Public Horticulture Internship

Hiring Organization: Coastal Maine Gardens
Employment type: Internship
Job Location: Boothbay, ME
Application Due Date: April 30, 2023

Public Horticulture Intern

Reports to: Horticulture Operations Supervisor

FLSA: Hourly, non-exempt; $15.75/hour

Summary: The Department of Horticulture is responsible for installing and maintaining all cultivated gardens, growing spaces, and natural areas throughout Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ approximately 325 acres. The Public Horticulture internship immerses students into the world of public garden horticulture. Not only will students experience all aspects of horticulture (e.g., planting, maintenance, etc.) but they will also better appreciate their role in fostering an exceptional guest experience and becoming better stewards of the environment.

The intern program at CMBG includes experiential learning, a project guided by your supervisor, a group field trip, and opportunities to gain exposure to roles and responsibilities in various Gardens departments.

Essential Functions: (This job requires the performance of the following tasks, with or without accommodation. Incumbents may be regularly or occasionally required to assume additional responsibilities or perform additional tasks.)

Assist with ornamental gardening, including planting, mulching, weeding, staking, dead-heading, pruning, watering, pest identification and integrated pest management, plant identification, and developing knowledge of plant, design, and material needs.
Assist with general maintenance of horticulture buildings and equipment, including raking, sweeping, cleaning, sharpening, and repairs as needed.
Assist with propagation/production, including collection, storage, and sowing of seed; cuttings; transplanting; watering; and additional plant care as needed.
Assist in the Native Butterfly and Moth House, including rearing of specimens and interacting with visitors.

Participate in cross-departmental educational opportunities with the Plant Science and Collections and Education Departments (e.g., record keeping, mapping, herbarium techniques, horticultural therapy, and children’s programs).

Participate in Gardens-wide initiatives as needed (e.g., special events, etc.).

Qualifications:

Educational and/or practical experience in horticulture, botany, and/or landscape design/maintenance.
Enthusiasm about plants, conscientious of the environment, adhere to sustainable gardening practices, and be willing to participate in horticultural best management practices.
The successful candidate must be comfortable interacting with guests, staff, and board members.
Commitment to working across the organization to support the integration of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles into CMBG’s internal operations and its relationships with visitors and guests.

Work schedule:

This is a 12-week internship at 40 hrs./week with a daily work schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The pay rate is $15.75/hr. This position begins in May and continues into August, with some flexibility around start and finish dates per candidate’s availability (e.g., school schedule, etc.). The successful candidate is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from the workplace. Assistance finding housing is available.

Physical and environmental factors:

This position has very high physical demands. The majority of time will be spent outdoors in a variety of conditions (e.g., hot sun, rain, cold temperatures, etc.).

Approximate percentages of time tasks are performed while carrying out the essential functions of this position:

90% of time bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, hands/fingers used for fine manipulation, hands/fingers used for firm grasping, head/neck in rotational movements, head/neck in extension movements, head/neck in flexing movements.
10% of time in seated position.

Maximum load employee will be required to lift/carry is up to 50 lbs.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the company reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job or to require that additional or different tasks be performed when circumstances dictate (such as emergencies, changes in personnel, work load, rush jobs, or technological developments).

To apply: Email resume and letter of interest to Andrew Brand, Director of Horticulture at abrand@mainegardens.org .