Horticulture & Micropropagation Intern -

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and creating a world where all life thrives. Empowering people from around the globe to support our mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships, we support cutting-edge conservation, and bring the stories of our work back to our two world-famous front doors — the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The deep and extensive knowledge gained from more than a century of experience in wildlife care, health, veterinary services, nutrition and conservation makes us invaluable in the global effort to save species. Our team members play a crucial role in driving our conservation efforts forward and bringing us closer to a world where all life thrives.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION

Supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission of saving species worldwide by contributing to the care and maintenance of the organization's landscapes and plant collections. Under the guidance of Horticulturists, Leads, and Supervisors, this position develops knowledge and hands-on experience in horticulture, grounds maintenance, plant tissue culture, and tree care while maintaining a positive attitude that inspires passion for nature and supports a world-leading conservation organization.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Cultivates plantings and shrubs
• Prepares new areas for planting
• Plants transplants and nurtures seedlings and other new plantings
• Collects seeds
• Prunes shrubbery and trees
• Answers questions from the public
• Assist with special projects as needed
• Assist in micropropagation lab

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Applicants must be currently pursuing, or planning to pursue, an undergraduate degree. Candidates who will have completed a bachelor's degree prior to the end of the internship are not eligible. A cover letter is required and must be included with the application for consideration.

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Training and/or experience that would demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills listed required
• Must be 18 years of age or older

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Desire to pursue a career in the horticultural field
• Plant Identification and GIS knowledge/experience are a plus
• Communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Able to learn the proper methods and procedures for watering techniques, work safety practices, tree removal & maintenance
• Comprehend and follow instructions
• Communicate and work effectively with others
• Work in a team environment and motivate others
• Follow directions effectively
• Deal tactfully and courteously with others

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: 10-Week Internship
• Stipend: $4,160

Fraudulent Recruiting

Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

Be an ally for wildlife by joining our team

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we thrive on celebrating our differences. Diversity is vital for the benefit of our team members, our guests, our community, and our wildlife.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.