Horticulture Internship

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Horticulture Intern will learn and apply excellent horticultural techniques while working one-on-one with horticulture staff and independently at times to preserve and maintain the historic design intent of the Winterthur Garden and Estate. The intern will maintain the historic naturalistic design of the garden by practicing good safety and learning excellent horticultural techniques, e.g., fertilizing, planting, pruning, snow removal, leaf removal, mowing, spraying pesticides, mulching, weedeating and the cultural requirements and botanical nomenclature of the plants of the design principle used in the Winterthur Garden. The Horticulture  internship is an outstanding learning and growth opportunity for a student considering or intending on entering the horticulture profession.

Compensation: $15.00/hour

Benefits:  Including, but not limited to, 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family. Limited free housing available on site.

Work Schedule:  This is a seasonal position expected to last from May 20 – August 15, 2025. Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm (35 hours/week plus optional 5 extra hours).

Responsibilities:

1. Garden & Estate Maintenance: Assist with all tasks necessary for overall good appearance of an outdoor area and the good health of woody and herbaceous plants therein, including activities such as planting, pruning, watering, mulching, weeding, raking, and mowing.
2. Site Maintenance: Aid in performing work required on paths, structures, signs, walls, benches, and vehicles, safely utilizing established procedures.
3. Aesthetic & Environmental Stewardship: Acquire an understanding of the history and design intent of the Winterthur Garden and Estate. Develop an awareness of the principles of conservation, environmental management, and land stewardship and how they shape Winterthur’s philosophy towards horticultural practices.
4. Garden Programming: Take opportunities to assist with Winterthur’s children’s gardening program, weekly garden lecture series, and special garden events.
5. Continuing Education: Participate in a variety of training courses including operation of large equipment, plant identification classes, and field trips to gain a comprehensive understanding of the wider field of public horticulture.

Requirements:

Minimum Experience: Enrolled student or recent graduate of an accredited college or university with one semester of completed coursework in horticulture or a related field with three months of practical, hands-on experience in horticulture or a related field.

Preferred Experience: Two years of completed coursework in horticulture or a related field with one year of practical, hands-on experience in horticulture, with some time devoted to the maintenance of gardens, preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

1. Ability to operate horticultural hand-tools and power equipment safely.
2. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
3. Ability to execute oral and written directions.
4. Basic knowledge of gardening techniques and terminology.
5. Ability to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing.

Essential Functions:

1. Exposure to pesticides, safe operation of hand-tools and motorized garden equipment.
2. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
3. Exposure to insect bites and poison ivy.
4. May be asked to work in inclement weather or emergency situations.
5. Have adequate hearing and sight in order to be aware of nearby guests and staff when the employee is using or is around equipment such as mowers, weed-eaters, blowers and sprayers.
6. Ability to push mowers, blowers and walk over rough terrain.

*At the time of application, you will be required to submit a cover letter and resume. Should you advance in the interview process, we will require a copy of your most recent transcript and two letters of recommendation.

The deadline for applications is March 21, 2025. Searches may close once a suitable candidate has been identified or may continue beyond the deadline if suitable candidates have not been identified. Please note: Winterthur is currently unable to consider applicants from countries outside the United States.