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Internship Areas
Each intern specializes in one of the following internship areas.
All internships are offered for a yearlong experience from early June 2022 to early May 2023. In addition, nine-week summer internship opportunities are available in Conservatory Display, Greenhouse Production, or Outdoor Landscapes.
Our College & University Programs applications are available from December 1, 2021 to February 1, 2022 for our internships starting in early June 2022.
For more information on specific internships, please contact:
Office of Domestic & International Studies
Email: edu-studies@longwoodgardens.org
Phone: 610.388.5239
Conservatory Display
Display Design
Education
Greenhouse Production
Horticulture Research
Library & Information Services
Marketing & Communications
Land Stewardship and Ecology
Nursery Production
Outdoor Landscapes
Plant Records
Conservatory Display
The Conservatory Display Intern will learn the special nature of gardening in conservatories through hands-on involvement in the day-to-day process of installing and maintaining greenhouse displays and collections.
Students work on seasonally changing displays which include annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and bulbs. Students may work with palms, aquatics, orchids, ferns, succulents, bonsai, and Mediterranean flora. Duties include grooming, planting, and maintaining plant displays. A general knowledge of greenhouse environments and plant culture is preferred. Willingness to work independently, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work some weekends, ability to lift 30 lbs, and a valid driver’s license are required.
This internship is available as a 12-month or 9-week summer internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start date.
Display Design
This world-class opportunity provides an overarching understanding of displays in public gardens through hands-on experience, problem solving, and close interaction with the Display Designer.
The intern will support the design team with CAD drawings, construction documents, visual aids, photography, research and development of new displays, and cross-departmental collaboration. Each day will be new and different, and the intern will have the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects throughout this yearlong internship. Experience with computer design programs is necessary. Interns with high degrees of motivation, organization, attention to detail, and willingness to work independently will perform well. This position is ideal for recent graduates in landscape architecture, landscape design, or architecture who have a strong interest in horticulture and wish to build their portfolio in an internationally renowned garden. A resume and portfolio of work samples must accompany the application.
This is a 12-month internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start.
Education
The Education Intern will collaborate with Longwood Gardens’ various educational divisions to create dynamic and innovative educational programming for learners of all ages, especially School & Youth.
In this unique opportunity, the intern will gain a complete perspective of public gardens education by being immersed in Longwood’s educational programming. The intern will assist with onsite and online curricular programming including school trips, summer camps, Scout days, student volunteers, interactive video conferencing programs, and teacher professional development. Tasks vary from day-to-day and are, generally, project based. Occasionally, the intern will assist other educational divisions, such International & Domestic Studies (college-level) and Continuing Education, with various projects. Interns with background knowledge of curriculum standards will find the experience to be beneficial. The successful candidate is a self-motivated, computer-literate, detail-oriented, and organized individual looking for a vibrant experience in a collaborative educational environment.
This is a 12-month internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start date.
Greenhouse Production
The Greenhouse Production Intern learns 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.
The Greenhouse Production Intern learns 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. Interns will propagate plants by seed and vegetative means and will learn to mix various types of growing media. The Greenhouse Production Intern works collaboratively with the production team to ensure the highest quality crops are grown efficiently and consistently. Responsibilities include assisting in the upkeep and cleanliness of the greenhouse and other work areas, and performing primary plant care in the absence of full-time staff. Other tasks include transplanting, potting, repotting, staking, tying, grooming, watering and fertilizing with automated systems, transporting potted plants to and from growing areas, and assisting with installations of large displays and garden-wide projects. This experience is perfect for someone who intends to grow plants for a display garden or for commercial purposes. Willingness to work independently, willingness to work some weekends, and the ability to lift 50 lbs are required.
This internship is available as a 12-month or 9-week summer internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start date.
Horticulture Research
The Research Intern learns the daily tasks involved in operating a horticultural research facility through hands-on involvement with the research team and working with extraordinary hardy and non-hardy plants.
Research at Longwood focuses upon applied, practical studies to enhance the indoor and outdoor horticultural displays. The individual works in research plots at the Nursery and in the Research Greenhouses performing weeding, watering, mulching, soil preparation, fertilizing, pruning, planting and transplanting, labeling, and data collection. The intern will collect data on seed germination, bloom period, and hybridization results on a variety of plant trials including camellia hardiness, boxwoods, and on-going evaluations of new plants. Additional tasks include soil testing, virus testing, and propagation by seed, cuttings, grafting/budding, and plant tissue culture. Attention to detail is important. This internship is ideal for students eager to learn a wide range of plants. Willingness to work independently, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work some weekends, the ability to lift 50 lbs, and a valid driver’s license are required. Acquisition of a pesticide applicator's license may be required.
This is a 12-month internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start.
Library & Information Services
MLS (or equivalent) student or recent graduate to gain experience in the operations and management of a special library and institutional archives.
The intern is immersed in each section of the unit—Library, Digital Gallery, and Archives. He/she works on a variety of assigned projects as part of a team to achieve the unit’s goals in supporting Longwood Gardens’ mission. Currently, unit goals are focused on developing robust intellectual control and access across all collections.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Arrange and describe archival collections, develop finding aids, and make recommendations regarding storage, conservation and preservation treatment of archival materials in various formats, including born-digital records.
- Perform basic administrative level tasks in Digital Asset Management System (Asset Bank), including scanning, uploading, editing, training patrons, and supervising volunteer projects.
- Assist with cataloging of library materials and the strategic initiative to improve Authorities control in the EOS ILS.
- Assist in cataloging materials including object collections and digital assets.
- Assist in Records Management functions, including accessioning new records and ensuring timely destruction of expired materials.
- Perform basic reference interviews and services as well as circulation maintenance routines, such as check-in/check-out, shelve books and compile usage statistics.
- Perform routine environmental and pest monitoring in collection storage spaces.
- Assist with Interlibrary Loan tasks as needed.
- Perform various daily administrative and technical tasks.
- Participate in Longwood student/intern activities and all required student/intern work projects.
Qualifications
- Be pursuing or have recently completed a Master of Science in Library Science (MLS) or related equivalent.
- Demonstrate a strong professional interest in cataloging and intellectual control of collections.
- Strong Excel and data manipulation skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Be able to work on multiple projects in a busy, fast-paced environment.
- Be able and willing to work independently.
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to interact in a courteous, patient, and professional manner.
- Must be able to lift 40 lbs.
- Be willing to follow all of Longwood Gardens' policies and procedures.
- Have a valid driver's license.
This is a full-time, 12-month internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start.
Marketing & Communications
The Marketing and Communications Intern assists with the daily management and monitoring of Longwood Gardens’ social media platforms.
In this role, the intern engages with our fans online, answering questions, replying to comments, and liking, replying to, and sharing user generated content. This role requires the intern to work with staff throughout the Gardens to ensure an appropriate response to guest inquiries. The intern is also tasked with identifying high quality fans and influencers, as well as hashtags, trends, and social conversations in which Longwood should take part. The intern is responsible for scheduling posts on all platforms and performing general platform maintenance, and for serving as a backup and assistant to the Social Media Content Editor. In addition, the intern assists with website updates, email communications, and other marketing and communications projects.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with the daily management and monitoring of Longwood Gardens’ social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Responsibilities will include scheduling and making posts, monitoring, and responding to inquiries.
- Supporting content development and deploying new tactics for social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Responsibilities include writing posts, sourcing photography, taking photographs when needed, developing video content, and developing new tactics and campaigns as part of the Communications Team.
- Post content to Longwood Gardens’ website using the Drupal CMS.
- Develop the monthly Member email newsletter. Responsibilities include identifying and writing stories, sourcing photography, and creating the emails in our email system, Emma.
- Develop content for seasonal brochures or other publications, including writing, photography, and/or video.
- Assist with other special projects to support the marketing, communications, and creative services teams.
- Write blog posts on select topics. Responsibilities may include researching the topic, interviewing staff members, and possibly taking photographs or developing video content.
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. The ability to come across as warm and sincere online and to embody Longwood’s brand in digital communications.
- Strong social media presence or skills.
- Keen eye for selecting photography and taking photographs.
- Knowledge of Photoshop a plus.
- Video storyboarding, filming and editing a plus.
- Willingness to work independently and some weekend work are required.
This is a full-time, 12-month internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start.
Land Stewardship and Ecology
The Land Stewardship and Ecology Intern gains a variety of skills such as native plant community establishment, restoration and management; invasive species identification and management; GPS mapping; and wildlife management techniques.
The intern assists Longwood’s Land Stewardship and Ecology staff in the management of 700+ acres of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, streams, ponds, and agricultural lands in a southeastern Pennsylvania Piedmont landscape, including the 86-acre Meadow Garden. The intern will assist in the development and implementation of research to improve the effectiveness of ecological restoration and develop innovative land stewardship techniques. All members of the team perform daily stewardship activities such as planting, field mowing, and invasive species management. Responsibilities may include collecting field and greenhouse data, reviewing and reporting on current information, developing protocols, creating and revising plans and GIS maps, engaging with volunteers, and participating in educational programs related to land stewardship. The intern must have or obtain a PA pesticide applicator’s license and will likely apply chemical herbicides, with an emphasis on safety and focusing on the least toxic yet effective methods of control. The ability to lift 50 lbs., willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, the ability to work both independently and with a team, and a valid driver's license are required. Applicants must have or be actively working toward a bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, wildlife biology, environmental science, or a related discipline, along with a passion for land stewardship and conservation.
This is a full-time, 12-month internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start.
Nursery Production
The Nursery Production Intern learns propagation, potting, labeling, record-keeping, pruning, and transplanting techniques through involvement with the day-to-day operation of Longwood’s nursery.
The intern prunes, maintains, and evaluates woody and herbaceous plant material and conducts general maintenance including weeding and mulching. Additionally, the student prepares trees and shrubs for transport and installation in the display gardens by hand digging, ball-and-burlapping, or using a tree spade. The intern will also assist with labeling plants and record-keeping. The ability to lift 50 lbs, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work independently, and a valid driver’s license are required.
This is a 12-month internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start date.
Outdoor Landscapes
The Outdoor Landscapes Intern maintains herbaceous and woody plants in several sections of the Gardens.
Duties include planting, weeding, mulching, watering, pruning, staking, and fertilizing. Students may work with woody plants, herbs, bulbs, ground covers, roses, vegetables, and fruits in some of Longwood’s most intensively cultivated areas. In addition, students may prepare trees and shrubs for transporting from the nursery to the display area by hand digging, ball-and-burlapping, or using a mechanical tree spade. The ability to lift 50 lbs, willingness to work in adverse weather conditions, willingness to work independently, and a valid driver’s license are required.
This internship is available as a 12-month or 9-week summer internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start date.
Plant Records
The Plant Records Intern works closely with the Plant Records Manager to learn the methods and techniques applied in maintaining plant records at a public garden.
Specific experiences include: accessioning, verifying plant nomenclature, inventorying, and producing plant records reports, utilizing the database BG-BASE; labeling, both producing educational labels for visitors and accession labels for staff; and mapping with a GPS and maintaining digital maps, utilizing the database BG-Map. The intern will develop a thorough understanding of the principles of plant nomenclature and gain familiarity with a wide variety of publications and other information resources, including archival files. A variety of computer skills and familiarity with plant identification, willingness to work independently and in adverse weather conditions, and a valid driver’s license are required.
This is a full-time, 12-month internship. Apply by February 1 for a June start.
