Program Outline

The Program

Work sessions  Interns work in teams under staff supervision on routine and advanced tasks of specimen preparation, collections management, plant identification, science information systems and research programs. Much of the work is with the Herbarium specimens that form the main information base for the State's flora. The skills taught will be applicable in many other jobs, particularly in science and conservation, and especially relevant to any collections-based area of science. The work sessions are designed to give interns a feel for life in the scientific workforce.

Training sessions Full training for work tasks is provided and you will become familiar with:

• key sources of information on the Australian flora
• plant identification resources and techniques
• key sources of information in conservation science and policy
• principles and practice of the curation of scientific collections

Seminar sessions focus on theoretical and practical issues in botany and conservation, including current major research programs. We invite leading plant scientists and conservation managers from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW), other government departments and tertiary institutions to speak to you on a range of topics. All these people work in the field and will give you a good idea of the range of plant science careers available. 

Field training will include specimen selection and collection, field data recording, map reading and geocode determination, habitat assessment, permit and access protocols, fieldwork preparation and coordination, and safety in the field.

Science communication training will include advice on preparation of conference posters, delivery of seminars, writing skills and guidance on the publication process.

Workforce training includes the development of CVs and job applications, interview techniques, and guidance on job-seeking and higher study in plant science and conservation.

Benefits of the program

Interns receive:

• seven weeks' intensive work experience in a leading scientific institution
• an introduction to a range of disciplines and current issues in plant science and conservation
• an introduction to a range of plant science and conservation professionals
• specialised plant science and conservation training
• the opportunity to extend your science network among peers and colleagues
• help in deciding on future study or applying for a first job
• help in developing the best possible CV and performing well at interview
• a statement of accomplishment and future work references.

Students at some campuses may be entitled to use the Internship for course credits. Successful applicants must make all necessary arrangements with their university. We will provide supporting documentation only. Please note that if your institution requires a project as part of this placement, this will be written up substantially in your own time.

Conditions of internship

Placements are unpaid, and financial and accommodation support are not available. We can provide some information on university college accommodation in Sydney.

The program runs Monday to Friday, 8.30 am-5 pm, with longer days on field trips. Full-time participation for the full length of the program is required.

You will be working in a professional scientific environment and will be required to work in line with Botanic Gardens Trust policies and procedures.

Insurance coverage is mandatory. Applicants should use campus or workplace coverage if available (copies must be seen by us prior to start). Those unable to use such schemes can be registered under Botanic Gardens Trust arrangements, providing free insurance cover during working hours. Overseas applicants must have full comprehensive personal cover.

The Botanic Gardens Trust reserves the right to terminate an internship without notice or liability.