Horticulture Intern, Shaw Nature Reserve

Summary: Assists horticulture staff with hands-on outdoor horticulture activities involving native plant trials at Shaw Nature Reserve (SNR), including seed collection, propagation, planting, plant records data entry, mulching, weeding, watering, and pruning. This internship opportunity will work an average of 24 hours per week and requires availability from April through September 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists horticulture staff with the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Shaw Nature Reserve Trial Gardens and other native plant horticulture projects in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden.

• Enters plant records information into the MBG Living Collections Management System (LCMS).

• Evaluates and assesses performance of native plants in the Trial Gardens for ornamental display in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden and for broader horticultural applications.

• Works closely and cohesively with horticulture staff and volunteers and with other SNR staff teams.

• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.

• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within division and through the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers and visitors.

• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.

• Meets expected attendance guidelines.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Core Competencies

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.

• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.

• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.

• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.

• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Interest in pursuing a career in horticulture or related field. Current enrollment in college program is preferred.

• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.

• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receiveall vaccinationsas recommended by your healthcareprovider prior to hire date.The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based onlocalhealth department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtainrequired travel clearances, driving permits, andvaccinationsfor all the countries where travel is required.

• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• H.S. diploma or equivalent and some college coursework with an emphasis in Horticulture.

• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills:

• Requires proficient ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, calculate percentages, and understand use of decimals and fractions.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise judgment to apply facts and principles to solve problems.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient Microsoft Office Suite (including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must have and maintain a valid Driver's license, prior to hire.

Physical Demands:

• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e. climb ladders, dig in raised garden beds).

• Able to lift up to (50) pounds (i.e. load and unload supplies and equipment).

• Must be able to work in high heat/humidity and extreme cold weather.

• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time - 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet (i.e. extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).

Work Environment:

• Climate controlled buildings.

• Shared office space.

• Work outdoors in temperatures of 100F or more, humid conditions, as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow, and other inclement weather conditions, including some uncomfortable conditions (i.e. damp weather, mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers) as needed.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Nature Reserve:

• Frequent interaction and collaboration with other SNR horticulture employees and volunteers.

• Occasional engagement with tour groups and other guests.

Supervisor (title not person): Coordinator, Native Plant Initiative