Public Botanic Garden Summer Internship Program
Hiring Organization:
Sarah P. Duke Gardens at Duke University
Employment type: Internship
Job Location: Durham NC, 27708
Application Due Date: February 10, 2023
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Summer Internship Announcement
Sarah P. Duke Gardens (SPDG) at Duke University offers a twelve week summer internship program for students interested in gaining a hands-on experience in a public botanic garden. SPDG is a 55-acre display and education oriented botanic garden on the campus of Duke University. SPDG hosts many university and community programs and attracts more than 580,000 visitors annually.
Program Description: The internship experience will provide and in-depth introduction to various aspects of horticulture. Interns will work in all areas of the Gardens and have a wide range of horticultural experiences and responsibilities. Through gardening work in the four thematic areas, weekly plant ID classes offered by staff, independent projects and educational field trips, the internship is designed to provide opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in the vast field of public gardening. As they work directly with Gardens staff members, the interns’ daily tasks may include assisting with planting, weekend, watering, pruning, mulching and overall daily garden maintenance. Interns will gain insight into garden design and careers in public horticulture through visits to botanic gardens and nurseries in North Carolina. SPDG also tried to provide a broad exposure to different aspects of the “green industry,” from growing plants to the design and implementation of gardens. Interns will also work on special projects.
Qualifications: The SPDG internship program is open to both traditional and non-traditional students, including those who are making a career change into the field of horticulture. To be considered, applicants must have successfully completed a basic botany or intro to horticulture class and at least one plant ID class. Current enrollment not required. Work experience in horticulture, ecology, environmental studies or closely related fields will also be considered. Self-motivated and willingness to work both independently and in a team environment.
Requirements: Able to stoop, squat, bent, kneel and stand for extended lengths of time. Able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions; exposure to dirt, insects and plant irritants (personal safety training provided). Ability to operate hand tools and power equipment safely (training provided). Must have basic computer skills (Windows, Excel, Outlook and Word).
Newly hired Duke employees will be required, at a minimum, to have received a single dose of a World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccination or a Duke-approved medical or religious exemption) prior to their start of work date. For more information, refer to https://covidvaccine.duke.edu
Dates of internship: May 22nd, 2023 through August 11th, 2023
Work schedule: Monday through Friday 8 am – 4:30 pm with three weekends of water duty.
Compensation: $15/hr. College credit may be arranged through applicants advisor.
Housing: Housing in not provided, and is the responsibility of intern to locate housing.
To apply: Please download and fill out application form https://gardens.duke.edu/learn/summer-internship and mail or email it with resume and cover letter to the address below.
Horticulture Internship Committee, Bobby Mottern
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
418 Anderson Street
Box 90341
Durham NC, 27708
Applications deadline: February 10, 2023
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