General Info

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Intern, Display Gardens (three months; three positions available) – FILLED

Are you looking for practical hands-on experience in horticulture? Does the idea of maintaining some of our 23 specialty gardens and braving the elements appeal to you? If your answer is yes, a horticulture internship is for you.

PURPOSE: To learn public gardening through hands-on experience maintaining display gardens. Interns will also learn plant material hardy to the Chicago area and their cultural practices.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience working with a broad palette of plants and various design styles under a senior horticulturist. Interns gain a practical knowledge in the care and maintenance of an extensive collection of native and non-native taxa.

Through the course of the summer, the intern will provide daily maintenance for the garden by weeding, watering, mowing, planting, mulching and pruning. Other responsibilities include fertilizing, record keeping, labeling and working closely with volunteers and seasonals.

Education and interpretation are important facets of the day-to-day garden operations. The intern will work closely with the horticulturists and gain practical knowledge in the care and maintenance of an extensive collection of native and non-native taxa. They will also have the opportunity to get exposure to general Botanic Garden operations by attending staff meetings with the horticulturists and weekly intern meetings with guest speakers during the summer months.

DEPARTMENT: Display Gardens

REPORTS TO: Senior Horticulturist

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Candidate should be available to work three months beginning in May. He or she must be enrolled in a college horticulture program or a related field with an interest in display garden maintenance. The ideal candidate will be flexible, able to work in a fast-paced environment and possess good communication and interpersonal skills. Candidates within a year of their graduation date will also be considered. Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs.