Plant Collections Intern

Grow Your Career at Filoli: 2026 Plant Collections Internship

Are you fascinated by the intersection of nature, science, and history? Ever wonder how a world-class botanical garden keeps track of its thousands of living treasures?

Filoli is looking for a curious, tech-savvy, and nature-loving student to join our Plant Collections Team for the Summer of 2026. This isn't just a job—it’s a 10-week deep dive into the heart of a vibrant nonprofit community where history and horticulture meet.

The Experience

As a Plant Collections Intern, you’ll be more than just a face in the garden. You’ll be part of a close-knit summer cohort, collaborating with professional mentors to manage our living museum. You’ll spend your mornings in the fresh air and your afternoons mastering the digital tools that keep a public garden growing.

Dates: June 15 – August 21, 2026 (We can be flexible with your school's schedule!)

Pay: $23.00 / hour

Schedule: Full-time (30-40 hours/week). Generally Monday–Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm.

Note: Some weekends and evenings are required for special events—flexibility is key!

• Location: Woodside, CA. Please note: Housing and public transportation are not available.

What You’ll Do

You’ll work alongside our Plant Curation team to bridge the gap between the dirt and the database. Your mission includes:

Mapping the Future: Use GIS software for garden and infrastructure mapping.

Plant Detective Work: Conduct research on plant taxonomy and nomenclature to ensure our records are perfect.

Digital Curation: Update our electronic databases and capture the garden's beauty through plant photography.

Public Engagement: Act as a Filoli ambassador, sharing your knowledge with visitors during our seasonal programs.

Horticultural Skills: Get your hands dirty! You’ll learn essential techniques and plant identification in the field.

Who You Are

We are looking for an "early bird" who loves to learn.

Education: Currently enrolled in a 2 or 4-year college program (rising freshmen are welcome!).

Interest: You have a demonstrated spark for botany or horticulture—whether through classes, a home garden, or a local club.

Tech-Ready: You’re comfortable with Google/MS Office and ready to learn specialized database and mapping software.

Team Player: You value diversity, respect different worldviews, and love working as part of a collaborative team.

Physical Readiness: You’re happy being on your feet, walking uneven terrain, and can occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

Ready to root your career in something beautiful? Apply today and help us keep Filoli a place that welcomes and respects everyone.  

Apply today!  https://filoli.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a26ons3y58d2/aa0

Filoli is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all interns and staff.