Collections and Horticulture Intern

The Morton Arboretum • Lisle, IL

6d • $20 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

The Morton Arboretum ranks among the world's foremost public gardens, noted for its exceptional plant collections, beautiful garden and landscape displays, practical research focus, conservation initiatives, and rich herbarium and library collections. Located in the Chicago suburb Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is offering three Collections and Horticulture Internship positions. Internships include one six month and two three month positions. Duration is dependent upon the intern's interest and availability. The anticipated start date for the internships is late May to early June. Rotation through various horticultural programs in the Collections & Horticulture department provides exposure to various aspects of horticulture necessary to manage and maintain a public garden. Field trips over the course of the summer are designed to provide enriching experiences and provide opportunities to network. Selected interns will complete an independent project aligned with their interests and career goals as reasonably as possible. A list of projects aligned with institutional goals and developed by managers will be provided prior to an interview. Results of the completed project will be presented at a departmental seminar. The deadline for application submission is February 17, 2026. Position Summary: This internship offers meaningful professional, educational, and experiential opportunities in public garden horticulture and curatorial practices and supports the strategic goals of The Morton Arboretum. The intern will have the opportunity to select from a variety of independent study projects that contribute to executing the Arboretum mission.

Requirements

• Current enrollment in or recent completion of an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or graduate program in horticulture, plant biology, environmental sciences, or a related life or natural sciences program required.
• Ability to work in the United States required.
• Demonstrable interest in plants and a strong interest in learning more about their care and curatorial practices in a public garden setting.
• Interest and willingness to experience various facets of horticulture.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience by working in each of the Collection and Horticulture Program departmental areas: living collections, display horticulture, new plant development, plant production, and natural areas.
• Complete an independent project that is aligned with the intern’s professional interest as reasonably as possible and addresses an objective that supports Arboretum goals.
• Present project results at the completion of the internship.
• Participate in additional activities to incorporate aspects of a public garden not covered in daily work. These activities may include meetings with staff members, educational sessions, or field trips.
• Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretum’s employee core values.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Associate degree