Public Horticulture Intern (paid)

Lincoln Park Zoological Society • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Horticulture Intern is a full-time paid seasonal position of up to 500 hours, running from the beginning of January to the end of March. The intern works with the Director of Horticulture, the Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs, and horticulture staff at Lincoln Park Zoo, a public garden, botanic garden, and arboretum. The role builds vocational horticulture skills through winter and early spring plant care for Chicago-area plants and plants in a conservatory. The project-based internship focuses on research into indoor tropical plants and their use in a zoo setting and concludes with a presentation about the project.

The Animal Care and Horticulture department is an integrated team responsible for caring for the animals and plants at the zoo. The internship also offers experience in plant identification, zoo horticulture, natural-area maintenance, horticultural garden maintenance, and written and oral presentations.

Requirements

• High school degree or equivalent.
• Interest in studying horticulture, plant science, or a related field.
• Ability to identify, or willingness to learn to identify, common ornamental, landscape, and tropical plants.
• Ability to understand, communicate, and carry out directions in verbal and written English.
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors, and the general public.
• Valid Illinois driver's license and maintenance of a good driving record.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally; remain on their feet for long periods; frequently bend, stoop, reach, and climb; safely use program tools and equipment; move on sometimes slippery or muddy surfaces and uneven terrain; and work in all weather conditions, including winter conditions.
• No plant or animal allergy that interferes with the ability to work.
• Availability to work assigned special events outside the regular work schedule.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of appropriate gardening techniques and practices.

Responsibilities

• Participate in garden maintenance, including pruning, weeding, planting, watering, and integrative pest management.
• Assist with loading, unloading, and transporting plant material, garden equipment, and tools.
• Participate in the design, installation, and maintenance of display plants, permanent collection plants, and plant signage under the guidance of the Director of Horticulture and/or Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs.
• Maintain the inventory, cleanliness, and function of daily-use tools and supplies, and support the Manager of Horticulture Operations with tool maintenance and organization.
• Compile research on plant selections and identification guides for browse species.
• Keep the work environment clean, orderly, and safe for people in and around the work site.
• Work independently and in groups with zoo staff and volunteers.
• Present the internship research project on indoor tropical plants and their use in a zoo setting.
• May represent the zoo at internal and external functions, including donor tours, special events, horticulture programming, professional meetings, and conferences.
• May use an electric cart or wagon to move supplies and debris.
• May direct volunteers and guests during a zoo emergency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions.
• Free on-site parking anytime, with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach.
• Discounts on event tickets, attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo, including free admission to select events.
• Quarterly staff mingle events and LPZooU training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects.
• Company contribution to a Health Savings Account for Medical PPO participants.
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED