Horticulture Summer Intern 2026 - Full Time

Philbrook Museum of Art Inc•Tulsa, OK

1h•Onsite

About The Position

Philbrook Museum of Art is a vibrant cultural institution in Tulsa, Oklahoma, welcoming approximately 150,000 visitors each year. It features a 1920s Italianate Villa nestled in 25 acres of designed gardens, which include five major gardens, five smaller gardens, four historical structures, 17 works of art, an urban forest, and Crow Creek. The gardens have become a keystone of the museum’s programming. Philbrook's mission is to make a creative and connected community through art and gardens, guided by values of Creativity, Wellbeing, Relevance, and Sustainability. The Horticultural Intern will assist the horticulture staff with the daily maintenance of the gardens, encompassing plant health care and day-to-day operations as assigned by the Horticulture Manager. This internship is designed to supplement the learning experience directly related to the field of study and provide foundational skills for a career in the horticulture industry. The intern will be required to complete either a special garden project or maintain a garden journal. The internship is paid and is expected to be 35 hours a week, Monday-Friday, for a 12-week duration beginning in May, with an occasional evening shift possibly required due to Horticulture programs.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in or recently graduated from an institution studying horticulture or a related field.
One year experience, paid or unpaid, with the intent of starting a career in the horticulture industry.
Basic interpersonal communication skills required for visitor interaction.
Must be able to meet physical demands and working conditions.
Valid driver license required.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in gardening.
Basic knowledge of horticulture science and techniques such as: ornamental plant maintenance, plant propagation, herb and vegetable gardens, disease and pest management, and basic small engine operation and maintenance.

Responsibilities

Assist the horticulture staff with the daily maintenance of the gardens.
Assist with all aspects of plant health care.
Assist with day-to-day horticulture operations.
Complete either a special garden project or maintain a garden journal.
Rotate through the various gardens and gain skills in areas such as weeding, watering, pruning, deadheading, mulching, IPM, and plant identification.
Learn other aspects of maintaining a display garden.
Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.
Plant and maintain seasonal flower displays, perennials, and containers.
Monitor plants for issues and report concerns to the Horticulture Manager.
Perform pruning, fertilizing, disease and pest control, minor irrigation repairs, and greenhouse production duties.
Maintain and repair tools and equipment, water systems, and garden furniture and fixtures, as needed.
Report equipment issues to the Horticulture Manager.
Achieve an individual project that contributes to the Horticulture Department’s short- and long-term plans consistent with Philbrook’s mission, vision, & strategic plan; or maintain a detailed journal.
Greet, interact with, and provide information to visitors.
Maintain the security and integrity of the grounds.
Follow safety policies and procedures.
Keep everyone’s safety and experience at the forefront.