Student Employment Opportunities

Horticulture Summer Intern

West Central Research and Outreach Center

Position Description:

Student intern position is seasonal. Position is open as soon as school is out in May or June and will continue until school starts in late August or September. There may be additional part time work in the fall. The person in this position normally works 40 hours/week Monday thru Friday with occasional overtime including watering on weekends. Working hours may be adjusted due to weather conditions and special events.

The student will be given added responsibilities with project leadership provided by a WCROC program leader/faculty or UM faculty member. Project title of this internship is “Producing Strawberries Throughout the Growing Season with a Small Environmental Footprint”. The student must present a public seminar at the end of their experiences and education. The student, program leader or faculty member must have pre-set objectives and goals for the internship. The student will be given a written evaluation based on their performance at the end of the internship.

Tasks Include:
• Responsiblies for this intership under the direction of the Horticulture Scientist include:
1. Prepare, establish, and maintain experimental plots
2. Assist with construction of low tunnel strawberry beds
3. Collect data from experimental plots
4. Assist with strawberry harvest
5. Assist with documentation for reports
6. Participate in educational field days

In addition this position has the responsibility of assisting in preparation, planting, weeding, culture and care, harvesting and data collection of annual and perennial flowers, fruit, hardy shrub roses, ornamental and plant materials research plots and landscaping and grounds maintenance at the West Central Research and Outreach Center.

Tasks Include:

• Assist in care of plant trials and landscape areas under the direction of the Junior Scientist
• Participate in plot layout, tillage, and preparation for planting as required for plant materials.
• Assist in the growing of flower cultivars in greenhouse.
• Assist in care of research/display garden plant materials by watering, fertilizing, weeding, pesticide applications, hoeing, staking, pruning and data collection.
• Assist in plot harvest by hand harvesting, and weighing of experimental plots.
• Operate power equipment as required on plots and grounds and perform daily
required maintenance.
• Assist in maintenance of work areas or buildings and observe safety regulations and
procedures.

WCROC housing available at no charge depending upon availability. You will not work on the regular University holidays of May 27 (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day) and Sept.2, 2013 (Labor Day). These are unpaid holidays for this position.

Application deadline is April 1, 2013

For more information or to apply contact:
Audrey Knollenberg or Steve Poppe , U of M, WCROC
State Highway 329, Morris, MN 56267 Phone: (320) 589-1711
FAX: (320) 589-4870 E-mail: knoll007@umn.edu

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Qualifications/Additional Comments:

Training/Education – College student with some interest in horticulture, plant science, or agriculture. Current drivers license required.

Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions. Capable to work in a team setting but able to work individually as needed. Interest in horticulture science research.

Hours Per Week:

10 hours per week, Monday through Friday

• Preferred Application Procedure(s): Contact Audrey Knollenberg

Number of Positions Available