Posted on by Jennie Bartosik

Arbutus Grove Nursery and the Centre for Forest Biology – Undergrad Project

Combined Work Experience and Undergraduate Research Project

Arbutus Grove Nursery offers a summer student position that entails a diverse range of seedling growing technician duties (see below for details). The summer work will include setting up an undergraduate research project aimed to better understand the effect of nursery practises on fall root growth physiology of conifer seedlings. This research project will lead to a supervised research project course at UVic, such as an Honours Project (BIOL 499A/B) or a Directed Studies in Forest Biology (BIOL490J). The research project at UVic will be co- supervised by Drs. Jürgen Ehlting and Barbara Hawkins.

Forest Seedling Growing Technician

(May to Aug. 2023, 40 hours per week, $20,99 per hour)

This summer student position at Arbutus Grove Nursery (AGN) is a hands-on role in our nursery producing tree seedlings for reforestation. You will primarily perform the role of an entry level Growing Technician where you gain an understanding of the seedling growing process. 10% of your time will be dedicated to a seedling research project to be continued as a Directed Study or Honours project in the fall. Also suitable for a Co-op placement.

Undergraduate Research Project

(Starting in Sep. 2024, for credit towards BIOL490J or BIOL499A/B)

Root Growth of Fall Plant Forest Seedlings in Relation to Growth Hardening Regimes

Fall planting on the B.C. coast has been ongoing for decades, but the relationship between fall root growth and previous nursery practices has not been studied in any detail. To investigate the relationship between root growth and the seedling hardening regime, coastal Douglas-fir seedlings grown under various regimes over the summer will be grown under favourable conditions in the fall. Seedlings will be assessed for root potential and plant physiological parameters such as frost hardiness and dormancy.

More information: www.uvic.ca/research/centres/forestbiology/opportunities

  • We accept applications until the end of February 2024 or until the position is
  • For information on the summer position contact Steven Kiiskila at skiiskila@arbutusgrove.com
  • For information on the academic research component, contact Jürgen Ehlting je@uvic.ca or Barbara Hawkins at bhawkins@uvic.ca