Plant Biodiversity Explorer

Overview:

Career paths into the conservation field are not straightforward or obvious for many. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Conservation Internship Program is designed to give career-building, hands-on conservation experience to individuals who are interested in a career in the conservation and research space but have not yet had the opportunity or guidance into this rewarding field. Through this internship, we aim to bring in people curious and passionate about the environment who will bring in fresh ideas and new energy strengthening this field and facilitating shared leadership. 

Although the California flora has been carefully studied for decades, legions of plant mysteries remain to be investigated, and many plants that are new to science remain to be formally described. Join the Garden’s plant systematists in investigating one of these plant taxonomic mysteries in a careful study of plant morphology. This temporary position is being offered at 20 hours per week, for 8-10 weeks, between June and September 2026. The Plant Biodiversity Explorer reports to the Ken and Shirley Tucker Plant Systematist and Curator of the Clifton Smith Herbarium. Join us to explore California’s undescribed plant biodiversity!

What You’ll Do:

• Work with specimens from the Garden’s herbarium and elsewhere to quantify aspects of the focal plant’s appearance
• Make measurements of macromorphological features such as leaves using digital calipers, or assess truly ‘micro’ features using our scanning electron microscope
• Interns who are able to commit a greater length of time may be incorporated into field work and potentially manuscript preparation

Botany or lab experience is not necessary, however ...

You Will Definitely Need:

• To be a college-level student (you need not be currently enrolled) OR have relevant experience or education
• A strong interest in botany, rare plant conservation, ecology, or related fields with career goals in this direction
• Have manual dexterity sufficient to make careful plant dissections, handle priceless museum specimens, or precisely sample and transfer small volumes of fluid using micropipettes.
• Basic computer skills
• Support for the Garden’s mission and goals
• A reliable means of transportation to and from the Garden

 You Must Be Able To:

• Sit for up to 2 hours at a time and using computer for lengthy periods
• Stand/walk for extended periods of time
• Work regularly onsite at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Your Application Must Include:

• One letter of recommendation
• A letter of interest where you address at least three of the following questions that describe your commitment to conservation:
  • What about this internship is most exciting to you?
  • What conservation or research experience do you have? 
  • What skills do you expect to gain and how will that benefit you?
  • What are some characteristics about you that you think make you a good candidate? 

**Incomplete applications will not be considered**

More About Us:

The Garden is a beautiful place to work!  And in this role, you are often outdoors.  In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments also include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

Disclaimer:

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.