Chicago Botanic Garden

At The Garden — Internships

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Plant Production Intern, Greenhouse and Nursery (one year; one position available)

Requisition Number 122

PURPOSE: To learn how to produce a broad range of plant material by working with staff and volunteers in the four Plant Production divisions; nursery, indoor floriculture, outdoor floriculture, and plant propagation. Develop and refine basic production and propagation techniques through hands-on work in the department. Attend regular weekly Plant Production department meetings and intern meetings with guest speakers to learn about general Chicago Botanic Garden operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist Plant Production staff with potting, transplanting, pruning, fertilizing, spacing, weeding, watering, setting up irrigation, delivering plants, sowing seeds, taking cuttings, making divisions, watering, pinching, spacing, applying pesticides, scheduling crops, staking, and operating computer greenhouse controls. Prepare and present a ten-minute lecture on a horticulture topic to the horticulture division.

DEPARTMENT: Plant Production

REPORTS TO: Manager of Plant Production, Plant Propagator, Indoor Floriculturist, Outdoor Floriculturist, and Nursery Supervisor

SUPERVISES: Volunteers

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Nursery Supervisor, Floriculturists, Propagator, Growers, Assistant Growers, and Seasonals

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Candidate should be available to work 12 months beginning in late May or early June, and a graduate of or enrolled in a college horticulture program or a related field with an interest in greenhouse and nursery management. Candidates within a year of their graduation date will also be considered. The ideal candidate will be flexible, able to work in a fast-paced environment, and possess good communication and interpersonal skills. Must have or be able to obtain an Illinois operator’s license for chemical applications. Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs.