TITLE:Mushroom Garden & MycologyIntern

DEPARTMENT:Research

STATUS:Part-time/Full-time, 200 hours(minimum, could be more), $12.00/hr, March to end of September. This position will be part time while NAU is in session and full-time during the summer break.

REPORTS TO:Director of Research

CLOSE DATE: Open until Filled

APPLICATION: Please submit a resume with references and a letter of interest via e-mail to: Dr. Kristin Haskins, Director of Research, The Arboretum at Flagstaff. .

Position Overview:

This position was created to aid in the design, development, and implementation of The Arboretum’s new Mushroom Garden. The Mushroom Garden will feature methods of cultivating edible mushrooms, roles of soil fungi in the ecosystem, and interpretation of the importance of fungi in our everyday lives. Applicants should have a strong interest in mycology. The intern will work directly under the Director of Research and in collaboration with other Arboretum staff and will be co-advised in the summer by Dr. Catherine Gehring at NAU. Additional summer work will involve training in mycorrhizal ecology and techniques. Training in fungal identification, cultivation, and ecology will be provided. The intern will gain skills in informal science education and interpretation. Opportunities for independent projects will be available.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • The mushroom garden intern will assist in the design, development, construction and implementation of the new mushroom garden.
  • Participates in trail building, construction of exhibits, development of interpretive materials, and webpage building and publications. Some weekend work will be expected.
  • Assists with mushroom garden events and promotion.
  • Coordinates with staff to assist in supervising volunteers and other summer interns.
  • Collaborate with Dr. Catherine Gehring on ecological studies of mycorrhizae during the summer
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Coursework towards a degree in the biological sciences, environmental sciencesor forestry strongly preferred; interest in mycology a must!
  • Ability to work successfully with others, and work independently with minimal supervision is critical.
  • Strong writing and verbal skills, the ability to type, and computer skills (word processing, databases, and simple graphics) are essential.
  • A working knowledge of basic taxonomic principles and characteristics of major fungal groups desired
  • ·Valid driver’s license required; ability to commute to and from The Arboretum required

Physical demands

  • Ability to work outdoors is a must
  • Must have physical strength and endurance for light construction work; work may include bending and squatting.