Horticultural Intern Spring 2022

Intern will gain experience in horticultural maintenance and installation practices at a nonprofit chimpanzee sanctuary. The intern will also complete an independent project that can meet the requirements of the intern’s academic institution (if applicable).

●       Learn plant identification on 225-acres in north Georgia.

●       Knowledge of Project Chimps’ mission and values

●       Learn how to effectively communicate a nonprofit’s mission to existing and prospective donors and stakeholders through horticultural presentations to sanctuary guests.

●       Learn how to use maintenance tools and equipment.

●       Develop relationship building and retention skills through ongoing contact with community browse donors and volunteers.

●       Exposure to the operations of a chimpanzee sanctuary.

●       Attend and participate in committee meetings as related to intern’s project.

●       Orientation will be scheduled the first day of the internship and includes the following: history and tour of Project Chimps, description of rules, safety protocols, chimpanzee behavior, and chimpanzee care protocols. Intern should attend the orientation wearing closed, rubber-soled shoes.

●       Intern will be given a manual and will be trained on the aspects of their role.

●       Intern will receive online training via CollaborNation. Once an intern finishes the required courses, they retain access to the full library of online courses.

●       Assist with planning, installing and harvesting at Project Harvest.

●       Harvest and distribute browse to chimpanzees.

●       Utilize greenhouse for plant propagation.

●       Assist with maintaining landscaping including weed eating, pruning, composting and removal of invasive species.

●       Research potential new plants to add to Project Harvest.

●       Communicate regularly with Facilities Manager.

●       Follow Project Chimps volunteer and photo release protocols.

●       Represent Project Chimps at community events as directed.

●       Participate in daily staff morning briefings.

●       Resident interns complete a weekly shift cleaning and tending to the intern residence.

●       Attend weekly meetings with supervisor.

●       Identify and develop an independent project (for example, add new trails, create new educational leaflets, identify additional species, etc). The project can meet the requirements of the intern’s academic institution; present completed project in a written format and/or PowerPoint at a staff meeting at the end of the internship term.

●       Physical difficulty is Level 5; trail work may be up to a level 5 in physical difficulty, requiring physical strength and mobility; must be able to complete a moderate hike on gravel roads in all weather.

●       Mental difficulty is Level 4; can be a fast paced and high stress environment to guide novice hikers on even moderate trails; independent project work requires critical thinking skills.

●       Emotional difficulty is Level 2; intern will be around chimpanzees that are retired from biomedical research.

Office environment and outdoor event space in rugged and rural conditions; events take place rain or shine around our 230-acre property.

●       Must be at least 18 years old.

●       Able to meet the requirements outlined in the Essential Capabilities document with or without reasonable accommodation.

●       Interested in outdoor recreation, trail management, and outdoor education.

●       Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint.

●       Comfortable with public speaking, in large and small group settings.

●       Excellent oral communication skills.