Horticulture Internships at Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens provide a unique educational experience in the field of horticulture. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work closely with horticulture staff in diverse aspects of public garden maintenance. In addition to practical garden maintenance experience, Interns may have opportunities to participate in plant propagation, greenhouse management, and plant collections curation.
               
Internship candidates may be diverse in their educational backgrounds and future career goals and will be considered regardless of race, gender, or educational background. Candidates pursuing a degree in horticulture, botany, biology, or environmental resource management are encouraged to apply. Previous education or practical experience in horticulture is desirable but not required.

Obligations and Duties
Working closely with the Head Horticulturist and other horticulture staff, Interns assist in the numerous activities required to maintain the gardens during the growing season including planting, pruning, mulching, and weeding. Additionally, Interns must have the ability to learn and responsibly operate small power equipment such as backpack blowers and golf carts. Ability to perform physical duties in all weather conditions and lift 25 to 50 pounds is required.

Terms and Compensation
The term of the Horticulture Internship will be for the summer season, generally 8 to 10 weeks. Start dates are flexible, but Internships generally begin in May and run through August. Interns are paid $14/hour and are welcome to take unpaid vacation time off occasionally during the summer, with approval from the Director of Horticulture. Additionally, Interns will be invited to join occasional staff field trips.

Additional Background Information
The Horticulture Internship at Jenkins provides an exceptional opportunity to learn about two specialties:

Native plants and naturalistic landscape design: Training in environmental horticulture and Jenkins’ ecological approach to gardening. Gardening in an ecological context is the best long-term strategy for responsible stewardship of land, effective conservation of species, and sustainable landscape design.

Rhododendrons, azaleas, and related species: Jenkins’ collections of both Rhododendron and Kalmia are nationally accredited through the American Public Gardens Association’s Plant Collection Network. Work is currently being done to collect, propagate, and expand our native azalea and rhododendron collections.

About
Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens is a 48-acre public garden located in Devon, Pennsylvania. Since its inception in 1976, Jenkins has celebrated the wonder of plants and place, serving as a destination for education, conservation, and community connection. Jenkins is open daily and is free of admission.