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Horticulture Internship Programs

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center exists to promote the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. We have 4 acres of gardens to demonstrate the beauty and diversity of wildflowers and other native plants and over two hundred acres of Texas Hill Country with nature trails throughout.

The Horticulture Internship Program at the Wildflower Center offers undergraduate and graduate students a hands-on experience in the exciting field of horticulture. Students will have an opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom in a public garden. Interns will work closely with different staff horticulturists in the display gardens and in the greenhouses.

The educational component will consist of “on the job” training and special projects. When available, interns will have the option to attend the Native Plant Series of the Go Native U program taught through UT Informal classes to broaden their exposure to native plant horticulture.

Responsibilities

In the gardens, interns will assist horticulturists with regular maintenance including weeding, planting, watering, pruning, grooming, preparing beds, mulching and labeling. Interns will also work in the nursery and greenhouses assisting with propagation of annuals, perennials and woody species using seeds, cuttings, division, seed stratification and seed scarification. They will assist with potting, transplanting, fertilizing and plant spacing. Interns will also work alongside and supervise volunteers while performing daily tasks.

During the spring and fall programs, interns will assist with the preparation and execution of plant sales and other WFC events.

Interns will prepare and present a presentation on gardening or native plant topic or garden design proposal to the Horticulture Department before completion of the program.

Qualifications

Each intern will be required to fulfill a 200 hour commitment during the times allotted for the individual program they were accepted to. Candidates must be enrolled in a college horticulture or related field with an interest in garden maintenance and/or plant production. Candidates within a year of their graduation date will also be considered. Interns will be required to perform moderate physical activity such as bending, lifting, pushing and pulling; have stamina; and the ability to lift and carry 25 pounds. They must also be able to work outside in all types of weather. Please note that Texas can be extremely hot.

Schedule for 2013-2014 Horticulture Internship Programs

Please note that these are unpaid internships. Housing is not provided, but assistance locating accommodations is available. Please inquire if necessary.

Spring or Fall Programs are typically two or three days a week during the semester and are designed around on student’s class schedule. Students will have 15 weeks to complete 200 hours. Times available are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with occasional weekend events and projects scheduled.

Summer Program is four or five days a week for 10 weeks. Times available are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. with occasional weekend events and projects scheduled. Please note that summers in Texas are extremely hot.

How to apply

Applicants from both the United States and abroad are encouraged to apply. All applicants must complete and send in the following:

• Wildflower Center internship application form, available here
• Resume with relevant coursework and work history
• Official college transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation that reflect academic and work experience
• One page cover letter stating your interest in horticulture, what you would like to gain through a horticulture internship and why you would like to intern at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Email, mail or fax the cover letter, resume, transcripts and letters of recommendation to:

Samantha Elkinton
Horticulture Volunteer Coordinator
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, Texas 78739-1702
selkinton@wildflower.org
phone: 512.232.0111
fax: 512.232.0156

Download Horticulture Intership Program (pdf)