Sustainability Plant Health Care Spring Intern 2027

Ganna Walska Lotusland•Santa Barbara, CA

3d•$17•Onsite

About The Position

Lotusland is seeking a Plant Healthcare Sustainability Spring Intern to work with the Manager of Sustainability and grounds staff. The intern will implement and monitor sustainable management practices across a 37-acre botanical display garden. This internship offers both theoretical and hands-on experience in horticultural practices, focusing on ecological soil management, natural nutrient cycling, organic fertilizers, and plant disease management using beneficial microorganisms. The intern will also work with insectaries to support balanced insect ecology, monitor plant health indicators, and complete an independent project culminating in a newsletter article and staff presentation.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited, college-level horticultural program or internship.
Must have his or her own transportation.
Ability to operate power equipment: string trimmer, hedge shears, blowers (gas & battery), compost tea sprayer.
Ability to operate maintenance carts (requires valid driver's license).
Proficiency with hand tools: pole saw, hand saw, loppers, pruners, shears.
Familiarity with orchard ladders, pullers bear weeders.
Knowledge of proper pruning techniques for various plant types.
Understanding of soil moisture monitoring and watering practices.
Familiarity with irrigation systems: hand watering, drip, sprinklers.
Awareness of garden hazards: plants, heat, animals.
Experience or willingness to learn pond and aquatic garden care.
Knowledge of plant mapping and accessioning.
Experience or willingness to learn inventory and documentation of plant collections.
Experience or willingness to learn plant propagation techniques.
Experience or willingness to learn nursery and greenhouse maintenance.
Understanding of soil science, including biological examination, nutritional analysis, and physical tests.
Experience or willingness to learn rodent abatement strategies and vertebrate trapping.
Familiarity with applied entomology and insectary programs.
Understanding of organic matter programs, including mulching and composting.
Knowledge of organic fertilizers and their application methods.
Familiarity with applied microorganisms like mycorrhizae and bacteria.
Understanding of compost tea production, analysis, and application methods.
Ability to demonstrate initiative, reliability, and responsibility.
Ability to apply classroom concepts in real-world scenarios.
Must pass an employment background/criminal check.

Nice To Haves

Relevant background, experience, skills and interests to be included in resume.
Cover letter.
3 letters of reference as one single document.

Responsibilities

Operate power equipment such as string trimmers, hedge shears, blowers, and compost tea sprayers.
Operate maintenance carts (requires valid driver's license).
Use hand tools including pole saws, hand saws, loppers, pruners, and shears.
Utilize orchard ladders and pullers bear weeders.
Perform proper pruning techniques for various plant types.
Monitor soil moisture and implement appropriate watering practices.
Maintain irrigation systems (hand watering, drip, sprinklers).
Be aware of garden hazards including plants, heat, and animals.
Prepare gardens for tours and special events.
Perform pond and aquatic garden care.
Conduct plant mapping and accessioning.
Perform inventory and documentation of plant collections.
Engage in plant propagation techniques.
Maintain nursery and greenhouse facilities.
Conduct biological examinations, nutritional analysis, and physical tests of soil properties.
Implement rodent abatement strategies, including vertebrate trapping.
Participate in the insectary program and review common insect challenges.
Renovate perimeter insectary areas.
Observe the mulching program and composting system.
Apply organic fertilizers and record observations.
Work with applied microorganisms, including mycorrhizae and bacteria.
Assist with compost tea production, analysis, and application.