Horticulture Intern
Employment Type
Paid Internship (Full-time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
Interns are trained and work alongside horticulture staff and typical work consists of hands on gardening tasks such as planting, transplanting, fertilizing, watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, keeping areas free of debris, etc. Interns are trained to operate garden equipment such as garden carts, trailers, and mini-skid steer, as well as a variety of hand held power equipment. A variety of horticulture classes are taught by garden staff exposing interns to a wide variety of interesting horticultural topics in the gardens.
Interns will gain insight into garden design and careers in public horticulture through visits to local botanic gardens and nurseries in North Carolina. We also try to provide a broad exposure to different aspects of the “green industry,” from growing plants to the design and implementation of gardens.
About Us
Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University offers a 10-week summer internship program for students interested in gaining a hands-on experience in a public botanic garden. Duke Gardens is a 55-acre display- and education-oriented botanic garden located on the campus of Duke University. Duke Gardens hosts many university and community programs and attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually. The gardens are divided into four thematic sections; the Gateway Gardens, Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, Historic Gardens, and the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants. Throughout these sections are many specialty gardens including an organic vegetable garden, rose garden, perennial border, aquatic plantings, seasonal display gardens, Japanese garden, moss garden, Piedmont Prairie, and endangered native species collections.
Education and Experience
Intern applicants should be enrolled in a traditional two or four year degree program in Horticulture or an associated field. We also consider non-traditional students who may be making a career change into the field of horticulture.
Additional Information
Housing: Housing is provided by Duke Gardens in nearby campus apartments.
Requirements: Able to stand, bend, squat, kneel and sit for extended lengths of time; must be able to reach down and overhead. Able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions. Ability to operate hand tools and power equipment safely (training provided). Basic computer skills (knowledge of Windows, Excel, Outlook and Word).
Please Note: Duke Gardens is currently unable to sponsor applicants not already authorized to work in the United States.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Instructions
Dates of 2025 internship: May 19th through July 26th.
Work schedule: 7a.m – 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, with some weekends of watering duty TBD.
Compensation: $17/hr. College credit may be arranged through your advisor.
Visit our website gardens.duke.edu and download / fill out our application form and email it with your resume and cover letter to Bobby.mottern@duke.edu
All complete internship application materials must be received by Duke Gardens by February 7th, 2025. The selection committee will not be able to consider your application if all materials have not been received by the due date. Interviews and hiring will begin as soon as applications are received and will continue beyond deadline if qualified candidates have not been identified.
Completed application form, cover letter and resume should be sent with “Horticultural Internship” in the subject line to bobby.mottern@duke.edu.
February 7, 2025