Fordhook Farm Internship

Job Description

Grow with Us – Join the nation’s leading home gardening brand for a hands-on, immersive internship experience. In addition to gaining a 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.

Other gardens on the estate include: extensive perennial gardens for sun and shade, a large kitchen garden for annual vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, Stream and Creek Gardens, a Stumpery Garden, a Veranda Garden, and lastly Conifer and Deciduous tree collections.

Location – Fordhook Farm, Doylestown PA. Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm with rotating weekends, as needed.

About Us

We are the nationwide leader in home gardening! A privately owned and operated seed, plant, and hard goods company, selling across all channels to millions of gardeners every year. Burpee has been in business for almost one hundred fifty years and is the most trusted brand in home gardening. This is your opportunity to become a valued team member of a trusted industry leader.

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

The role involves supporting the planting, watering, and maintenance of display gardens, greenhouses, perennial gardens, and research gardens, as well as assisting with irrigation system installation in these areas. This position works closely with the Field Research Coordinator to plant, water, harvest, and maintain research trials while also supporting various research needs, including data collection, labeling, recording, and database maintenance. Responsibilities include maintaining and cleaning research trials, display gardens, perennial gardens, and farm buildings. Additionally, the intern provides support to the photography team and product managers and assists with both public and private events. The use of hand tools such as pruners, saws, rakes, shovels, leaf blowers, and other necessary equipment is required. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Education and Experience

Candidates must be able to work outdoors in summer weather and be available for 40+ hours per week during the busy season, including rotating weekends for watering. Strong communication skills are essential, as this role requires interaction with supervisors, product managers, and farm guests. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is crucial. Candidates must also be able and willing to lift up to 50lbs and possess a valid driver’s license. While plant and weed identification skills are preferred, a willingness to learn and contribute to Burpee seed innovations is highly valued. Prior experience in horticulture is beneficial, but individuals with a strong interest in learning horticultural skills are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

Scholarship opportunities are available. How to qualify for up to a $1,500 scholarship: to qualify, the selected intern must be enrolled in a four-year or graduate-level horticultural/agricultural/plant science program. Internships are available for 3 to 9 months. A minimum of three months is required for the scholarship opportunity for qualified applicants. 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 visit our website, www.burpee.com/careers, to apply directly for our Fordhook Farm Internship.