Arboretum Plant Collections Management Internship

Penn State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Arboretum internship offers hands-on experience in plant collections management, GIS mapping, and public-facing display creation. The role emphasizes IrisBG recordkeeping, field inventories, and collaborative signage projects in a hybrid on-site setting at the Arboretum.

Open to undergraduates, graduate students, or recent graduates with interest in plant science, GIS, and museum studies.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate in plant science, horticulture, biology, GIS, or related fields.
• Willing to work outside in variable weather conditions.
• Working knowledge of plant ID/taxonomy or willingness to learn.
• Familiarity with large data sets; Microsoft Office; ArcGIS preferred.
• Ability to learn new software and technology.

Responsibilities

• Maintain plant records in IrisBG; verify nomenclature and IDs.
• Update Arboretum Explorer and public plant finder as needed.
• Collect GPS data via mobile GIS for plant records and mapping.
• Conduct seasonal plant inventories in gardens and greenhouses.
• Create public display labels and accession tags in-house.
• Assist with interpretive signage and educational projects.

Skills

Plant ID

Taxonomy

GIS

ArcGIS

Microsoft Office

Data analysis

Education

Undergraduate

Graduate student

Recent graduate

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Job Description and Position Requirements

The Arboretum at Penn State is offering one paid ($17.00/hr. undergraduate, $18.00/hr. graduate) internship in plant collections management for undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates interested in career paths in museum studies, plant science, horticulture, biology, GIS, or related topics. This position can run for up to 9 months, preferably beginning in early spring 2027 and ending in fall; however exact dates are negotiable. This is a short-term position for up to 40-hours per week; full-time equivalent hours will not exceed 16 weeks. Scheduled internship activities generally take place between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays with few exceptions for field trips and professional development opportunities. This is a hybrid position with some remote work opportunities available, although the majority of time will be spent on-site at the Arboretum.

Primary 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, projects, and field trips to foster Arboretum donor relationships as applicable.
• Assist in the development of collections management resources and procedural documentation.
• Assist with supply inventories and other operational/visitor service tasks as needed.
• Participate in an online Penn State Outreach Upskill Canvas course with your internship cohort to reflect on NACE skills, personal growth, and career readiness.

Qualifications

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. The preferred applicant will demonstrate a working knowledge of plant ID/taxonomy skills or the desire to learn. 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.

Requirements

Resume or CV Cover letter Contact information for at least two professional references. Written letters of recommendation are highly preferred.

Application

Applications must be submitted online via the Penn State Jobs website by Friday, 1/29/27. Application instructions are different for Penn State Students, Staff, and External Applicants. Instructions for using the PSU Jobs website are available at https://hr.psu.edu/careers. Please make certain to include a cover letter, resume or CV, and reference materials with your application materials. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews to be scheduled beginning in February 2027.

Background Checks/Clearances

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
• 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.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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