Temporary Blueberry Research Internship - Castle Hayne, NC

Essential Job Duties

This internship offers students and recent graduates meaningful, hands‑on experience in applied horticultural research at the NCSU Horticultural Crops Research Station, Castle Hayne, NC. Selected candidates will support an active blueberry breeding program focused on developing varieties suited for mechanical harvest. Day‑to‑day responsibilities span greenhouse, shadehouse and field environments and include plant care, pollination, transplanting, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, harvesting, field data collection, inventory management and office‑based tasks such as data entry and image labeling in support of an ongoing machine learning project—an opportunity for those interested in both plant science and data.

Attention to detail, comfort with repetitive tasks, and a willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions are important for success. Scheduling is flexible between 7 am and 6 pm on weekdays. Hours begin at 10–20 per week from September through March and increase to 20 or more per week from April through August. Candidates who can commit through the core blueberry season (May–July) are especially encouraged to apply.

Preference will be given to candidates pursuing degrees in horticulture, biology or related fields, and to those who demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and collaboration.

• Minimum Experience/Education
  • Some post secondary education
• Department Required Skills
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs daily
  • Willingness to work in hot, humid, buggy conditions
  • Ability to perform redundant tasks with care and completion
  • Good attention to detail
  • Excellent fine motor skills
• Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
  • Experience with plant care
  • Using laboratory equipment such as scales, balances, and autoclaves
  • Use and calibration of pH meters
  • Making dilutions
  • Excel or Google Sheets

10‑35 hrs per week, Monday‑Friday 8 am – 5 pm as needed. Some weekends may be required.

Anticipated hiring rate: $10–$16 per hour.

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free
• Childcare discounts
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving Wolfpack community

Disclaimer:
Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found in the links offered.

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or workatncstate. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify.

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.