Native Habitat & Garden Intern

The Native Habitat & Garden Intern works closely with the Property Stewardship Manager to maintain the gardens and structures on the ten-acre Hilton Bialek Habitat (The Habitat), where MEarth conducts its environmental education programming. This includes MEarth’s edible and educational gardens and habitats, native plant nursery, native demonstration gardens, greenhouses, living roof, and aspects of the L.E.E.D.-certified multi-use culinary classroom.

Reports to: Property Stewardship Manager
Status: Hourly, Non-exempt, Temporary Position (February - June), 10-20 hours per week 

MEarth is a non-profit environmental organization that educates and inspires through environmental stewardship. The organization serves children in Monterey County and the surrounding region at the Hilton Bialek Habitat in Carmel Valley. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to support the Property Stewardship Manager in all aspects of caring for the Hilton Bialek Habitat property.

The position is part-time. The Native Habitat & Garden Intern will work directly with the Property Stewardship Manager to develop a schedule based on availability and the organization’s needs.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

Hilton Bialek Habitat Property

• Assist with propagation efforts and greenhouse work, soil fertility, composting, crop

  rotation, pruning, irrigation, seed and plant propagation, and pest and disease

  management in the edible garden using all-organic methods.

• Maintain a regular record of garden work, harvest yields, and planting rotations.

• Work with the property manager to ensure the property facilities and equipment are in

  safe and reliable working order, i.e., tool shed, greenhouse, irrigation system, hand

  tools, etc.

• Work with the keen aesthetic of the program in mind, keeping the property in a

  presentable state for our numerous classes, tours, and community visitors.

Programming and Restoration Project Support

• Work collaboratively with MEarth staff to support the successful delivery of some educational programming at the Habitat.

• Ensure an engaging and rewarding experience for volunteers to help maintain the property.

  Required Education and Experience:

• Educational Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent.

• Desired Experience: Currently working towards (or has) a BA or BS in agriculture,

  environmental studies, or equivalent degree or working experience in the agricultural sector.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with youth, peers, volunteers, interns, etc., in various situations.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skills in accomplishing work-related tasks – with accuracy, precision, completeness, and neatness.

• Desire to learn to accomplish project-related responsibilities using materials, tools, equipment, and fundamental subject matter as instructed.

• Effective and efficient work habits, including organization of work, punctuality, dependability, and best practices for personal and team safety.

• Has worked collaboratively in a team setting and is motivated to work independently.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Effectively provide oral and written

  directions.

• Establish and maintain friendly, cooperative, and effective working relationships with all

  persons contacted during work.

• Demonstrated a positive attitude and enthusiasm for work, willingness to meet job

  requirements, and ability to adapt to change and provide solutions.

• Demonstrated good judgment, promptness of action, and sound decision-making.

  Required Physical Capabilities:

  The working environment is subject to bending, crouching, or kneeling to access information and/or to assist students from ground level to 4.5 feet above the ground, pushing, pulling, and lifting of instructional equipment and supplies, sitting on chairs or floor, leaning over for prolonged periods, reaching in all directions, and working outdoors for extended periods. Inherent in one or more of the essential functions of this position are the following physical requirements and ability to:

• See for purposes of reading instructions, labels, and other printed matter and for the safe operation of equipment.

• Hear and understand speech at normal levels in person, virtually, and/or on the telephone.

• Communicate so others will clearly understand a normal conversation in person, virtually, and/or on the telephone.

• Follow instructions and operate gardening and property management equipment with dexterity and safely and efficiently.

• Routinely lift and carry supplies and materials weighing up to 40 pounds. 

Background Check:

• Successful completion of the hiring process is contingent upon the applicant passing a multi-agency livescan fingerprint/background check and TB test (paid for by MEarth).
• Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. As required, the employee may perform other duties to meet the organization’s ongoing needs. Employment at MEarth is at will.
• MEarth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please provide your resume, cover letter, and references at the link below. https://forms.gle/RLcP6mmgRx1qDefd6

No phone calls, please.