Conservation and Restoration Horticulture Internship
Posting Number:
G/R32080P
Working Title:
Conservation and Restoration Horticulture Internship
Department:
PSO-Marine Extension Service
About The University Of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/) . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About The College/Unit/Department:
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides integrated research, education and extension programs that foster the responsible use of Georgia’s coastal resources by individuals, decision-makers and management agencies.
Our program is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia (UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.
Mission and Focus AreasMarine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension.
Every four years, our program develops a long-range strategic plan that describes our goals and priorities for the coming years. To create this plan, we utilize an inclusive, multi-step process that incorporates fresh input from a diverse constituency.
Read Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan here .
The strategic plan outlines goals, strategies, outcomes and corresponding performance measures organized under the program’s four focus areas:
• Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development
• Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
• Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
• Resilient Communities and Economies
College/Unit/Department Website:
https://gacoast.uga.edu/
Employment Type:
Employee
Additional Schedule Information:
Start date: May 11, 2026 End date: August 7, 2026
40 hours per week
Advertised Salary:
$15.00/hr
Anticipated Start Date:
05/11/2026
Posting Date:
02/02/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Special Instructions To Applicants:
Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on March 09, 2026 via UGA Jobs.For general questions about opportunities or application process, please email marineinternship@uga.edu
Location of Vacancy:
Outside Athens
EOO Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu ).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Duties/Responsibilities:
Demonstration Garden Stewardship and Engagement The intern will support the care, irrigation, and ongoing development of the coastal demonstration garden, which features native species and climate-resilient landscape practices. Responsibilities will include routine garden maintenance, developing new interpretive signage (e.g., plant identification), and assisting with outreach and educational programs, including Master Gardener workshops and public events.
Percentage Of Time:
50
Duties/Responsibilities:
Native Plant Sourcing for Coastal Restoration The intern will contribute to emerging efforts that improve the sourcing, handling, and coordination of native plant materials for coastal conservation. This may include hands-on learning related to seed collection, processing, and storage; support for infrastructure and equipment needs (e.g., seed cleaning tools); and collaboration with partners involved in native plant production. The intern will also have opportunities to assist with technician-led fieldwork, strengthen connections between UGA and partner organizations, and support the development of best practices for sourcing plant material for restoration projects.
Classification Title:
Temporary Office/Clerical
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Position Summary:
The Conservation and Restoration Horticulture Internship provides hands-on experience at the intersection of native plant horticulture, ecological restoration, and community engagement. The intern will help enhance University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s public-facing demonstration garden and outreach programs, while also supporting emerging partnerships focused on improving native plant sourcing for conservation and restoration.
Objectives
Professional Growth and Mentorship
Under the guidance of a dedicated mentor, the intern will have opportunities to explore career pathways in conservation horticulture, build foundational skills in restoration practice, and contribute to the early implementation of programs that address regional ecological challenges.
Demonstration Garden Stewardship
Assist with the care, irrigation, and upkeep of the Brunswick demonstration garden, which showcases native and resilient landscape species. The intern will help ensure the garden remains a vibrant educational space, contributing to weeding, pruning, mulching, planting, and other seasonal maintenance tasks.
Interpretive Signage and Public Engagement
Develop new species identification signage and other interpretive materials that communicate the value of native plants and sustainable landscaping to garden visitors. Support public-facing programs, such as Master Gardener workshops and educational tours, by helping with preparation, logistics, and participant engagement.
Applied Native Plant Conservation
Contribute to ongoing efforts to improve the sourcing and use of native vegetation in restoration through applied horticultural and conservation work. The intern will gain exposure to native seed collection, cleaning, and storage methods and may assist with equipment organization and space preparation for future seed processing activities.
Partner Collaboration and Field Support
Work alongside restoration practitioners, including technicians with the Georgia Native Seed Network, the Jekyll Island Authority, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Support collaborative projects that advance the use of regionally appropriate plant materials and help build connections between UGA Marine Extension and partner organizations.
Location and Hours
Brunswick, Georgia
40 hours/week
Start date: May 11, 2026 End date: August 7, 2026
Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification In Position:
• Prior experience and education in horticulture, plant ecology, native species conservation, and/or environmental education.
• Previous hands-on experience in garden maintenance, landscaping, nursery work, or similar outdoor tasks. Willingness to engage in physical, outdoor work in summer conditions is essential.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies :
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, follow instructions, and engage respectfully with partners, staff, and members of the public during workshops or outreach events.
• Demonstrated reliability, time management, and attention to detail. Capable of managing independent tasks in both garden and lab/office settings.
• Strong organizational skills
• Interest in pursuing a career in conservation, landscape design, restoration ecology, or environmental education
• Enthusiasm for engaging with partners and the public.
• At least 18 years of age
• Intern should be currently enrolled in accredited college/university
• Completion of internship application and standard background check
• United States citizen or possess a valid U.S. work visa
Physical Demands:
• Work outdoors in ambient conditions and lift objects up to 50 lbs
• Driving as needed for job duties.
Is this a Position of Trust?:
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Is driving a requirement of this position?:
Yes
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
Yes
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):
No
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Sydney Williams
Recruitment Contact Email:
slwilliams@uga.edu
Recruitment Contact Phone:
912-280-1586
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