Native Plant Nursery Intern

Position Overview

DesertStrawHouse Native Plant Nursery is seeking one paid intern per semester (Spring and Fall) for hands-on experience in desert native plant production and ecological monitoring in the Colorado Desert.

Expected Responsibilities

• Assist with native plant propagation (seed sowing, transplanting, greenhouse care)
• Support seed collection and documentation
• Maintain plant labeling and basic inventory tracking
• Monitor irrigation systems and water-use practices
• Assist with the preparation of plants for contract grows and customer sales
• Participate in structured monarch monitoring sessions, observing a minimum of 100 milkweed plants per session

Minimum Requirements

• Interest in desert ecosystems and native plants
• Dependable and punctual
Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, squat, and kneel repeatedly
• Comfortable working outdoors in desert conditions, including heat and variable weather
• Ability to perform physically active tasks for extended periods

Preferred Skills (Not Required)

• Coursework in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Agriculture, or related field
• Basic plant identification skills
• Interest in pollinator ecology or habitat design

Schedule & Compensation

• 8 hours per week
• $17.00 per hour
• Offered Spring and Fall semesters (not summer)
• Flexible scheduling aligned with academic commitments