Horticulture Intern

Description

As part of Bok Tower Garden’s (BTG) Horticultural team, we seek a Horticulture Intern who will assist in maintaining plants and gardens, natural areas, plant records, and the nursery complex. The Horticulture Intern will work with Garden staff learning management skills and strategies while gaining valuable experience in public horticulture through a 12 week program which rotates through each Horticulture Sub Department; including Nursery Operations, Outdoor Horticulture, Plant Records, the Rare Plant Conservation Program, and Land Management. The Horticultural Intern will also have exposure to Meetings with Visitor Engagement, Executive Leadership, Business Development, Philanthropy & Membership, Volunteers, and Finance & Accounting through meetings with these Garden leaders.

This energetic individual will work closely with horticulture staff to manage our display gardens, natural lands, ponds, greenhouses, and collections. The individual will be hard working, dependable, and able to work well independently and with a group. Excellent communication skills, respect and integrity are required. Work is primarily outdoors in all weather conditions performing tasks such as weeding, pruning, planting, removing invasive species, and watering. This position reports to the Director of Horticulture, though it will be supervised by sub department manager. You will work closely with other Garden staff members. 

Requirements

 Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform general garden maintenance such as watering, pruning, planting, mulching and weeding of the permanent and seasonal plantings. 
• Monitor pests and diseases and follow appropriate Integrated Pest Management strategies.
• Responsibly operate equipment such as utility vehicles as well as standard garden power tools such as mowers, string trimmers, blowers and tillers. 
• As needed, participate in non-horticultural projects that support the Garden’s mission and development.
• Motivate and assist volunteers in the maintenance of gardens and landscapes, including record keeping and proper plant identification.
• Occasionally assist with special events and other customer service tasks.

Education and Experience

• Have or working toward degree in horticulture, botany, natural resource management, or other related field, or equivalent combination of training, skills and experience. Must have completed your degree within the last twenty-four months.
• Knowledge, course work and/or experience in the following areas: arboriculture, FL native plants, perennials, fruit trees, container displays, and the common landscape plants of zone 9.
• Demonstrated skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving 
• Strength in oral and written communications and the ability to manage multiple tasks. 
• A passionate commitment to the mission and purpose of the Garden. • Proficient with equipment used in the horticultural trade, including hand tools and small engine equipment.
• Ability to follow directions well and willing to learn “BTG” best practices.

Work Conditions

• Primarily outdoor physical work in all weather conditions with occasional work at special events. 
• Appropriate rain and hot weather clothing will be necessary. 
• Safety toe boots are required. 
• Must be able to traverse moderate to difficult site conditions related to Garden topography. 
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.