Plant Biodiversity Explorer

Plant Biodiversity Explorer

Career paths into the conservation field are not straightforward or obvious for many. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Conservation Internship Program is designed to give career-building, hands-on conservation experience to individuals who are interested in a career in the conservation and research space but have not yet had the opportunity or guidance into this rewarding field. Through this internship, we aim to bring in people curious and passionate about the environment who will bring in fresh ideas and new energy strengthening this field and facilitating shared leadership. 

Although the California flora has been carefully studied for decades, legions of plant mysteries remain to be investigated, and many plants that are new to science remain to be formally described. Join the Garden’s plant systematists in investigating one of these plant taxonomic mysteries in a careful study of plant morphology. Join us to explore California’s undescribed plant biodiversity!

This temporary position is being offered at 20 hours per week, for 8-10 weeks, between June and September 2025.  The pay rate for this position is $18/hour. There is no opportunity for remote work. This position reports to the Ken and Shirley Tucker Plant Systematist and Curator of the Clifton Smith Herbarium.

Applicants must /submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter detailing their interest and how this opportunity fits into their long-term education and/or career goals, and one letter of recommendation.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

What You’ll Do:

• Work with specimens from the Garden’s herbarium and elsewhere to quantify aspects of the focal plant’s appearance. 
• Make measurements of macromorphological features such as leaves using digital calipers, or assess truly ‘micro’ features using our scanning electron microscope. 
• Interns who are able to commit a greater length of time may be incorporated into field work and potentially manuscript preparation. 

 You Will Definitely Need: 

• To be a college-level student (you need not be currently enrolled) OR have relevant experience or education;
• Show an interest in botany, rare plant conservation, ecology, or related fields with career goals in this direction;
• Be able to regularly work on-site at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden;
• Have manual dexterity sufficient to make careful plant dissections, handle priceless museum specimens, or precisely sample and transfer small volumes of fluid using micropipettes.
• Basic computer skills
• Support for the Garden’s mission and goals
• A reliable means of transportation to and from the Garden

You Must Be Able To: 

• Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time during
• Walk for extended periods of time

More About Us

The Garden is a beautiful place to work!  And in this role, you are often outdoors.  In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments also include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

Disclaimer:

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. 

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.