Plant Health Intern

OBJECTIVE / ACCOUNTABILITY

The Plant Health Intern gains hands-on experience supporting the health and quality of plant material across Midwest Companies' nursery operations. Working alongside the Plant Health and Horticultural teams, this role contributes to integrated pest management (IPM), fertility management, horticultural research, and continuous improvement initiatives. The internship is designed to complement an accredited two- or four-year degree program while fostering technical expertise, critical thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Plant Health & Integrated Pest Management

• Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) initiatives by assisting with scouting, monitoring, and identifying insects, diseases, weeds, and other plant health concerns across nursery operations
• Assist with monitoring crop health and documenting pest and disease activity to support timely and informed management decisions
• Maintain accurate degree-day records and other plant health documentation
• Participate in evaluating new cultural practices, equipment, and plant health management strategies that support continuous improvement
• Perform all work in accordance with company safety policies and applicable regulatory requirements

Horticultural Research & Technical Support

• Assist with collecting and recording soil, water, plant tissue, pH, and EC data to support fertility management and crop performance
• Support horticultural research trials by organizing materials, collecting data, documenting observations, and capturing photographs
• Assist with collecting samples for laboratory analysis, including soil, water, plant tissue, disease, and insect samples
• Contribute to assigned research projects by organizing information, analyzing results, and presenting findings that support operational improvements and informed decision-making
• Maintain accurate records while demonstrating attention to detail and a commitment to quality

Team Collaboration & Professional Development

• Partner with the Plant Health, Growing, Production, and Operations teams to support nursery objectives and deliver high-quality products
• Communicate observations, concerns, and recommendations professionally while building positive working relationships across departments
• Demonstrate curiosity by asking questions, seeking feedback, and embracing opportunities to expand horticultural and scientific knowledge
• Adapt to changing priorities, contribute wherever needed, and support cross-functional projects that strengthen the organization
• Represent Midwest Companies with professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a positive attitude while supporting a culture of continuous improvement

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong interest in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, soil science, agriculture, or related disciplines
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy
• Commitment to working safely, acting with integrity, and collaborating effectively with others

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCES

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited two- or four-year degree program in Horticulture, Plant Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agronomy, Soil Science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Internship fulfills the educational requirements of the student's academic program.
• Coursework or experience in horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, or soil science is preferred but not required.
• Previous nursery, greenhouse, agricultural, laboratory, or research experience is beneficial but not required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Ability to work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical activities including standing, walking, bending, and carrying materials throughout the workday
• Ability to observe, analyze, and communicate plant health concerns with accuracy and professionalism
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with a curiosity for learning and improving processes
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a cross-functional team
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel between nursery locations as needed

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

• $17.00/hour

BENEFITS

• Paid Holidays
• Employee Discount
• A collaborative, team-oriented workplace recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025

ABOUT THE COMPANY

For more than 50 years, Midwest Groundcovers has been a trusted leader in the Green Industry, growing and propagating more than 20 million premium wholesale plants each year. While groundcovers remain our specialty, our diverse product offering includes evergreens, broadleaves, deciduous shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, vines, and native prairie, wetland, and woodland species.

We proudly partner with landscape architects, landscape designers, contractors, municipalities, and other green industry professionals to provide innovative plant solutions that promote beauty, durability, and sustainability throughout the Midwest. Our commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service has made us one of the region's premier wholesale growers.

At Midwest Groundcovers, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're proud to have been recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025, reflecting our commitment to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and purpose-driven work environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally.

If you're looking to build a meaningful career with a company that values teamwork, innovation, and a passion for horticulture, we'd love to have you join our team.