At The Garden — Internships

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

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

PURPOSE: Work closely with the Plant Production staff in the propagation and production of plants for gardens, collections, native habitats, programs, and events. Learn about general Chicago Botanic Garden operations by attending Plant Production staff meetings and weekly summer intern meetings with guest speakers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Intern will rotate through the four divisions of the Plant Production Department:
Nursery: Assist Nursery Supervisor with potting, transplanting, pruning, fertilizing, spacing, setting up irrigation, and delivering plants to garden areas. Focus is on specialty woody ornamentals, perennials, native plants, and aquatic plants.
Indoor Floriculture: Assist with all aspects of the production of floriculture crops for indoor displays, education programs, and special events. Producing plants for the Wonderland Express exhibition will be a primary focus. Also assist with the scheduling of floriculture crops.
Plant Propagation: Assist Plant Propagator with the propagation of perennials, woody plants, native plants grown from seed, and plug production of annuals. Other methods of propagation will include cuttings, divisions, seed stratification, and seed scarification.
Outdoor Floriculture: Assist Floriculturist with watering, transplanting, fertilizing, pinching, spacing, and delivering of the spring, summer, and fall annual display plants. Work with greenhouse structural operations such as venting systems, lighting, heating, and computerized greenhouse controls.
Develop and present a ten-minute program on a gardening 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 Grower, Greenhouse Grower, Laborers, and Seasonals

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Candidate should be available to work 12 months beginning in late May to 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. 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 operator’s license for chemical applications. Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs.