Paid Public Horticulture Intern

Description

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Paid Public Horticulture Intern! 

Are you a student who is passionate about plants and the environment, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals?  

The Public Horticulture internship immerses students into the world of public garden horticulture. Not only will students experience all aspects of horticulture, but they will also better appreciate their role in fostering an exceptional guest experience and becoming better stewards of the environment.

This is a Seasonal, Full-time (40 hours per week) internship that runs mid-May to late August 2026. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible. Some weekend work is required.  

$17.00 hourly, non-exempt 

Intern housing is available for biweekly rent. 

Seasonal employees receive personal and sick paid time off, paid holidays, discounts in our culinary programs and Gardenshop, and a Gardens membership.   

In addition to joining our Horticulture team and partaking in regular gardening duties, we have built robust educational programming into our internship. You will delve into all-day immersion and job shadow sessions that help connect the many elements of a botanical garden. You will learn what curation is, the importance of the herbarium, spend a day with our Entomologist and share the wonderment of our native butterfly and moth house with visitors, just to name a few, all through the lens of ecological and environmental horticulture. You will also participate in our robust schedule of field talks, covering such topics as invasive species and tree identification, as well as visit a local preserve to learn about plant conservation. We offer many social and networking opportunities within Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the broader community. 

Primary Functions: 

• Assist with ornamental gardening, including planting, mulching, weeding, staking, dead-heading, pruning, watering, pest identification and integrated pest management, plant identification, and developing knowledge of plant, design, and material needs.  
• Assist with greenhouse duties, such as watering and general plant care as needed.   
• Work in the Native Butterfly House one day per week, including care of specimens and interacting with visitors.   
• Participate in cross-departmental educational opportunities with Plant Science and Collections and other departments (e.g., record keeping, mapping, herbarium techniques, horticultural therapy, and children’s programs).
• Participate in regular group projects within Horticulture department, as well as cross-departmentally. 

Physical Requirements: 

This position has consistent, moderate physical demands. It frequently involves hands-on garden education and some maintenance of learning gardens. The employee should be prepared for active physical work as a regular component of the workday throughout the Gardens’ open season. Interns are required to pass a pre-employment physical.   

Requirements

• Flexibility in a high-productivity work environment where, on occasion, schedules and duties may change due to unforeseen circumstances.   
• Educational and/or practical experience in horticulture, botany, and/or landscape design/maintenance.
• Enthusiasm about plants, conscientiousness about the environment, adherence to sustainable gardening practices, and willingness to participate in horticultural best management practices.   
• Comfortable interacting with guests, staff, and board members.