Internship Areas

The Curatorial Intern works closely with the Curatorial staff to learn the methods and techniques applied in curating a plant collection in a public garden. Specific experiences include: plant acquisition, identification, labeling, inventory, mapping, and data collection. The intern will develop a thorough understanding of the principles of plant nomenclature, become proficient in the utilization of plant identification keys, practice all aspects of plant records managements, and contribute to plant evaluation trials. The intern also assists with field trips and preparation for courses and lectures given by the Curatorial staff and other duties as needed.  Training includes field mapping by triangulation, gaining familiarity with a wide variety of publications and other information resources, and learning to use plant records databases such as BG Base. Basic computer skills and familiarity with plant nomenclature are required. Willingness to work independently and in adverse weather conditions, and a valid driver’s license are required.

The Display Design Intern works closely with the Display Specialist on design projects in an effort to learn the process of implementing permanent and seasonal displays from concept to construction. Duties include evaluating the effectiveness of current displays and assisting with drafting projects, presentation drawings, field note taking, and site measuring. The internship involves taking leadership roles with individual design projects as well as active roles in the staging and installation of indoor and outdoor designs.  Other duties include assisting with research for design and display development, taking part in presentations to various committees, and assisting with Christmas display design and implementation. The individual should possess a strong desire to learn and a high degree of self motivation. Excellent hand drafting and communication skills, willingness to work independently, and willingness to work outdoors are required. Experience with surveying, computer design programs and GIS are preferred, but not necessary. This position is ideal for a student in landscape architecture, landscape design, or architecture who has a strong interest in horticulture. A portfolio of 5 samples of creative work must accompany the application. This is a 9-12 month internship.

The Education Intern works within the three Educational Program Areas to plan, implement and manage various educational programs, targeting K-12, college-level, and adult learners. This unique one-year opportunity provides a rotational experience meant to maximize exposure to educational programming for learners of all ages. The Education Department staff works with each intern to develop a one-year plan that addresses and serves individual student interests and career goals. Interns will spend several months in each of the three program areas, while also carrying out specific long-term projects based on the needs of the department and the intern’s career interests. Opportunities for professional development, including a stipend for attendance at one national conference are available. The successful candidate is a self-motivated, computer-literate, and organized individual looking for a dynamic yearlong experience in a collaborative educational environment.

The Greenhouse Production Intern learns the systems and horticultural skills needed to manage a state-of-the-art container production greenhouse through hands-on involvement in the daily operations of a production facility. Interns will propagate plants by seed and vegetative means and will learn to mix various types of growing media. Responsibilities include assisting in the upkeep and cleanliness of the greenhouse and other work areas, and performing primary plant care in the absence of full-time staff. Other tasks include transplanting, potting, repotting, staking, tying, grooming, watering and fertilizing with automated systems, transporting potted plants to and from growing areas, and assisting with installations of large displays and garden-wide projects.  This experience is perfect for someone who intends to grow plants for a display garden or for commercial purposes. Opportunities range from 3-12 months. Willingness to work independently, willingness to work some weekends, and the ability to lift 50 lbs are required.

The Groundskeeping Intern will learn proper turfgrass management techniques through hands-on experience in the day to day management of the turf within Longwood Gardens. The intern will sod, repair, renovate, and fertilize turf, in addition to mowing and string-trimming, weeding and edging beds, pruning shrubs and trees, preparing soil and compost, and assisting in other maintenance projects important to outdoor display horticulture. Seasonal tasks include leaf cleanup in the fall, natural areas cleanup, removal of woody invasive plants, and snow removal operations in the winter. The intern is expected and required to follow all proper safety practices. Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work independently, ability to lift 50 lbs, and a valid driver’s license are required. This is a 6-12 month internship.

The Research Intern learns the daily tasks involved in operating a horticultural research facility through hands-on involvement with the research team and working with extraordinary hardy and non-hardy plants. Research at Longwood focuses upon applied, practical studies to enhance the indoor and outdoor horticultural displays. The individual works in research plots at the Nursery and in the Research Greenhouses performing weeding, watering, mulching, soil preparation, fertilizing, pruning, planting and transplanting, labeling, and data collection. The intern will collect data on seed germination, bloom period, and hybridization results on a variety of plant trials including camellia hardiness, boxwoods, and on-going evaluations of new plants. Additional tasks include soil testing, virus testing, and propagation by seed, cuttings, grafting/budding, and plant tissue culture. Attention to detail is important. This internship is ideal for students eager to learn a wide range of plants. Opportunities range from 3-12 months (6-12 months is preferred). Willingness to work independently, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work some weekends, the ability to lift 50 lbs, and a valid driver’s license are required. Acquisition of a pesticide applicators license may be required.

The Indoor Display Intern will learn the special nature of gardening in conservatories through hands-on involvement in the day-to-day process of installing and maintaining greenhouse displays and collections. Students work on seasonally changing displays which include annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and bulbs. Students may work with palms, aquatics, orchids, bananas, roses, ferns, succulents, bonsai, espaliered fruit, and Mediterranean flora. Duties include grooming, planting, and maintaining plant displays. Opportunities range from 3-12 months. A general knowledge of greenhouse environments and plant culture is preferred. Willingness to work independently, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work some weekends, ability to lift 30 lbs, and a valid driver’s license are required.

The Integrated Pest Management Intern gains plant health diagnostic skills such as proper pest scouting and identification techniques and the recognition of common plant disease/pest infestation symptoms on plants. The intern assists the IPM staff in scouting for and diagnosing pest problems on a wide variety of crops grown in the greenhouse, conservatory, landscape, and natural environments. The intern performs applied research projects that investigate the biology and control of pests, designs and implements pest sampling and monitoring programs, releases beneficial insects in the conservatory, and evaluates the effectiveness of cultural practices, beneficial organisms, and chemical controls. The intern must obtain a pesticide applicator’s license and will likely apply chemical pest control materials with an emphasis on safety, focusing on the least toxic yet effective methods of control. Additional responsibilities include developing lectures and displays and performing outreach educational programs concerning IPM. Opportunities range from 3-12 months (6-12 months is preferred). The ability to lift 50 lbs, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, ability to work independently, and a valid driver's license are required.

The Library & Archives Intern will learn about the workings of a horticultural library and public garden archival records through hands-on involvement in the day-to-day operation of Longwood Gardens’ library. The intern will check in new publications and returned circulating items, compile daily statistics, prepare materials for archives, prepare bibliographies, repair books as needed, and learn copyright requirements. The intern will be welcoming to visitors and help library patrons perform searches using library software and use AV and other equipment in the library. Other responsibilities include daily tasks such as organizing, shelving, filing, answering phones, and covering the responsibilities of the head librarian when needed. Opportunities range from 3-12 months. Ability to lift 50 lbs, willingness to work independently, and a valid driver’s license are required.

The Marketing and Public Relations Intern gains exposure to the latest in web-based communications, research, and overall business development by working with the Marketing and Public Relations staff to help develop and manage promotions, marketing, and public relations projects for the Gardens. The primary focus of the internship will be to assist with the daily management and development of the Longwood Gardens website and other web-based vehicles. The intern will participate in database development and management to ensure effective communication to guests and the travel and tourism industry. Additionally, special projects within the marketing and public relations field will be assigned. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, highly-organized team player with excellent computer skills and superior verbal and written communication skills. Graphic design skills and knowledge of Photoshop and Quark are a plus but not necessary. Training on all tasks and programs will be provided. Opportunities range from 6-12 months. Willingness to work independently, some weekend work, and a valid driver's license are required.

The Nursery Management Intern learns propagation, potting, labeling, record-keeping, pruning, and transplanting techniques through involvement with the day-to-day operation of Longwood’s nursery. The intern prunes, maintains, and evaluates woody and herbaceous plant material and conducts general maintenance including weeding and mulching. Additionally, the student prepares trees and shrubs for transport and installation in the display gardens by hand digging, ball-and-burlapping, or using a tree spade. The intern will also assist with labeling plants and record-keeping. Opportunities range from 3-12 months. The ability to lift 50 lbs, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work independently, and a valid driver’s license are required.

The Outdoor Display Intern maintains herbaceous and woody plants in several sections of the Gardens. Duties include planting, weeding, mulching, watering, pruning, staking, and fertilizing. Students may work with woody plants, herbs, bulbs, ground covers, roses, vegetables, and fruits in some of Longwood’s most intensively cultivated areas. In addition, students may prepare trees and shrubs for transporting from the nursery to the display area by hand digging, ball-and-burlapping, or using a mechanical tree spade. Opportunities range from 3-12 months. The ability to lift 50 lbs, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work independently, and a valid driver’s license are required.

The Visitor Programs Intern learns to plan, implement and manage interpretive materials and programs for the public through hands-on involvement in the daily operations of the Guest Services Department. They gain experience researching and writing interpretive materials about plants and garden displays, and developing and implementing visitor orientation information. Ongoing responsibilities include writing interpretive materials about plants and garden displays; creating and posting daily activity schedules and event signage; researching and responding to visitor inquiries; and assisting with the development and implementation of special displays and events. Applicants must possess good organization, communication, and people skills, creativity, and an interest in horticulture. Knowledge of computer word processing and graphics programs is required. Willingness to work evenings and weekends, and a valid driver’s license are requirements for this internship. This is a 12 month position.