Temporary Blueberry Research Internship - Castle Hayne, NC

NC State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

NC State University seeks a Temporary Blueberry Research Intern at the Horticultural Crops Research Station in Castle Hayne, NC. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in applied horticultural research and includes responsibilities such as plant care, pollination, and data entry to support machine learning projects.

Interns will work 10-20 hours per week at first, increasing to 20+ hours. Strong candidates will be detail-oriented and able to lift up to 40 lbs. Flexible scheduling allows for work between 7 am and 6 pm.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be pursuing a degree in horticulture or related fields.
• Ability to work flexible hours between 7 am and 6 pm.
• Commitment to learning and collaboration is important.

Responsibilities

• Support blueberry breeding program through various tasks.
• Perform plant care, pollination, transplanting, and data collection.
• Contribute to inventory management and data entry.

Skills

Ability to lift up to 40 lbs

Willingness to work in hot, humid conditions

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in horticulture, biology or related fields

Tools

Laboratory equipment (scales, balances, autoclaves)

Job description

Temporary Blueberry Research Internship - Castle Hayne, NC

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. Attention to detail, comfort with repetitive tasks, and a willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions are important for success in this role. Scheduling is flexible between 7 am and 6 pm on weekdays. Hours begin at 10–20 per week from September through March, increasing to 20 or more per week from April through August. Candidates who can commit through the core blueberry season (May–July) are especially encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to candidates pursuing degrees in horticulture, biology, or related fields, and to those who demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and collaboration.

Work Schedule

10–35 hrs per week, M-F 8 am – 5 pm as needed. Some weekends may be required.

Required Skills

• 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

Experience

• Plant care
• Using laboratory equipment such as scales, balances, and autoclaves

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.