Fordhook Farm Internship

Job Description

Seasonal Fordhook Farm Internship: This is a special year at Fordhook Farm as we celebrate our 150th anniversary. Join the nation’s leading home gardening brand for a hands-on, immersive internship experience. Interns will support special 150th anniversary open-house events and related experiences, contributing directly to this historic milestone for the Company. In addition to $18 per hour, earn up to a $1,700 Scholarship! More details below. Fordhook Farm is located in Doylestown PA. Interns will be expected to work Monday-Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm, with rotating weekends, as needed.

About Us

About Burpee: Located in Doylestown, PA, Fordhook Farm is a 61-acre historic farm and garden estate with historic buildings established by Burpee Seed founder, W. Atlee Burpee in 1876. Passionate about quality, innovation and making home gardening a successful experience, Burpee is the most trusted brand in home gardening for millions of people nationwide. Fordhook Farm continues to be a working site for trialing new Burpee vegetable and flower seeds and plants in outdoor gardens. Other gardens on the estate include: extensive perennial gardens for sun & shade, large Kitchen Garden for annual vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, Stream and Creek Gardens, a Stumpery Garden, a Veranda Garden and Conifer and Deciduous tree collections. In addition to gaining horticultural experience, interns will participate in workshops, field trips to area public and private gardens, visit the Burpee Company, and help with two ‘Fordhook Open’ days in spring and summer when the grounds are open for the public to tour.

Duties & Responsibilities

Interns will support the planting, watering, and ongoing care of display gardens, greenhouses, perennial gardens, and research gardens, and assist with irrigation installation across display, trial, and perennial areas. Interns may also work alongside the Field Research team to help plant, water, harvest, and maintain research trials, including assisting with data collection, labeling, recording, and basic database updates. Additional responsibilities include maintaining and cleaning garden areas, research trials, and farm buildings; supporting the photography team, product managers, and both public and private events; and operating hand tools such as pruners, saws, rakes, shovels, and leaf blowers as needed. Interns will also perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Education and Experience

The ideal candidate is comfortable working outdoors in summer weather and can commit to 40+ hours per week during the busy season, including rotating weekends for watering. They should be able to communicate effectively with supervisors, product managers, and farm guests, and work both independently and as part of a team. This role requires the ability to lift up to 50lbs and a valid driver’s license. Plant and weed identification skills and prior experience are preferred, though we welcome candidates with a strong desire to learn and an interest in developing horticultural skills. Most importantly, we’re looking for someone eager to work, grow, and contribute to Burpee’s ongoing seed innovation.

Additional Information

How to qualify for our $1,700 scholarship: To qualify, the selected intern must be enrolled in a four-year or graduate-level horticultural/agricultural/plant science program. A minimum of four months is required for the scholarship opportunity of $1,700 for qualified applicants. Interns who complete a minimum of three months may qualify for a $1,200 scholarship.

Off-season employment may also be available at the Burpee corporate office for interns (who are not currently in school) when they complete their seasonal gardening internship.

Application Instructions

Please apply directly to our posting on burpee.com/careers. Please include an updated cover letter that details more about your specific interest and experience for the role.