Horticulture Intern

Horticulture Intern

About This Opportunity

The Horticulture Department seeks individuals with an interest in public horticulture to assist with gardening work during the 2026 growing season. Under the supervision of QBG horticulture staff, interns will learn through hands on experience all aspects of maintaining a public garden, such as planting, weeding, watering, grooming and mulching in all weather conditions. Interns will be expected to work with volunteers who may come to us as individuals or as part of a group. During the months of July and August interns must be available to supervise a small group of teens as part of the City’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).

This internship is ideal for someone making progress towards a degree or certificate in horticulture, conservation studies, botanical or environmental education.

In addition to assisting with gardening work for QBG as a whole, interns will have the opportunity to assist with the following based on their training and interests:

• Serving as Helen & Martin Kaltman Interns—caring for our Fragrance Walk
• Assisting in the care of Herb garden and Wedding garden displays
• Assisting with the care and beautification of our sustainably landscaped Parking Garden

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED and at least 3 months paid, volunteer, home or school gardening experience
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions 
• Ability to perform diverse, sometimes repetitive, tasks that can be physically demanding, including kneeling, bending, stooping, and reaching
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds safely 
• Willingness to learn about use of tools and equipment
• Self-motivated, excellent communicator, with the ability to work alone as well as with others 
• Bilingual language skills, English and Spanish, Korean or Chinese, a plus 

Schedule & Compensation

This is a part-time seasonal position. Positions are available for up to 28 hours per week from late May through August. A flexible schedule may be worked out to accommodate school or other needs.

Compensation: $18/hour

For consideration, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant documents via our Career Center. 

If you encounter difficulties with uploading documents to the portal, please send via email to Human Resources.

Health & Safety: proof of full Covid-19 vaccination strongly recommended for employment.

Queens Botanical Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The Garden does not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, ethnicity, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, disability (physical or mental), age, marital status, veteran/active military service member status, political affiliation, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, genetic information, immigration or citizenship status, status as victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, arrest or conviction record, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, employment/unemployment status, salary history, credit history, marital/partnership stratus, caregiver status, height and weight, or any other legally protected status. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources via email or phone 718-886-3800 x 203.