Horticulture and Environmental Stewardship Internship

POSITION SUMMARY: This is a wonderful and unique opportunity to gain valuable career experience in public horticulture and environmental stewardship.  This 12-week internship provides a hands-on opportunity for students to work alongside career professionals at Fernwood Botanical Garden, building a strong skill set and related knowledge for future employment in Horticulture or Natural Areas Management. Students will have the opportunity to work in various ecological settings, including a 40-acre arboretum, a native prairie, a tropical fern conservatory, a wilderness preserve, and native/ornamental collected garden areas.

DUTIES,  RESPONSIBILITIES, AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES 

● Daily routine will involve all aspects of botanical garden maintenance including the use of proper horticultural practices (planting, pruning, weed management, soil fertilization, and irrigation), renovation, construction of new gardens, labeling, propagation, plant breeding, and plant record keeping. 

● Students may also participate in managing the trails throughout the preserve, repairing or replacing broken infrastructure, and implementing invasive species control protocols. 

● Interns should bring a professional, friendly, and helpful attitude when engaging guests while completing garden tasks in a timely and quality manner. 

● Students are expected to work in all tolerable weather conditions and be able to lift at least 30 pounds. The weekly work schedule is Tuesday/Wednesday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm and Thursday 8:30 am - 1 pm (20 hours per week).  

Dress Code and Tools  

● Closed-toe work shoes are required  

● Hats/sunglasses/sunscreen recommended  

● All necessary garden tools will be provided  

Applicant Guidelines  

All interested students are encouraged to apply! 

Preference will be given to those with the  following:  

● Current enrollment in a college/university or interest in pursuing a trade apprenticeship.  ● Studying horticulture, forestry, landscape management, restoration ecology, or related environmental sciences disciplines. 

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS  

● Desire to learn new things  

● Must be flexible as projects and priorities shift  

● Be willing to work on a team as well as independently  

 ● Be prepared to work in a fun, fast-paced environment  

● Availability to work some nights and weekends