Landscape Horticulturalist Intern

OBJECTIVE / ACCOUNTABILITY

The Landscape Horticulturist Intern supports the enhancement and promotion of Midwest Companies' Sales Display Gardens while gaining hands-on experience in horticulture, product marketing, customer education, and public engagement. Working alongside the Product Manager, this role helps create an inspiring environment that showcases our plants, supports customer education, and strengthens relationships with industry partners, customers, and the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Display Garden Operations & Plant Care

• Assist with the maintenance, enhancement, and seasonal development of the Sales Display Gardens to ensure they remain healthy, attractive, and representative of Midwest Companies' commitment to quality. 
• Maintain accurate plant identification by creating, installing, and managing plant labels and signage. 
• Support landscape installation, renovation, and maintenance projects while collaborating with landscape and horticultural teams. 
• Monitor plant health and appearance, identifying opportunities to improve garden quality and presentation. 
• Perform work safely while helping maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming environment for visitors and team members.

Customer Engagement, Education & Marketing

• Support educational tours, customer events, and horticultural programs that promote Midwest Companies' plants, products, and services. 
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Product Management to develop engaging educational materials, presentations, signage, website content, and digital resources. 
• Assist with photography, plant documentation, and storytelling that highlights new plant introductions, seasonal interest, and landscape applications. 
• Help create meaningful experiences that strengthen relationships with customers, students, universities, botanic gardens, and industry organizations. 
• Contribute ideas that improve visitor engagement, educational programming, and overall customer experience.

Product Development & Professional Growth

• Assist with plant evaluations, trial gardens, accession coordination, and product development initiatives. 
• Support plant database updates, catalog development, and technical plant descriptions. 
• Collaborate across departments to support marketing campaigns, educational initiatives, and special projects. 
• Demonstrate curiosity by seeking opportunities to expand horticultural knowledge while contributing ideas that improve processes, presentations, and garden experiences. 
• Adapt to changing priorities, support team initiatives, and contribute wherever needed to help achieve departmental goals.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Passion for horticulture, landscape design, public gardens, or plant sciences. 
• Experience with Plant ID preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn new software. 
• Positive attitude, initiative, and commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCES

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited two- or four-year degree program in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Plant Science, Biology, Public Horticulture, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or a related field. 
• Internship fulfills the educational requirements of the student's academic program. 
• Previous experience in horticulture, landscaping, greenhouse production, public gardens, marketing, and/or customer service is preferred but not required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Ability to work safely outdoors in varying weather conditions. 
• Ability to perform physical work, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines. 
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, coworkers, and industry partners. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple departments. 
• Strong observational, creative, and problem-solving skills with a passion for learning, innovation, and delivering exceptional experiences.

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.