Wister Rhododendron Garden Intern

Job Description

Duration: 15 weeks, May 18 – August 28, 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 Wister Rhododendron Garden, a nationally accredited, historical collection of over 1,100 rhododendrons located in Media, PA. The intern will assist with the day-to-day needs of the Wister Rhododendron Garden including garden 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, 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

– Assist with the maintenance of the Wister Rhododendron Garden including weeding, mulching, planting, and pruning.
– Care for a variety of woody plants, ground covers, trees, and other cultivated landscapes.
– Provide guidance to horticultural volunteers under the assistance of the Wister Rhododendron Gardener.
– Plan, install, and produce a report for a small garden bed of the intern’s own design, with input from the Wister Rhododendron Gardener.
– Become proficient with small equipment (such as string trimmers, leaf blowers, etc.), and hand tools.
– Be comfortable interacting courteously with diverse Arboretum visitors.
– Assist with other tasks as necessary.

Education and Experience

– Demonstrate a passion for horticulture, plants, and the natural world.
– Strong communication skills (both oral and written) are required.
– Be able and willing to work both independently and as part of a team.
– Valid state-issued motor vehicle operator’s license and insurability.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements

– Must be able and willing to work in inclement weather conditions, especially heat and humidity.
– Requires frequent and prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, pulling, and twisting.
– Must be comfortable occasionally working from a ladder.
– Must be able and willing to frequently lift at least 50 lbs.
– Occasional computer work.

Application Instructions

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

Include ‘Last Name Wister Rhododendron Garden Intern’ as the subject line.

No phone calls please.