Plant Conservation and Data Intern

Plant Conservation And Data Intern

This internship offers a unique opportunity to work with two teams at the Wildflower Center:
Learning & Engagement and Science & Conservation. The intern will gain hands-on experience in both plant data management and conservation practices.

With the Learning & Engagement team, you will develop skills in botanical research, taxonomy, data entry, and metadata management. With the Science & Conservation team, you will develop skills in plant identification, field work, and seed banking.

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation and cultivation of native plants through its gardens and programs. The Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden of Texas, a treasured Austin gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, gardening, sustainable landscapes, land restoration, plant conservation and research.

It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants, welcomes 300,000 visitors annually, has over 18,000 member households and reaches more than 2 million people per year through its popular native plant database. The Center envisions thriving, native plant landscapes everywhere that nurture wildlife, uplift communities, and ensure ecological resilience for generations.

Wildflower Center staff are University of Texas at Austin employees receiving all associated benefits as well as an annual membership to the Center, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center events, and discounts at the Shop and Gallery. An inspiring, collaborative and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is seeking one intern to work with both the Learning & Engagement and Science & Conservation teams to help with researching for and editing the Native Plants of North America database and supporting seed banking and conservation horticulture activities.

Research and compile data on plants native to North America using online and library resources for the Native Plants of North America database.

Support the transition to and development of a new database interface by retagging images and identifying errors in data.

Improve species profiles by uploading and organizing plant images.

Assist with germination trials, seed cleaning and storage, and conservation horticulture.

Organize and enter seed bank records.

Support Science & Conservation staff and interns with vegetation surveys in October.

Participate in fieldwork and trips as opportunities arise.

Other duties as assigned.

Intern will prepare a short presentation about their experience to Center staff.

Must be able to commit to at least two days per week (1 day with Learning & Engagement team and 1 day with Science & Conservation team), 12-19 hour per week. Schedules can be flexible depending on intern's availability. Field work tends to occur Tuesday-Thursday. The Intern and Supervisor will work together to set the work schedule. Discussion of work schedule options will occur during the interview process.

Internship will start on August 24, 2026, or after, and will end on December 9, 2026, before finals begin.

The intern will be required to fulfill a 120-160 hour commitment during the times allotted for the individual program to which accepted.

Candidate must be enrolled in a college program in the areas of natural resources, environmental science, conservation, botany, biology or related field.

Proficiency in MS Excel.

Knowledge of botanical nomenclature is helpful but not required.

Intern will be required to perform moderate physical activity such as bending, lifting and pushing while working in an outdoor environment in hot and cold temperatures.

Intern must have reliable transportation to and from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, Texas, 78739). There is no bus service to the Wildflower Center. The closest bus stop is at Slaughter Ln and Westgate Blvd.

Must be able to pass a background check.

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

$18.00 per hour

Applications for the Fall 2026 Semester should be submitted by July 26, 2026. Interviews will be held August 3-12, 2026.

Start date of the position will be the first day of class, August 24, 2026, or later.

End date will be on December 9, 2026, prior to the start of finals.

This intern position is for Fall 2026 semester. There is a possibility of continuation into the Spring 2027 semester based on funding, business need, and work performance.

Resume or CV, with relevant coursework and work history

College transcript, unofficial transcripts are acceptable

Letter of Interest (Cover Letter) stating your interest in native plant conservation, what you would like to gain through this internship, and why you would like to intern at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Please also include your availability in your cover letter.

List of three references with their contact information