Botanical Garden Intern

BOTANICAL GARDEN INTERNSHIP

STENAPA is a non-governmental nature conservation organization based on the Dutch Caribbean island of St. Eustatius. STENAPA is legally mandated by the Island Government to manage all the island’s protected areas (the National Marine Park and the Quill/Boven National Park) as well as a young Botanical Garden on the 21km2 island of St Eustatius.

We are looking for interns to help with maintenance, design, restructuring and development of our botanical garden. As it stands the botanical garden needs a lot of attention. In 2016 we have hired a new botanical garden ranger who is eager to bring the garden back to its former glory. The botanical garden intern will be the right hand person of the garden ranger. This position has the potential to be very fulfilling and give an immersive experience of what is involved in running a botanical garden on a beautiful location with a view on S tKitts.

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Develop and execute plans for regenerating the garden
• Develop sustainable ways of pest control
• Develop solutions for roaming animals in the garden
• Daily garden maintenance including - but not limited to - raking, weeding, pruning, weed whacking, maintain composting and mulching systems plus irrigation of plants
• Develop ways for replanting and structuring of arbors and specific areas
• Responsible with ranger for tools, organization of the tool shed, and update inventory
• Take on other projects, such as (choose): develop irrigation system, redevelopment of solar panel system, propagate the endemic Statia Morning Glory and other native Caribbean plants to be grown in the garden, renew plant identification labels, research possible implementation of grazing livestock in the garden as weed/grass control, development of permaculture practices.

• Work with incoming researchers

• Other tasks: trail running, cleanup, cleaning tools and equipment, sea turtle patrols with the other interns and volunteers

REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant educational qualification, e.g. studying biology, applied biology, botanical studies, garden and landscape design (different levels), or previous experience of working in a botanical garden

• Able to communicate to people of different nationalities
• Good organizational skills

• Flexible
• Ability to work in a team but also able to work independently
• Self-starter
• Must be physically fit, no back problems
• Preferably 21yr+
• English speaking
• Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license (preferably a manual driver)
• Willing, enthusiastic and proactive

Work hours are from 7am-4pm with an hours break for lunch, there is possible evening work. Please note this is an unpaid position. Candidate is invited to start as soon as possible for a period of 12 weeks. More than 12 weeks (without incurring immigration costs) is possible for Dutch Nationals only. It is an ongoing vacancy so it is possible to apply year round for different slots. You can work 4 hours per week on a school project, if necessary.

Accommodation is provided in a shared house for $275/month with other interns; food, travel and (medical) insurance is at your own cost. Send your resume and motivation letter to manager@statiapark.org (Clarisse Buma). For any other information about STENAPA and logistics please like our facebook page @StenapaStatia or contact outreach@statiapark.org (Hannah Fairly).