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Home → Resources → Employment and Education Opportunities → Intern at the Pitkin Forest Nursery in Northern Idaho

Intern at the Pitkin Forest Nursery in Northern Idaho

University of Idaho
Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery

Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research

We are seeking 4 paid interns for summer 2025 to learn operational greenhouse forest seedling production for reforestation and forest restoration.

The Franklin H. Pitkin Forest Nursery at the University of Idaho is an operational forest nursery that grows native conifer seedlings for reforestation in the Inland Northwest. The nursery produces over 400,000 containerized seedlings each year that are sold to reforest lands damaged by wildfires and other natural disturbances, as well as following timber harvesting.

Interns will work at the Pitkin Forest Nursery where they will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of containerized forest seedling nursery production. They will learn how to adjust greenhouse environments, seed testing and preparation, principles and practices of semi-automated irrigation and fertilization, identification and management of common pests and diseases, customer relations and sales, mechanical operation and maintenance through a combination of focused indoor training and hands-on experience. Interns will gain hands-on experience watching seedlings grow and critically evaluate necessary steps required to manage the growth and health of seedlings. Interns will visit numerous local and regional forest nurseries throughout the summer.

Interns that complete this program will be highly competitive for forest nursery careers.

Who Should Apply?

Those seeking hands on experience growing forest seedlings in an outdoor and greenhouse environment. Capable of multitasking, has a strong attention to detail and motivated to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

Application Procedure

To apply, complete both steps:

  1. Complete the online form: https://tinyurl.com/znarrc3b
  2. Send your resume to Andrew Nelson at asnelson@uidaho.edu. The email subject line must be "Summer 2025 Pitkin Nursery Internship Application". The body of the email should briefly introduce yourself.

Interns must be authorized to work in the USA, pass a criminal background check, and drive university vehicles. 
Priority Application Date February 2, 2025

Fast Facts

  • The forest nursery program at the University of Idaho was established in 1909, making it the oldest programs in the country.
  • Previous employees now work at prominent forest and native plant nurseries and are in high demand due to operational experience.
  • We are one of two university-run forest nurseries that grow seedlings for reforestation needs.
  • Interns will interact with and learn hands on skills from professional nursery staff with many years of operational experience.
  • $18/hour pay for 40 hours of work per week over the course of 12 weeks in the summer (May 19 to August 8, 2025).
  • Housing will be provided.
  • Start and end dates may be flexible.

Hours

40 hrs / week

Pay Scale

$18 / hour