Horticulture Intern

Job Description

The Stoneleigh Summer Horticulture Internship is designed to provide interns with broad experience in the operation of a public garden, with a focus on ecological horticulture. The intern will assist in the creation and maintenance of garden landscapes and natural areas and will receive a behind-the-scenes look at public garden design and management. The intern will also be expected to complete an independent project.

This 12-week internship will pay $16 per hour and will run from May through August, primarily on a schedule of Monday through Friday, 7.5 hours per day. Some weekend or evening event support may be required.

About Us

Natural Lands is a non-profit organization that saves open space, cares for nature, and connects people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. We’ve been at it since the early 1950s, and today, nearly five million people live within five miles of lands under our permanent protection.

Located in Villanova, PA, Stoneleigh: a natural garden is a 42-acre former private estate that opened as a public garden in May of 2018.

Duties & Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the horticulture staff, perform general gardening duties such as pruning, planting, weeding, watering, mulching, mowing, and debris removal.

Receive training on the operation of heavy equipment including farm tractors, mini excavators, backhoes, commercial mowers, utility carts, as well as power tools such as chainsaws, blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers and other maintenance equipment.

Receive training on plant health care, including diagnosing pests and diseases, and ascertaining proper corrective measures.

Assist with public events, tours, educational programs, and membership activities.

Participate in the process of selecting, sourcing, procuring and purchasing plants, supplies and materials such as trees, shrubs, seeds, mulch, soil and garden tools and equipment.

Learn aspects of public garden management, including, guest relations, program development, maintenance and facilities, and curation and collections

Learn principles of ecological horticulture and sustainable landscape management.

Education and Experience

Demonstrate a passion for horticulture and/or the natural world.

No formal horticulture knowledge or experience is required.

Must be comfortable engaging with diverse audiences.

Highly motivated, responsible, reliable, and dependable.

Must carry out tasks in a professional manner and have a positive attitude.

Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a good driving record.

Successfully pass a background check.

Must be able to walk, stand, bend and squat on uneven terrain; must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and push up to 50 pounds.

Must be comfortable working from a ladder, lift and other high places.

Must be prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc.

Must be available to work an occasional weekend and/or evening as needed to support events.

Additional Information

Natural Lands is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Application Instructions

TO APPLY: visit our website at https://www.natlands.org/what-we-do/about-us/careers and complete the online application process. Please address all applications to Felicia Schaefer, Director of Human Resources.