Green Corps: High School Intern

Holden Forests & Gardens • Cleveland, OH

2d • $13 • Onsite

About The Position

Green Corp Intern Cleveland Botanical Garden Internship Opportunity: Are you a high school student interested in learning more about plants, botanical gardens, arboretums or horticulture? As a Green Corp intern, you will have the opportunity to develop soft skills, learn technical skills in various STEM fields, participate in service-learning opportunities, enjoy nature-based leisure, complete career exploration activities and explore sustainable practices in multiple settings. The Interns will work with mentors to collaborate and identify departmental placement. Holden Forests & Gardens’ departments include, but are not limited to: Research, Conservation, Education, Horticulture & Collections, Private Events, Development, and Guest Experiences. This position is based at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus in Cleveland, OH with occasional travel to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH with transportation provided. Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is seeking curious students who want to learn about opportunities in the green industry. Position Details & Expectations: The Green Corp intern will work Saturday mornings during the academic year and Monday through Thursday in the summer. Open to high school students Provide a Minor Work Permit required for those under 18 years of age Maintain a teachable mindset Participate fully in all scheduled workshops, events, and workday activities Green Corp will run from April 2026 through August 2026, with the option to remain through December 2026 During the school year interns will work 10 hours/week, and increase to 26 hours/week in the summer Pay $13.00 / hour Key Responsibilities: Actively engage in environmental education, community-based experiences, job readiness workshops, and expert-led discussions Participate in experiences to understand opportunities in the green industry and the nonprofit sector Learn and apply horticulture principles during projects and service-learning opportunities Represent HF&G on campus and in the community professionally and positively Research current and potential programming across departments Work with supervisor to develop and complete an independent project which will be presented at the SEARCH symposium in August Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor Qualifications and Skills: Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values Pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent Provide a Minor Work Permit, if applicable Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation: Ability to understand basic instructions Stand and/or sit for extended periods of time Be willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, heat and cold temperatures may range from 0-103 F Effective vision and hearing Hand and arm dexterity Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery terrain Kneel, bend, stoop, grab, and reach Regular lifting and carrying of up to 20 pounds, occasionally 30 pounds Apply: Would YOU like to join us and play an integral part at this exciting time for HF&G and add a competitive edge to your resume and experience? Qualified applicants should click here or use this link https://bit.ly/GreenCorps2026 to apply. Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.

Requirements

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
• Pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent
• Provide a Minor Work Permit, if applicable
• Ability to understand basic instructions
• Stand and/or sit for extended periods of time
• Be willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, heat and cold temperatures may range from 0-103 F
• Effective vision and hearing
• Hand and arm dexterity
• Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery terrain
• Kneel, bend, stoop, grab, and reach
• Regular lifting and carrying of up to 20 pounds, occasionally 30 pounds

Responsibilities

• Actively engage in environmental education, community-based experiences, job readiness workshops, and expert-led discussions
• Participate in experiences to understand opportunities in the green industry and the nonprofit sector
• Learn and apply horticulture principles during projects and service-learning opportunities
• Represent HF&G on campus and in the community professionally and positively
• Research current and potential programming across departments
• Work with supervisor to develop and complete an independent project which will be presented at the SEARCH symposium in August
• Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees