What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulture Intern position at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium?
Job Details
Horticulture Intern
POSITION: Horticulture Intern
SCHEDULE: Each internship session, Spring, Summer, and Fall is 12 weeks. All interns must be available during this time. This session runs from May 20th, 2025 - August 11th, 2025.
- Orientation: First day of each semester from 9am-4pm. All interns must be available to attend orientation in-person.
- Weekly Schedule: Must be available to work up to 24 hours per week; $13.50/hr. Interns must be available to attend professional development session starting the second week of their internship. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays. Schedules will be determined before internships begin by working with the Volunteer Manager and animal area supervisors.
DESCRIPTION: The mission of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Horticulture Department is to provide the zoo with the highest level of specialized multi-faceted horticultural services possible through horticultural excellence. Under the direct supervision of the Horticulture Supervisor, this is a general grounds labor position in the Horticulture Department maintaining the landscape.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manual removal of weeds in the landscape.
- Weekly watering of non-irrigated areas and fertilization as directed.
- Planting new perennials, grasses and trees in the landscape.
- Mulching in existing or new planting areas.
- Provide manual labor in support of other areas of the departments as deemed necessary.
- Strong work ethic, self-motivated and able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced team environment or individually to further the goals of the department and the Zoo’s mission.
- Develop, work on, and present an internship project aligned with the research needs of their internship area.
- Attend professional development sessions.
- Participate in and complete a mid-point and final evaluation.
- Assist in and complete tasks assigned by intern area supervisor.
- Must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license.
- Must follow safety guidelines and always demonstrate safe working practices.
- Must have effective time management skills for working in a fast-paced and flexible work environment.
- Must possess strong communication skills; Communicate frequently and in a professional manner with supervisor and team members.
- Must attend scheduled shifts on time and as scheduled.
- Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions.
- Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, and may be required to offer proof of a negative skin tuberculosis test.
EDUCATION: Interns must be currently enrolled in, or have recently graduated from, a college or university. At least one year of coursework in a major field of study to be applied during the internship (e.g. biology, zoology, horticulture, etc.) is preferred. Must be motivated to continue expanding knowledge base as it applies to program. Experience in commercial landscape maintenance a plus. General knowledge of the most common species of trees, shrubs & perennials along with pests, diseases, and weed identification is preferred.
Knowledge of proper industry methods, i.e. planting height, pruning & watering. Nebraska pesticide applicators license a plus.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Certain internship positions may involve considerable physical exertion, such as climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects (up to or more than 50 pounds), and/or assuming awkward positions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position may require flexible hours to accommodate our Zoo's setting with minimal disruption to our guests. Work is normally performed in a typical outside Nebraska work environment; heat, rain etc. Physical effort is required including the ability to lift 50 lbs. There may be some exposure to physical risk.
PUBLIC CONTACT: Interns will interact with the public frequently throughout their internship and are expected to always exhibit professionalism and exceptional customer service. Interns may be asked to engage in public speaking opportunities, including but not limited to informal educational presentations for the public. Guest concerns, questions or complaints should be promptly relayed to Zoo staff.
TO APPLY:
- Prospective interns can only submit ONE application per person specific to their top their choice but may indicate up to two other areas that interest them on their application.
- Must submit a Cover Letter and Resume to Paycom at the time you apply. Applications without these materials will not be considered.
- Your cover letter should include clearly defined career goals including how interning in the area you selected as your top choice will help you achieve your goals.
- Interns must provide their availability at the time of their interview. Interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or over Zoom.
We will do everything possible to accommodate school requirements for those seeking to earn class credit. We do our best to accommodate the schedules of interns with full or part-time job requirements.
Please note this position does not provide any medical coverage.
Qualifications
Salary : $14
