These positions will be at the Baruch Institute, Georgetown, SC In this internship, you will actively contribute to a dynamic and interdisciplinary research and outreach initiative focused on pollinators, pollinator gardens, community gardening, and the human dimensions of conservation.
This opportunity is ideal for individuals interested in ecology, environmental education, community engagement, and conservation science.
You will gain hands-on experience in both field and office-based research activities while working closely with faculty, researchers, and community partners to advance knowledge and awareness of pollinator conservation and sustainable gardening practices.
Primary Responsibilities:
As an intern, you will assist in the design and implementation of research projects related to pollinator ecology and conservation.
This includes setting up and maintaining pollinator collection sites, collecting and identifying pollinator species, and analyzing data to assess pollinator abundance and diversity.
You will learn and apply field sampling techniques, such as passive and active pollinator collection methods, habitat assessments, and floral resource monitoring.
Additionally, you will contribute to the development and administration of surveys aimed at understanding public perceptions of pollinators, conservation practices, and barriers to community gardening.
These surveys will be used to inform outreach strategies and conservation initiatives that support pollinator-friendly practices in both urban and rural communities.
Community Engagement and Outreach:
Beyond field research, you will play a key role in developing and implementing community engagement efforts.
This includes organizing and leading public events, such as pollinator workshops, garden planning sessions, and citizen science activities.
You will collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and conservation groups to promote pollinator-friendly gardening and raise awareness about the ecological importance of pollinators.
You will also assist in the creation of educational materials, including fact sheets, brochures, social media content, and presentations that highlight pollinator conservation strategies and the benefits of native plant gardening.
Field and Office Locations:
Fieldwork will be conducted in McClellanville, South Carolina, where interns will participate in ecological surveys and gardening activities in coastal pollinator gardens and community spaces.
These activities may include planting native flowers, maintaining garden sites, and monitoring pollinator activity.
Office-based tasks, including data entry, literature reviews, survey development, and outreach material preparation, will take place at the Baruch Institute for Coastal Ecology and Forest Science in Georgetown, South Carolina.
Submit the following documents: Resume, Cover Letter
Eligibility requirements: UPIC interns must be enrolled, matriculating, full-time (12+ credit hours for part-time interns) Clemson University undergraduate students in good academic standing and non-academic alert status (minimum cumulative Clemson GPA of 2.0) and in good status with the UPIC program.
Once selected, to participate in the UPIC Program, student interns must enroll in the required INT course ($200 course fee) and complete hiring paperwork with the UPIC office.
Interns cannot begin working until the hiring process is complete.
