Horticulture Internship – Outdoor Display | Summer 2026

TITLE:                        Horticulture Internship – Outdoor Display

DEPARTMENT:          Horticulture

REPORTS TO:            Outdoor Display Manager

GENERAL SUMMARY:  Phipps Conservatory is seeking an Outdoor Display Intern to support its Horticulture team. Interns will work directly with staff to assist with the design, installation, and maintenance of outdoor gardens and individual plants while learning the highest standards of care. This full-time, paid internship consists of the intern working 40 hours/week from May through August. Candidates must be available to work weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with weekend and holiday availability as needed. The internship will begin on May 11th.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Perform regular horticulture maintenance duties, including planting, watering, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and general cleanup.
2. Assist with routine cleaning and maintenance on horticulture tools and equipment to ensure functionality and safety.
3. Prepare planting beds for use by mulching, raking and amending soil as needed.
4. Dispose of plant waste in accordance with proper environmental and safety guidelines.
5. Safely operate hand tools and battery powered equipment for garden maintenance.
6. Work effectively as part of a team, interact with staff and potentially the public, and be willing to learn and take direction. 
7. Actively learn horticultural practices through hands-on experience and receive ongoing feedback from supervisors and team members.
8. Help maintain accurate records of plant collections, water usage, treatment applications, and other relevant data.
9. Proactively look for opportunities to assist other staff members and volunteers.
10. Receive training on safe golf cart operation, including checkout, proper driving practices, and end-of-day storage.
11. Perform other activities and duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong planning skills and forward thinking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with the public and co-workers in a pleasant and courteous manner.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND SENSORY DIMENSIONS

• Physical ability to perform manual labor in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain), including the ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, and to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards in a public garden setting.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions (particularly heat and humidity) is expected.
• Mental effort: reading, writing, analyzing and visualizing.
• Sensory requirement: ability to communicate and respond to staff, volunteers and public in a friendly and fair manner.
• Strong work ethic in all areas of job performance.
• Ability to communicate and respond both in person and over the phone to the general public, staff, volunteers and board members in a friendly, knowledgeable and professional manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Outdoor garden atmosphere – must be able to perform labor tasks in weather conditions such as a hot, humid, sun-filled climate.
• Willing to work both independently and in groups.
• May have occasion to work in or pass through various areas of the Conservatory.

MINIMUM POSITION GUIDELINES:

1. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college/university and at least halfway through their course of study. Phipps will also consider recent graduates who completed their academic study in the year prior to applying.
2. Major or previous coursework in Plant Science, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Botany, Landscape Architecture, and/or Design preferred.
3. Previous experience working in a labor-intensive position preferred.

Revisions, additions or deletions to this job description may be made at any point.