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Public Horticulture Internship

University of Virginia
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Public Horticulture Internship at the State Arboretum of Virginia, Spring 2026

Location The State Arboretum of Virginia is located at Blandy Experimental Farm, Boyce, Virginia.                                                                                              Please note: this internship is being offered by the Foundation of the State Arboretum, not Blandy Experimental Farm or the University of Virginia.

Reports to Anne Marie Chirieleison, Director, Foundation of the State Arboretum of Virginia. The Horticulture Intern will primarily work alongside Carrie Whitacre, Assistant Curator of Herbaceous Gardens.

Position Overview

This internship offers hands-on working experience in greenhouse growing, public garden maintenance, and plant care. 

Responsibilities

  • Assist with greenhouse operations, including propagating, transplanting, and watering thousands of seedlings (heirloom vegetables, annuals, herbs and native perennials for the Arboretum’s annual Garden Fair event.
  • Planning and executing the Arboretum plant sale at Garden Fair. (Garden Fair is a one-weekend event with 5,000 + attendees. Includes budget management, sales experience, and customer service. Must be available to work the weekend of May 8th – 10th. The intern will also run a pop-up shop after Garden Fair to sell remaining plants at the Arboretum.
  • Fine gardening techniques including but are not limited to pruning, weeding, planting, and mulching.
  • Engaging and working with volunteers, staff members, and Foundation Board leadership.
  • Restoration and land management, especially where it relates to native plants

Qualifications

  • Current college enrollee or recent graduate (associate’s or bachelor’s program) in the field of Horticulture, Environmental Science, Biology or closely related field. 
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Willingness to learn and take initiative

Working Conditions, Compensation, and Schedule

  • Ability to perform moderate physical labor and capability for standing, bending, kneeling, and working in various weather conditions.
  • Internship will run from March 30-May 22 (9 weeks) for 35 hours per week. Some flexibility in start and end dates is possible.
  • A $4,800 stipend will be paid out in two installments during the program.
  • Dormitory style housing is available on site, with shared bathroom and kitchen space. 
  • Travel and relocation expenses are not covered and are the responsibility of the selected candidate.

 

Application Process 

Applications are due by midnight February 13th.

Please email applications with internship in the subject line to carriewhitacre@virginia.edu

The following materials are required for application:

Resume detailing academic and employment history. 

Cover Letter – The cover letter should highlight your professional interests, skills and talents you bring to the internship, as well as skills and experiences you are interested in gaining from the internship.

 

All questions should be sent to Carrie Whitacre at carriewhitacre@virginia.edu

 

For more information on Blandy Experimental Farm please visit our website: https://blandy.virginia.edu/.                                                                     The State Arboretum is in Boyce, Virginia, approximately 70 miles west of Washington DC.