Chicago Botanic Garden

At The Garden — Internships

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Intern, Propagation (one year; one position available)

Requisition Number 121

PURPOSE: To learn how to propagate a broad range of plant material including perennials, woody ornamentals, native plants, tropical plants, and floriculture plants by working with the Plant Propagator. Develop and refine basic plant 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 the Plant Propagator with sowing seeds, taking cuttings, making divisions, researching propagation techniques, applying pesticides, tracking requests in a computer system, recording propagation schedules, grafting, and budding. The intern will also assist with the care of propagules including watering, fertilizing, thinning, and repotting. The intern will assist other growers in the greenhouses and nursery as the need arises. Prepare and present a ten-minute lecture on a horticulture topic to the horticulture division.

DEPARTMENT: Plant Production

REPORTS TO: Propagator

SUPERVISES: Volunteers

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS: Floriculturists, Nursery Supervisor, 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.