Sustainability Plant Health Care Spring Intern 2027
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 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 design and complete an independent project. This project will involve researching an aspect of the garden, culminating in a short article for the garden newsletter and a presentation to staff.
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 lift 50 lbs.
- Ability to walk, kneel, and bend frequently.
- Must pass a background/criminal check.
Nice To Haves
- Gain hands-on experience applying sustainable horticultural practices.
- Build confidence by learning new skills and expanding your knowledge base.
- Strengthen communication and teamwork abilities through collaborative work.
- Learn directly from experienced professionals in a leading botanical institution.
- Demonstrate initiative, reliability, and responsibility in a professional setting.
- Apply classroom concepts in real-world scenarios, bridging academic and professional experiences.
- Contribute meaningfully to the organization and achieve a sense of accomplishment.
- Acquire valuable experience and achievements to enhance your resume or academic applications.
- Gain a competitive edge in future job or school applications.
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 watering practices using wells, reservoirs, booster pumps, and main lines.
- Manage irrigation systems including hand watering, drip, and sprinklers.
- Maintain awareness of garden hazards such as plants, heat, and animals.
- Prepare gardens for tours and special events.
- Perform pond and aquatic garden care.
- Participate in plant mapping and accessioning.
- Conduct 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.
- Participate in rodent abatement through vertebrae trapping.
- Implement the insectary program and review common insect challenges.
- Renovate perimeter insectary areas.
- Observe the mulching program.
- Manage the composting system and compost application.
- Apply organic fertilizers and record observations.
- Apply microorganisms such as Mycorrhizae and bacteria, discussing their types, benefits, and application methods.
- Produce, assay, and apply compost tea.
Benefits
- Housing provided
- Sick leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
