Horticulture Intern

Job Description

Duration: 18 weeks, May 11 – September 11, 2026 (exact date range negotiable)

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30pm (37.5 hours)

Compensation Rate: $15.00 per hour

This is a full-time, seasonal position that provides direct support to Horticulture & Land Stewardship Department team members and reports to the Director of Horticulture and Land Stewardship.

Summary

This internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on horticultural experience in Tyler Arboretum’s 650 acres of protected land that comprises of horticultural collections, gardens, and natural areas bursting with beautiful woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and streams. The intern will assist with the day-to-day needs of the property including garden and landscape maintenance, monitoring the health of plants, and interacting with both volunteers and visitors. In addition, the internship offers opportunities to participate in Tyler Arboretum’s public program offerings, attend field trips to regional gardens and arboreta, learn about public garden management, and network with professionals.

About Us

Come join us at Tyler Arboretum! We’re a 650-acre public garden located in Media, Pennsylvania, just 40 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. We’re proud to be one of the oldest arboreta in the northeastern United States. Our grounds are home to renowned plant collections, majestic champion trees, and historic buildings. We’re always buzzing with activities like workshops, classes, and tours for both adults and kids. It’s a great place to work, be part of a team environment, and be close to nature!

Duties & Responsibilities

– Maintain display beds (planting, watering, mulching, weeding, pruning, etc.).
– Help with grounds maintenance activities (string trimming and clearing pathways of debris).
– Pest and weed control, including invasive species management.
– Minor maintenance and repair of equipment and tools.

Education and Experience

– Demonstrate a passion for horticulture, plants, and the natural world.
– Be able and willing to work both independently and as part of a team.
– Priority will be placed on applicants with a degree focused on Horticulture, Biology, Ecology, Forestry, or similar field.
– Possess good written and verbal communication skills.
– Must be able to work with volunteers.
– Valid state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license and insurability.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements
– Must be willing and able to work in inclement weather conditions, especially heat and humidity.
– Requires frequent and prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and twisting.
– Ability to be active throughout a full day of work, including standing for prolonged periods and walking long distances on various terrains.
– Must be able and willing to frequently lift up to 50 lbs.

Application Instructions

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to hort@tylerarboretum.org.

Include ‘Last Name Horticulture Intern’ as the subject line. No phone calls please.