Greenhouse and Research Intern

Summer 2025 Internship Opportunity

About the Position

The Greenhouse & Research Internship at Mt. Cuba Center offers an exceptional opportunity to gain experience in native plant propagation and research. The intern will participate in all aspects of greenhouse operation and plant propagation to assist in the production of plants in our indoor and outdoor growing facilities. Throughout the summer season, the intern will be exposed to the over 300 accessions of herbaceous and woody native plants produced per year for use in our gardens and research programs. The intern will also support Mt. Cuba Center's Trial Garden, where they will help to assess the horticultural and ecological value of the various species and cultivars that are under evaluation. The intern will participate in routine observation and rating of the ornamental qualities of the species and cultivars in the various trials, record pollinator activity, and learn the fundamentals of trial garden maintenance and record keeping.

Essential Functions of the Role

This dynamic position provides experience in horticultural research across stages of plant growth from seed to mature plants. The intern will work closely with both the Greenhouse and Trial Garden teams while developing essential skills and knowledge.

Primary responsibilities include:

Greenhouse Operations:

• Assist with production tasks such as watering, fertilizing, potting, spacing, moving, pruning, and staking.
• Perform propagation functions such as seed collection and cleaning, sowing, and transplanting.
• Assist with integrated pest management program including pest scouting and beneficial insect release.
• Collect plant data and assist with data entry and inventory.

Trial Garden Research:

• Participate in the weekly plant evaluation and rating processes
• Document and record pollinator activity on flowering plants
• Assist with photography of plants and insects
• Support research for future trials and publications
• Contribute to social media content and garden interpretation
• Maintain trial garden areas including mulching and weeding

Qualifications and Skills

This position is designed for a candidate currently enrolled in, or recently advanced from, a program in horticulture, conservation, or related field of study. Demonstrated interest in conservation/horticultural research as a potential career path is desired.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum one year of college completed
• Ability to operate a wide range of tools safely and effectively
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Ability to learn and adapt to various software and technology programs
• Self-motivated, organized, and attentive to details

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with plants and environmental factors affecting plant growth
• Strong interest in propagation and production of native plants.

Learning Outcomes

Interns will develop:

• Hands-on skills in native plant propagation and production
• Understanding of irrigation, fertility, soil composition, and plant growth stages
• Experience with greenhouse environmental control systems
• Knowledge of integrated pest management practices
• Skills in plant evaluation and data collection
• Understanding of plant-pollinator relationships
• Experience in public communication and content creation
• Professional network within public horticulture
• Photography skills for plant documentation

About the Role: Compensation & Schedule

• Compensation: $16.00 per hour
• Duration: May 19 through August 29, 2025 (preference for May 19 start date)
• Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday
• Location: Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, Delaware
• Benefits include paid holidays and sick time
• Housing is not provided
• Opportunity for exposure to other areas of our organization
• Opportunities to tailor learning objectives to individual interests

Interview & Hiring Process

We require the following in order to consider your application:

• Resume
• Cover letter

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 13, 2025
• Application deadline: January 24, 2025
• Final decisions communicated: Mid-February 2025

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.

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