Miyawaki Mini-Forest Monitoring Intern Needed (Field Botany)

Pay: $15–17/hr, up to $750–$1,000 for the season 
Location: Rochester, Michigan 
About the role:
The City of Rochester volunteers planted a 1,000-sq-ft Miyawaki-method mini-forest (10 plots, ~290 native trees and shrubs across the canopy, understory, and shrub layers) in May 2025. We're looking for a student to conduct ongoing survival and growth monitoring using a structured tracking system (provided), with a mid-season check-in to review scope and hours.
Responsibilities:
Conduct periodic site visits (roughly monthly through summer, then quarterly) to record plant survival, height, and girth by plot and species 
Identify native tree/shrub species by common and scientific name 
Log canopy closure estimates and note any weeding/maintenance needs 
Take repeat photos from fixed photo-monitoring points each visit 
Enter data into a provided spreadsheet tracker 
Qualifications:
A student who ideally has done coursework in field botany, ecology, or a related discipline 
Comfortable using a tape measure/calipers and identifying native plant species 
Detail-oriented, comfortable with basic spreadsheet data entry 
Able to work independently outdoors on a self-directed schedule 
Time commitment: Approximately 30–47 hours over the season, spread across 6–8 site visits plus an initial baseline walk 
To apply email: Marilyn Trent, pollinators@trentcreative.com