Plant Database Intern, Fordhook Farm

Job Description

SEASONAL Hourly Position. Fordhook Farm, Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Length: 3-6 Months.
Salary Range: $16.00 to $18.00 plus scholarship opportunity.

Join our team at historic Fordhook Farm and gain hands-on experience in plant records management and garden operations. This internship supports the farm’s plant database for trees, shrubs, and ornamental perennials.
In addition to hourly wages, qualified candidates can earn an additional $1,500 Burpee Scholarship. See details below.

Learning Opportunities – In addition to gaining plant databases and gardening experience, there will be opportunities to participate in: workshops, field trips to area public and private gardens, a visit to the Burpee Seed Company, and help with two ‘Fordhook Open’ days in spring and summer when the grounds are open for the public to tour.

Location – Fordhook Farm,105 New Britain Rd Doylestown PA.
Hours – Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm with weekend hours for Fordhook Open Days

About Us

About Burpee

Located in Doylestown, PA, Fordhook Farm is a 61-acre 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 and shade
• Large Kitchen Garden for annual vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers
• Stream and Creek Gardens
• Stumpery Garden
• Veranda Garden
• Conifer, Deciduous tree and shrub collections

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:
• Database Management: Maintain and update the plant database, ensuring accuracy and completeness of information
• Accessioning: Document and label new plant acquisitions, creating and maintaining records.
• Signage: Oversee installation of outdoor plant signage.
• Collaboration: Work with other garden staff, and landscape contractors to ensure plant data accuracy of plant records and signage.
• Assist with gardening maintenance tasks.
• Assist with product marketing tasks and public events

Education and Experience

Qualifications:
• Education: Current student or graduate with a degree in horticulture or related field.
• Skills: Strong computer skills, including the ability to learn database management software.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with plant taxonomy and plant identification. (Preferred)
• Other: Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions

Additional Information

Scholarship Qualifications:

To qualify for a $1,500 scholarship, candidates must commit to a minimum of three months and be enrolled in a four-year or graduate-level program in horticulture, agriculture, or other plant science field. The internship is available for a duration of 3 to 6 months.

Off-season employment may also be available at the Burpee corporate office, when this seasonal internship is completed.

Application Instructions

Apply online at https://www.burpee.com/careers