Job Description

Summer 2026 Internship Opportunity

About the Position

The Horticulture Internship at Mt. Cuba Center offers an exceptional opportunity to develop hands-on gardening skills and comprehensive understanding of ecological gardening practices within a world-class public garden setting. Working closely with Senior Horticulturists, interns will participate in diverse projects that exemplify the complexity and beauty of maintaining public gardens at the highest standard. This program emphasizes learning within a naturalistic design framework, fostering skills and knowledge that can be applied to create healthier landscapes and ecosystems. The experience is enriched through field trips to other gardens and educational experiences that broaden understanding of public horticulture. 

Essential Functions of the Role  

This dynamic position provides comprehensive hands-on experience in public garden maintenance and ecological horticulture. The intern will work closely with Senior Horticulturists while rotating through different garden areas to develop essential skills and knowledge. 

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Participate in fine gardening practices including planting, pruning, and weeding 
• Maintain garden beds to the highest horticultural standards 
• Learn sustainable techniques focused on ecosystem health 
• Assist with invasive species control and soil management 
• Support the cultivation of native plants to promote biodiversity 
• Participate in plant health assessment and detailed garden planning 
• Contribute to both daily maintenance and seasonal projects 
• Engage in garden rotation program to gain diverse experience 

Through structured training, interns will: 

• Learn proper planting, weeding, mulching, and watering techniques 
• Develop pruning and plant maintenance skills 
• Understand sustainable horticultural practices 
• Gain experience with garden tool use and maintenance 
• Study native plants and their ecological benefits 
• Participate in garden planning and project implementation 

Qualifications and Skills  

Required Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated interest in professional horticulture through volunteer experience, work experience or enrollment in horticulture or related programs 
• Ability to perform moderate physical labor, including lifting up to 50 pounds 
• Capability for standing, bending, kneeling, and working in various weather conditions 
• Strong interest in ecological gardening and public horticulture 
• Self-motivated, organized, and detail-oriented 
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in garden maintenance, landscaping, or similar hands-on horticultural work 
• Knowledge of native plants, shrubs, and trees, with an understanding of their ecological benefits 
• Familiarity with common horticultural tools and basic maintenance 
• Strong observational skills and ability to identify common garden pests and plant health issues 

Learning Outcomes  

Interns will develop: 

• Comprehensive understanding of public garden maintenance 
• Practical experience in ecological gardening practices 
• Knowledge of native plant cultivation and care 
• Skills in sustainable landscape management 
• Understanding of plant health assessment 
• Experience with seasonal garden planning 
• Professional network within public horticulture 
• Knowledge of public garden operations 

About the Role: Compensation & Schedule  

• Compensation: $17.00 per hour 
• Duration: May 18 through August 21, 2026 
• Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday 
• Location: Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, Delaware 
• Benefits include paid holidays and sick time 
• Housing is not provided 
• Field trips to other public gardens included 
• Opportunities for professional development and networking 

Interview & Hiring Process  

We require the following in order to consider your application: 

• Resume 
• Cover letter [required] 

If you progress through additional stages in the hiring process you can expect to: 

• Complete the online position questionnaire 
• Complete a virtual screening interview 
• Participate in a final interview with the Hiring Manager and interview panel 

Please note: All applications will be reviewed by our team, and all candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed. Due to capacity constraints on our hiring team, we are unable to provide you with a specific status update beyond these parameters. 

Recruitment Timeline: 

• Application review begins: Week of January 16, 2026 
• Application deadline: January 19, 2026 
• Final decisions communicated: Mid-February 2026 

Commitment to Diversity  

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance with your application, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org. 

Job Tags

Similar Jobs