Summer Horticultural Internship
Employment Type
Paid Internship (Full-Time)Job Categories
Horticulture
Job Description
This unique summer internship program offers the opportunity to work with and learn from two public gardens. Berkshire Botanical Garden is a not-for-profit public garden established in 1934. Located on 24 rural acres, the Garden consists of 26 display gardens and specialty collections, and three greenhouses. Naumkeag, a gilded-age style estate with restored gardens designed by landscape architect Fletcher Steele, is a National Historic Landmark preserved by The Trustees of Reservations. The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Both gardens are situated in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts, a few minutes from the center of the historic village of Stockbridge. The area is home to many cultural institutions and numerous natural sites.
About Us
Berkshire Botanical Garden is a not-for-profit public garden established in 1934. Located on 24 rural acres, the Garden consists of 26 display gardens and specialty collections, and three greenhouses. The Garden is situated in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts, a few minutes from the center of the historic village of Stockbridge. The area is home to many cultural institutions and numerous natural sites.
Duties & Responsibilities
This horticultural internship program is designed to offer hands-on experience at Naumkeag and Berkshire Botanical Garden for those with a passion for and interest in horticulture and public gardens. Interns will work with horticulture staff and volunteers in all phases of public garden maintenance and development. This includes planting, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, propagation, IPM, plant identification and interacting with visitors. An ongoing program of intern training sessions, public education programs, and staff field trips are offered to help broaden the students’ horticultural horizon.
Education and Experience
Previous gardening experience and/or course work in horticulture, public gardening, or landscape design is preferred. Applicants must be responsible, self-motivated, and capable of the sometimes strenuous nature of gardening.
Additional Information
Summer internships are for 12 weeks, 40 hours per week and generally start mid-May. The program includes shared intern housing at the Naumkeag estate and a stipend of $12.00/hr. A car is encouraged although not required.
The deadline for applying is March 1, 2026. Earlier applications will receive earlier decision.
Application Instructions
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and an application which can be downloaded from www.berkshirebotanical.org/internships.
Email all documents to Eric Ruquist, Director of Horticulture at eruquist@berkshirebotanical.org.
Questions? 413-298-3926 Ext. 20
March 1, 2026
