Horticulture Internship: Edible Garden

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden’s mission is to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming as we honor employee experiences, perspectives, and unique identities.

Phipps Conservatory is offering a summer Horticulture Internship to students interested in gaining practical experience in a botanical garden setting. This hands-on internship provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in hydroponic farming and edible garden maintenance while working in a dynamic and educational environment. The Intern will assist with harvesting and cleaning lettuce, maintaining greenhouse cleanliness, and cleaning hydroponic channels to ensure optimal growing conditions. In the edible garden, the intern will support garden maintenance through weeding, mulching, composting, mowing, and string trimming, as well as assist with planting, pruning, and harvesting crops. Additional responsibilities include scouting for pests, securing plants to structures such as stringing tomatoes, and implementing plant care strategies. This internship is ideal for students or individuals interested in sustainable agriculture, horticulture, or environmental science. Intern will work closely with our experienced team while gaining valuable hands-on skills in greenhouse and garden management. Qualified candidates should have a passion for plants, gardening, and sustainability, a willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions, and the ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting and bending.

The summer Horticulture Internship runs from May through August, based on the student’s university schedule.  The Horticulture Intern will work 40 hours/week for a maximum of 16 weeks; this is a paid internship.

Applicants must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at least halfway through course of study, or one year post-graduate from undergraduate program, or currently enrolled as a graduate student, majoring in horticulture, landscape architecture, environmental sciences, botany or related field. Previous experience with gardening or landscaping work is preferred. The intern must enjoy doing physical work outside in the Pittsburgh climate which is often hot and humid and be willing to work both independently and in groups.

 For more information about Phipps, please visit our website: www.phipps.conservatory.org.