Temporary Blueberry Research Internship - Castle Hayne, NC

North Carolina State University; Castle Hayne (NC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

North Carolina State University offers an internship in applied horticultural research at the NCSU Horticultural Crops Research Station in Castle Hayne, NC. Interns will support a blueberry breeding program and engage in various activities such as plant care, data collection, and office tasks. This role is ideal for students and recent graduates looking to gain meaningful experience in plant science and data analysis.

Responsibilities include executing greenhouse tasks and managing supplies, while qualifications require some post-secondary education, attention to detail, and relevant skills. The position offers a flexible schedule.

Qualifications

• Willingness to work in hot, humid, buggy conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs on a routine basis.
• Ability to perform redundant tasks with care to completion.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute plant care and harvesting tasks.
• Collect field data for blueberry breeding research.
• Manage inventory of greenhouse and field supplies.
• Perform office‑based tasks including data entry and image labeling.
• Work outdoors in varying conditions with attention to detail and repetitive‑task proficiency.
• Schedule flexibility: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekdays; 10‑35 hours per week; core blueberry season May–July preferred.

Skills

Attention to detail

Fine-motor skills

Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets

Experience with plant care

Education

Some post-secondary education

Tools

Laboratory equipment (scales, balances, autoclaves)

pH meters

Lab equipment (scales, balances, autoclaves)

Job description

This internship offers students and recent graduates meaningful, hands‑on experience in applied horticultural research at the NCSU Horticultural Crops Research Station in Castle Hayne, NC, located near Wilmington. Selected candidates will support an active blueberry breeding program focused on developing varieties suited for mechanical harvest. Day‑to‑day responsibilities span greenhouse, shade house, and field environments and include plant care, pollination, transplanting, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, harvesting, and field data collection. Interns will also contribute to inventory management and office‑based tasks such as data entry and image labeling in support of an ongoing machine learning project—making this a well‑rounded opportunity for those with interests in both plant science and data.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute plant care, pollination, transplanting, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and harvesting.
• Collect field data for blueberry breeding research.
• Manage inventory of greenhouse and field supplies.
• Perform office‑based tasks including data entry and image labeling for a machine learning project.
• Work outdoors in varying conditions with attention to detail and repetitive‑task proficiency.
• Schedule flexibility: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. weekdays; 10‑20 hours per week (Sept–Mar), 20+ hours (Apr–Aug); core blueberry season May–July preferred.

Qualifications

• Some post‑secondary education.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs on a routine basis.
• Willingness to work in hot, humid, buggy conditions.
• Ability to perform redundant tasks with care and to completion.
• Good attention to detail and excellent fine‑motor skills.
• Experience with plant care.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment (scales, balances, autoclaves).
  Use and calibration of pH meters.
• Skill in making dilutions.
• Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets.
• Work schedule: 10‑35 hours per week, Monday‑Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., with occasional weekends.

EEO Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.