address issues, and look up ways to treat. You may be involved in planning a new garden area and need to research plants. Work with the garden volunteer group on their tasks. Watering where needed. Check in butterfly house to help with garden tasks/issues.

Working on a school-related / center-related project. (This will be determined with your advisor or vivarium director, depending on whether you’re doing credits) At times, other organizations will be here to do projects in the garden or with wildlife. We highly encourage you to join them to network, work with them and ask questions.