Horticultural Intern

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: June 2023  Compensation: $14-$16/hour

Nestled in 1,000 acres of rolling hills in Dutchess County, New York, Wethersfield Estate & Garden is generally considered to be one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance gardens in the United States. We are a non-profit organization devoted to the proper stewardship of land, conservation, habitat protection, culture, and the arts. Wethersfield contains a diversity of formal and native-inspired garden spaces that use the latest horticultural knowledge to develop a lasting garden in a changing world. Wethersfield is on the National Register of Historic Places, and recently won the 2021 New York State Historic Preservation Award for Excellence in Historic Landscape Preservation.

The Wethersfield Internship seeks to train the next generation of horticulturalists. This is a 12 week seasonal position during our open season of June through September (flexibility as to scheduling is negotiable) and is hourly for forty hours a week. The horticultural Intern reports to the Horticulture Lead. There are occasional evening obligations. Housing is available.

Responsibilities/Duties

• The Wethersfield Intern will be trained in ornamental horticulture and will apply their knowledge to maintain specific garden areas including annual beds in a cutting garden, perennial borders, woodland gardens, formal hedges, container displays, and established lawns. They will maintain such areas by planting, weeding, mulching, trimming, mowing, record-keeping, etc.
• The Intern will learn about greenhouse management, including the propagation of plants by cuttings and seeds, soil preparation for container culture, water and fertilizer programs, and integrated pest management practices.  
• The Intern will have responsibility over their own spaces with guidance based on experience level.
• The Intern will be able to interact with members of the community through educational programs and Wethersfield garden tours to gain programming and public relations experience. Off site field trips will be taken to other gardens.  

Qualifications/Requirements

The qualified applicant has some practical experience in gardening and has a passion for horticulture. Previous training and other experience will be considered. Strong communication skills are desirable. Age 16 and up. 

Additional Information

The hourly rate is $14-$16, or based on experience. Please send a resume with one or two optional references to Alaina Mancini, Wethersfield’s Horticulture Lead at alainamancini@wethersfield.org. Please indicate whether housing is required.

Contact Information

Wethersfield Estate and Garden
Contact Name: Alaina Mancini
Email: alainamancini@wethersfield.org
Phone: 8457097327