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The Arboriculture Intern will learn the ropes in an unparalleled garden setting with a strong history of tree preservation and over 50 champion trees in Pennsylvania. At Longwood, trees are the center of a network that connects us to the earth, to plant life, and to our past and future—they are the reason Longwood exists in the first place. As an Arboriculture Intern, you’ll gain field experience in science-based tree care.
Areas for Growth
- Explore the outdoors while studying tree biology, health, and maintenance
- Learn how to prune, remove, rig, and support trees
- Implement proper workplace safety
- Keep your feet on the ground or climb to new heights safely and effectively with as much climbing experience as you can get
- Operate equipment such as chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and aerial lifts while working with a progressive team of Arborists using the latest climbing techniques
- Prepare for the Arborist Certification Exam given by the International Society of Arboriculture (other criteria must be satisfied to take the exam)
- Assist in installation for Longwood Gardens’ renowned Christmas light display
Qualifications
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, or a related field
- Experience in arboriculture preferred
- Excellent communication skills
- Capable of sustained physical labor in all weather conditions
- Valid driver’s license
This is a full-time, 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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The Conservation Horticulture Intern will work both collaboratively and independently with extraordinary plants. At Longwood, research combines long-term vision with short-term problem solving. Our diverse portfolio includes both breeding and research endeavors. Explore ecological practices involved in operating horticultural research laboratories, greenhouse facilities, and outdoor trial beds.
Areas for Growth
- Maintain greenhouse and nursery plants using standard plant care techniques — watering, weeding, planting, repotting, mulching, training, etc.
- Propagate plants by seeds, cuttings, grafting, and other appropriate techniques
- Apply tissue culture practices to create and maintain clean in vitro stock by micropropagation and meristem isolation
- Perform daily laboratory tasks such as cleaning glassware, preparing culture media, and deflasking plantlets
- Collect quantitative and qualitative data of experiments and plant evaluations
- Develop, implement, write, and present a research project developed in accordance with the intern’s specific interests within the context of established research projects
Qualifications
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, biology, conservation horticulture, or a related field
- High degree of motivation, organization, attention to detail, and willingness to work independently
- Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
- Some weekend work required
- The ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license
- Acquisition of a pesticide applicator’s license may be required
This is a full-time, 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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The Conservatory Display Intern will gain insight into the distinct practice of gardening under glass through hands-on involvement in the day-to-day process of installing and maintaining indoor displays and collections. The Conservatory at Longwood Gardens features a series of wondrous spaces harmonizing the beauty of 19th-century classical architecture to horticultural displays both formal and contemporary. Work with world-renown indoor displays of more than 1,000 different seasonal crops and 5,000 permanent taxa, in one of the nation’s largest conservatories.
Areas for Growth
- Get hands-on experience working with seasonally changing displays
- Create displays using annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and bulbs
- Increase your knowledge of specialty collections including orchids, succulents, ferns, bonsai, and Mediterranean flora
- Fine-tune grooming, planting, and display maintenance practices
Qualifications
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field
- General knowledge of greenhouse environments and plant culture is preferred
- Willingness to work independently
- Some weekend work is required
- The ability to lift 30 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license
This is a full-time, 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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From showcasing winter’s wonder to highlighting spring blooms, dazzling seasonal displays at Longwood elevate horticulture into art. The Display Design Intern will be involved in all aspects of the design process in the creation of world-class displays with the Longwood Gardens’ Design and Horticulture teams. Add creative and innovative projects to your portfolio that span the seasons and represent both interior and exterior garden designs.
Areas for Growth
- Utilize creative thinking to complete visual display elements
- Gain hands-on training in landscape design and an overview of display operations from the early planning stages through implementation
- Support the design team with CAD drawings, construction documents, visual aids, photography, research and development of new displays, and cross-departmental collaboration
- Work on a variety of exciting projects throughout this yearlong internship
Qualifications
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, landscape design, or architecture with a strong interest in horticulture
- Experience with computer design programs is required
- High degree of motivation, organization, attention to detail, and willingness to work independently.
- Résumé and portfolio of work samples must accompany the application
- Valid driver’s license
This is a full-time, 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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The Greenhouse Production Intern will learn the systems and horticultural skills needed to manage a state-of-the-art container production greenhouse through hands-on involvement in the daily operations of a production facility. Whether growing for display or for commercial purposes, learn how to grow precisely and efficiently. Longwood’s new nursery production greenhouse, opened in December 2020, accommodates a variety of plant materials, growing methods, and environments. Consisting of a 15,600-square-foot headhouse and 65,348-square-foot greenhouse, the new facility allows for a greater level of environmental control, automation, and overall sustainability.
Areas for Growth
- Propagate plants by seed and vegetative means
- Learn to mix various types of growing media
- Work collaboratively with the production team to ensure the highest quality crops are grown efficiently and consistently
- Assist in the upkeep and cleanliness of the greenhouse and other work areas and perform primary plant care in the absence of full-time staff
- Utilize automated systems for transplanting, potting, repotting, staking, tying, grooming, watering, and fertilizing
- Transport potted plants to and from growing areas
- Assist with installations of large displays and garden-wide projects
Qualifications
- Enrolled or completed a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field
- General knowledge of greenhouse environments and plant culture is preferred
- Willingness to work independently
- Some weekend work is required
- The ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license
This is a full-time summer paid internship or a full-time 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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The Integrated Pest Management Intern will gain plant health diagnostic skills such as proper pest scouting and identification techniques and the recognition of common plant disease/pest infestation symptoms on plants. Integrated Pest Management at Longwood is a philosophy that guides us as we address plants and wildlife that threaten the Gardens and natural and perimeter lands.
Longwood’s proactive approach uses a robust scouting program, custom management plans for specific pests and incoming invasives, as well as cultural and biological control methods for landscape, conservatory, and greenhouse environments.
Areas for Growth
- Assist IPM staff in scouting for and diagnosing pest problems on a wide variety of crops grown in the greenhouse, conservatory, landscape, and natural environments
- Investigate the biology and control of pests including the design and implementation of pest sampling and monitoring programs, release of beneficial insects in the conservatory, and evaluation of the effectiveness of cultural practices, beneficial organisms, and chemical controls
- Obtain a pesticide applicator’s license to assist with application of chemical pest materials with an emphasis on safety, focusing on the least toxic yet effective control method
Qualifications
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, entomology, integrated pest management, biology, or a related field
- Acquisition of a pesticide applicator’s license is required
- High degree of motivation, organization, attention to detail, and willingness to work independently
- Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
- Some weekend work is required
- The ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license
This is a full-time, 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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The Land Stewardship & Ecology Intern will be immersed in both the practice of land stewardship and the science of ecology, learning from varied experiences that range from restoration of native plant communities and scientific data collection to GIS mapping and invasive species management.
Guided by principles of ecological science, Longwood’s Land Stewardship and Ecology program adaptively manages the diverse natural lands that surround our formal gardens. Our multidisciplinary team advances scientific understanding while restoring biodiversity and planning for future sustainability.
Areas for Growth
- Support Longwood Gardens’ Land Stewardship & Ecology team in the management of 700+ diverse acres of forests, meadows, wetlands, streams, ponds, and agricultural lands in a southeastern Pennsylvania Piedmont landscape, including the 86-acre Meadow Garden
- Perform daily stewardship activities such as planting, meadow mowing, trail maintenance, and invasive species management
- Help advance scientific research in ecology and test innovative land stewardship practices
- Collect and analyze field, archival, and greenhouse data
- Review and report on current scientific literature and historical information
- Create and revise plans and GIS maps
- Engage with volunteers and participate in educational programs related to land stewardship
Qualifications
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, environmental science, or a related discipline
- A passion for land stewardship and conservation
- High degree of motivation, organization, and attention to detail
- Willingness to work both independently and with a team is essential
- Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
- Ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license
- Willingness to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license and apply chemical herbicides with an emphasis on personal safety and minimum impact
This is a full-time, 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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The Marketing and Communications Intern will have the opportunity to join a creative, dynamic, hard-working, and fun team that oversees brand management, media and community relations, advertising, social media, external and internal communications, creative services, email marketing, and website management for the most-visited paid cultural attraction in the Greater Philadelphia Region.
In this role, the intern becomes an integral member of the team while gaining exposure to various aspects of Marketing and Communication and hands-on experience supporting a well-known brand. Based on the intern’s interests and strengths, projects may include:
Areas of Growth
- Content creation, including writing and art directing for various platforms and audiences including social media, email, website, print publications, press, and community relations
- Photography and videography assignments
- Creating and managing marketing, communications, and/or PR campaigns
- Engaging and building relationships with our fans on social media
- Cross-departmental teamwork, learning to involve and balance the needs of multiple internal stakeholders
- Website content management using the Drupal platform
- Event planning
Qualifications
- Enrolled or completed a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
- Self-motivated, highly organized, and creative team player
- Superior verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills
- Keen eye for photography
- Knowledge of Photoshop and video editing software a plus
- Photography and videography experience a plus
This is a full-time, 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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From formal layouts and highly manicured plantings to experimental approaches to gardening and design, Longwood’s outdoor areas encompass a variety of beautiful landscapes. The Outdoor Landscapes Intern learns the care and maintenance of herbaceous and woody plants throughout Longwood Gardens’ diverse 1,077 acres of landscapes and gardens. Tend to an awe-inspiring collection of the most beautiful plants from around the globe including blooming bulbs, tropical foliage, rare trees, and more.
Areas for Growth
- Learn industry standards for planting, weeding, mulching, watering, pruning, staking, and fertilizing
- Work with a variety of woody plants, herbs, bulbs, ground covers, roses, vegetables, and fruits in Longwood’s most intensively cultivated areas
- Install and maintain large-scale annual displays
- Learn vegetable and fruit culture and harvest
- Study native perennial and other exotic perennial plants
Qualifications
- Enrolled or completed a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field
- Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
- Some weekend work is required
- The ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license
This is a full-time summer paid internship or a full-time 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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The Woody Nursery Production Intern will learn propagation, potting, labeling, record-keeping, pruning, and transplanting techniques through involvement with the day-to-day operation of Longwood Gardens’ woody plant nursery. Explore the world of woody plants including flowering trees, shrubs, and conifers at one of the largest public gardens in the US.
Areas for Growth
- Prune, maintain, and evaluate woody and herbaceous plant material and conduct general maintenance including weeding and mulching
- Prepare trees and shrubs for transport and installation in the display gardens by hand digging, ball-and-burlapping, and using a tree spade
- Assist with labeling plants and recordkeeping
Qualifications
- Completed a bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field
- Willingness to work in adverse weather conditions
- Some weekend work is required
- The ability to lift 50 lbs.
- Valid driver’s license
This is a full-time, 12-month paid internship. Apply by February 3 for a June start.
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