Landscape Gardener Intern

This position works with a specified team in various locations throughout the Estate.  The Horticulture Intern will learn valuable skills in landscape maintenance, turf maintenance, IPM, plant ID, soils, seasonal displays, irrigation, and other aspects of the Horticulture field. Students will work in varied environments utilizing their broad knowledge in Horticulture to complete tasks.  All internship positions will rotate through the other areas of Horticulture and related Departments, attend Human Resource classes, participate in field trips, keep up with a weekly written journal, and complete a project for presentation to the Department.  There must be a willingness to work in all weather conditions. Applicants must also be able to lift 50 lbs, have a valid driver's license, and be able to work independently.  This internship position is available May through August, generally working Monday through Friday, 40 hours a week.

Essential Job Duties

1. Performs basic ground maintenance duties including but not limited to: general cleanup, trash removal, weeding, mowing, hauling and chipping brush.
2. Assists in basic gardening duties with supervision including but not limited to: preparing beds and installing plants, maintaining planted areas by cultivation, weeding, watering, limited pest control, mulching and staking.
3.  Recognizes significant woody and herbaceous plants in their work area by the plant's common name.
4. Recognizes plant problems and brings them to the attention of the Supervisor
5. Reliably works as scheduled to include weekends, emergency duty and overtime as required.
6. Operates basic grounds equipment after appropriate training and always with appropriate personal protection equipment.
7. Safely and efficiently operates various hand tools including shovels, rakes, hoes, and hand saws.
8. Assists in application of fertilizers and/or pesticides as required, with supervision.
9. Uses proper watering techniques.
10. Other duties, as required.

Additional Responsibilities:
1. Attends and successfully completes a variety of training sessions related to job performance, as required
2. Provide support and assistance for other departments to include holiday and other special events
3. Complies with all safety procedures related to duties
4. Assists guests in a positive, courteous manner.
5. Follows daily routine without constant supervision

Qualifications

Candidates must be currently enrolled in a college program and must be receive credit for the internship position. A cover letter, resume, three letters of reference (one of which should be from a current or former employer) and an on-line application are required when applying for an internship position.
1.  High School Diploma
2.  Should be capable of working both independently with little supervision, as well as, a team; the ability to be proactive and take initiative where appropriate is essential.
3.  Must be able to exercise good judgment
4.  Demonstrate commitment to providing world class guest service (internal and external).
5.  Should be comfortable interacting with guests and working in a guest service environment.
6.  Ability to operate small gardening equipment and machinery safety (tractors, mowers, etc.) and associated motorized equipment after proper training.
7.  Become WPS certified within 10 days of hire.
8.  Must have a valid driver's license and be at least 19 years of age.

Physical Requirements

1. Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time; must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, reach below and overhead.
2. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs on a regular basis.
3. Must be able to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding as needed.   
4. Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather with fluctuations in temperature and conditions; exposure to dirt, dust, pollen, chemicals, particulates, etc.
5. Ability to safely operate small equipment and machinery (e.g. edgers, mowers, etc.).
6. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be at least 19 years of age.