General Info

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Intern, Greenhouses (three months; one position available) – FILLED

Are you looking for practical hands-on experience in horticulture? Is working in a tropical greenhouse, releasing beneficial insects, or creating topiaries your idea of an enjoyable internship? If your answer is yes, a horticulture internship is for you.

PURPOSE: To gain hands-on experience in maintaining display greenhouses and interior plantscapes while learning about the best cultural practices of indoor, show and conservatory plants.

RESPONSIBILITIES:Duties and responsibilities throughout the year will include assisting in every aspect of maintaining The Greenhouses and interior displays. The intern will learn proper watering, fertilizing and pruning techniques for a diverse group of plants, including tropical, subtropical and succulent plants, as well as how to identify important plants and plant groups in the collection. The intern will also gain valuable experience in identifying insect pests and applying integrated pest management techniques, including the release of beneficial insects. Updating plant labels will be done as necessary.
The intern will work with volunteers on a daily basis, providing them with directions and supplies for their work.
Education and interpretation are important facets of the day-to-day garden operations. The intern will work closely with the horticulturist and gain practical knowledge in the care and maintenance of this extensive indoor collection. He or she will also have the opportunity to get exposure to general Botanic Garden operations by attending staff meetings with the horticulturist, and biweekly intern meetings with guest speakers.

DEPARTMENT: Greenhouses

REPORTS TO: Senior Horticulturist

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: He or she must be enrolled in a college horticulture program or a related field with an interest or emphasis in display greenhouse 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.