Company description

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is a private operating foundation, located a little over an hour west of Washington, D.C. in the rural Virginia Piedmont between the Blue Ridge and Bull Run Mountains, on what was once the private residential estate of Paul and Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon. A devoted horticulturist, gardener and collector, Bunny Mellon cultivated an impressive collection of books and art objects over the course of her life that now form the core of the collections of the Oak Spring Garden Library.

While the estate has a long and interesting history, OSGF is a young organization that has only existed in its current form for about eight years. The Foundation’s mission is to inspire fresh thinking and bold action on the history and future of plants, horticultural practice, the art and culture of gardens and landscapes, and the importance of plants for human well-being. Its activities toward providing a public benefit include the sustainable management of a 700-acre landscape, as well as stewardship of the other legacies of Mrs. Mellon, which include an endowment, the formal garden, the library and substantial residential accommodation.

Internship description

Summary of Positions and Responsibilities:
Arboriculture, Conservation and Landscape Summer Intern - We are seeking one ACL Intern. The position is both indoor and outdoor and may involve close liaison with the Communications Team and the Biodiversity Conservation Team. Experience with invasive plant species control, landscape maintenance, arboriculture, and/or turf grass management is preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required. Familiarity with GIS software (preferably ESRI ArcGIS Pro and Field Maps app) and the use of GPS devices, digital cameras, and natural history applications like iNaturalist would be an advantage.

Biodiversity Conservation Team - Insect Monitoring and Collections Intern
We are seeking one intern who will collect and process standardized insect samples as part of several short- and long-term research projects. The intern will assist in identifying and counting both living insects in the field, preparing preserved insects in the lab for accession into the OSGF’s insect collection, and measuring insect biomass from traps. The ideal candidate has basic insect preservation experience, either through school or personal collections, and is willing to learn more advanced techniques. The selected applicant will be also be responsible for accurate record keeping, including maintaining documentation with each specimen and data entry.
The intern will engage in multiple restoration and research projects across the OSGF property. While the intern can expect to spend the majority of their time collecting and processing insect specimens, they will regularly (1-2 days a week) assist with other team projects. These include other collection tasks (e.g., processing herbarium, arboretum, or photography collection specimens and data), habitat management, avian predator projects, equipment maintenance, GIS data curation, and/or program outreach (e.g. assisting in biodiversity walks, creating social media posts of their experience).

Biocultural Conservation Farm Intern - We are seeking one BCCF Intern. The BCCF works closely with the OSGF Chef to supply guests with nourishing farm-to-table meals. Produce grown on the farm also supports a small Community Supported Agriculture (‘CSA’) program for a 25-week period from May through October. Additionally, the BCCF is committed to reducing food insecurity in our region by donating at least 50% of what is grown on-site to local food banks. The successful candidate will gain experience in small-scale, organic farming with a heavy focus on the production of vegetables as well as heirloom seed crops, dried flowers and plants used for natural dyes, fiber and medicinal herbs. Prior farming experience is not required; however, applicants should have a strong interest in sustainable agriculture. Additionally, applicants should be prepared for the physical demands that come with working on a vegetable farm during the summer months.

Garden Library Intern - OSGF is seeking one or more summer interns to support the Garden Library team in enhancing the discovery and accessibility of its physical collections, which includes rare books, manuscripts, art objects, and materials collected by Rachel Lambert Mellon relating to horticulture, botany, and natural history. The intern(s) will play a key role in transferring existing data to the library’s online catalog, as well as improving the usability and standardization of data associated with the collection. We invite current students (and recent graduates) pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in library and information science, museum or natural history studies, and art history to apply. Proficiency in computing skills, particularly with Microsoft Office, and the ability to manage and edit large Excel files are essential. Preference will be given to applicants with knowledge of MARC and other descriptive standards.

Education and Outreach Intern - OSGF is seeking one summer intern to support the Education and Outreach Specialist. The main objective of this position is to assist in the preparation, facilitation and clean-up of the various programs curated and directed by the Education + Outreach Specialist. Programs differ on a weekly basis and take place both on-and off-site. This intern will also spend a significant amount of time working with the BCCF team – especially when they are not busy with educational programming. An interest in youth education, community outreach as well as food and farming are highly preferred. Applicants should be prepared for work in both indoor and outdoor settings, and have excellent communication and organizational skills.

Culinary Intern - OSGF is seeking one culinary intern to support the Culinary and Hospitality Team with the preparation and execution of meals for visiting guests. OSGF provides short- and long-term guests with seasonal, sustainably sourced, farm-to- table meals during their stay. The successful candidate will gain knowledge and hands-on experience in all aspects of kitchen operation including professional cooking techniques, butchering, baking, preserving and more. The position will work directly with OSGF's Chef to prepare family style and multicourse plated meals, as well as larger catered events. Experience in a commercial kitchen or culinary education and interest in Appalachian foodways are preferred.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $20/hr +

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline