OUTDOOR LANDSCAPES 12-MONTH INTERNSHIP
As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.
Our Outdoor Landscapes team has an exciting 12-month internship opportunity! The Outdoor Landscapes interns will gain hands-on experience in the care and maintenance of herbaceous and woody plants. From formal layouts and highly manicured plantings to experimental approaches to gardening and design, Longwood’s outdoor areas encompass a variety of beautiful landscapes. Tend to an awe-inspiring collection of the most beautiful plants from around the globe including blooming bulbs, tropical foliage, rare trees, and more.
What you gain:
- Experience working with a variety of woody plants, herbs, bulbs, ground covers, roses, vegetables, and fruits in Longwood’s most intensively cultivated areas
- Opportunities to:
- Install and maintain large-scale annual displays
- Study native perennial and other exotic perennial plants
- Knowledge of:
- Industry standards for planting, weeding, mulching, watering, pruning, staking, and fertilizing
- Vegetable and fruit culture and harvest
- Exposure to Horticulture experts
- Experience working with a variety of Horticulture equipment
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in or completed (graduated in May 2025 or later) an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field
- Occasional weekend work is required
- The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, working from ladders and aerial lifts up to 30 feet, stooping, lifting at least 50 pounds, and operating small equipment
- High degree of motivation, organization, and attention to detail, and willingness to work independently
- A valid driver’s license is required
- U.S.-based individuals only (for international internship program, click here).
The internship will run from June 1, 2026 to May 6, 2027.
Application Requirements:
- Upload an updated CV or resume
- Upload a statement of purpose (Word or PDF) telling us why you are interested in coming to Longwood and what you hope to gain from this placement
- Provide the names and email addresses for two professional references. Your references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist.
Application deadline is January 15, 2026. Reviewing will begin in January, and interviews will be conducted through February 18, 2026.
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance through Independence Administrators
- Free furnished housing on the grounds of Longwood Gardens (this is a taxable benefit). For further details about housing click here.
- All utilities are included except cable television
- 96 hours of personal time and 9 paid holidays
- Weekly field trips, hands-on workshops, lectures, and conferences
- Complimentary tickets to Longwood Gardens for friends and family
- 50% discount at The Café and 25% discount in The Garden Shop
Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.