Agronomy Intern

Job Overview

The Agronomy Intern will work under the supervision of experienced professionals in the management and maintenance of park landscapes, contributing to the health and sustainability of the local park system. This internship offers hands-on experience in agronomy and park care, with a focus on soil management, plant health, and ecosystem sustainability.

Salary

$16.50/hr.

Minimum Qualifications

• The internship with Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation is available to qualified individuals currently pursuing a master’s or bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, or a related field; AND
• At least one year of experience managing Agronomy projects, programs or activities, or currently pursuing a degree in Agronomy program from an accredited university; AND
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.

Core Competencies

• Customer Commitment: Proactively seeks to understand the needs of our customers and provide the highest standards of service.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity: Demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional, and ethical behaviors that establish trust throughout the organization and with the public we serve.
• Organizational Excellence: Takes ownership for excellence through one's personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our operations.
• Success through Teamwork:  Collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

Work Categories/Physical Demands

• Must be able to be in the sun for long periods of time when busy. Must be able to tolerate sun, pollen, dust, grass and the standard environment.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time when busy.
• Ability to crawl, lift, push, pull, walk, communicate verbally and in writing, look, listen, and inspect on concrete, grass, mud, clay, and uneven ground.
• Medium Work – Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Park Services interns will dedicate 40 hours per week to a combination of work assignments, performance management, structured learning experiences, and professional development activities. This internship program is designed to provide hands-on experience in the field, along with comprehensive support to help the intern grow in their career.  Through this internship, the intern will:

• Quality & Health Management: Assist in managing the soil quality and health of park landscapes through soil testing and amendments to improve soil conditions for optimal plant growth.
• Vegetation Management: Support the selection, planting, and ongoing care of grass, trees, and other vegetation within parks and public spaces to ensure healthy ecosystems.
• Sustainable Landscaping Practices: Help develop and implement sustainable landscaping strategies, including effective irrigation management, pest control, and the application of organic gardening techniques to reduce environmental impact.
• Research & Park Improvement: Conduct research on best agronomy practices for municipal parks and contribute to the development of park improvement plans aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and park aesthetics.
• Collaboration with Maintenance Teams: Work alongside the park maintenance team to address issues such as soil erosion, invasive species, and plant diseases, ensuring the health and vitality of park flora.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Participate in the collection and analysis of data related to plant and soil health and assist in preparing reports to track progress and inform park management decisions.
• Horticultural Equipment Maintenance: Assist in maintaining horticultural equipment and tools necessary for park groundskeeping, ensuring that they are in good working condition for daily tasks.
• Practical Experience in Urban Park Systems: Gain valuable, hands-on experience in applying agronomy practices within urban park systems, understanding their environmental and public health impacts.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Job Specifications

• Project Management: Understanding of project management principles, data systems, and the collection and analysis of information to formulate reports, updates, and recommendations. Ability to ensure adherence to industry standards and build consensus across teams.
• Agronomy Practices for Sports Turf Care: Knowledge of agronomy techniques specifically related to the care, maintenance, and improvement of sports turf. Understanding of soil health, grass species selection, irrigation systems, and pest management in athletic fields.
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS): Proficient in using GIS tools for data input, export, and updates. Skilled in generating reports and maps to assist in the management and planning of park and turf areas.
• Computer Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), along with other software tools needed for data analysis, report generation, and project management.
• Technical Writing: Ability to write clear, concise technical specifications, standards, and reports for the care and maintenance of sports turf. Skilled in creating documentation to improve park systems management, including recommendations for improvements and best practices.
• Park Systems Management: Experience in writing technical reports, specifications, and papers aimed at enhancing the management of park systems, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and public safety.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze information and develop creative solutions to technical problems, contributing to the overall progress of the organization.
• Decision-Making: Skilled in using independent judgment to make decisions, considering technical implications, community impact, budgetary constraints, and demographic factors.
• Communication: Professional communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring project progression and organizational advancement.
• Strategic Planning: Ability to think strategically, foresee potential implications, and develop data-driven suggestions for organizational improvements and long-term goals.
• Managerial and Operational Skills: Competence in managing projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
• Leadership: Ability to introduce and support new methods, technologies, and procedures that improve operational outcomes.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to critically evaluate operational decisions and suggest improvements for optimal results.
• Managing Complexity: Capable of overseeing multiple complex projects simultaneously, identifying issues, and proposing solutions for better outcomes.