Orchid Collection Intern

Huntington Public Library•San Marino, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Orchid Collection Internship is an opportunity, funded by the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Science Initiative to support students aspiring to work in museums and botanical gardens and provide them with hands-on experience in a setting with professionals in the field of orchids. With over 10,000 orchid plants, The Huntington has one of the largest orchid collections in the United States and one of the most diverse species collections in the world. The collection contains over 3,600 unique varieties, representing 280 genera, including, but not limited to, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Cymbidium, Cattleya, Stanhopea, and Lycaste. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is a 9-week, full-time opportunity from June 1 – July 31, perfect for someone interested in pursuing a career in plant science, botany, horticulture, conservation, and related fields of research. The botanical intern reports to the Associate Curator, Orchids, but works under the direct supervision of the Orchid Specialist Horticulturist, performing duties that support staff in maintaining the orchid collection. S/he/they will demonstrate a background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach.

Requirements

Must be a current university student or recent graduate (1 year max)
Must be able to operate light-powered equipment and should possess basic pruning and potting skills.
Must be in good physical condition to stoop, bend, walk long distances, and lift moderate and, occasionally, heavy loads.
Familiarity with the safe and proper use of hand tools and garden equipment.
Must be able to work independently without constant supervision or be able to work in teams with volunteers.
Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students (minimum age 18) whose field of study aligns with the internship opportunity.
This internship is available to Los Angeles area residents.
The Huntington will not sponsor J-1 visas for internship participants at this time.

Responsibilities

Participate in Internship programming led by the Internship Coordinator
Create and present a final project based on the work done during the 12-week internship on various projects outlined below.
Assists in maintaining orchid collections under direct supervision by watering, transplanting, planting, grooming, fertilizing, and weeding.
Assists in maintaining orchid-related exhibits by designing floral arrangements, creating educational content and interpretative signage, and mounting orchids in public spaces.
Assists in planning, preparation, and setting up for orchid-related events such as shows, symposiums, and conferences.
Assists in organizing and cataloging physical and digital assets relating to the orchid collection.
Assists the Plant Records and GIS Mapping Specialist in managing and updating records pertaining to the orchid collection.
May be asked to perform duties in other areas of the gardens as needed.
Must adhere to written safety policy, following all precautions and directions in the use of equipment and chemicals.
May perform other related duties as assigned