Horticultural Internship

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: May 29, 2023  Compensation: $15.00/hour

The 691-acre Bayard Cutting Arboretum was the former home of William Cutting, now a New York State Park with a mission “to provide an oasis of beauty and quiet for the pleasure, rest and refreshment of those who delight in outdoor beauty; and to bring about a greater appreciation and understanding of the value and importance of informal planting.” The current collection of fir, spruce, pine, cypress, hemlock, yew and other lesser-known conifers is one of the most extensive to be found in the United States. Perennial borders, woodland trails, coastal gardens, natural wetlands, forest, and a CSA farm can also be found in the arboretum’s vast acreage.

Horticultural interns will work in all areas of the gardens and participate in a wide range of horticultural experiences. Daily activities will involve working directly with the garden’s staff, assisting with planting, watering, weeding, pruning, mulching and overall garden maintenance. Typically, interns will rotate around the arboretum working in selected collections. Interns will gain hands on experience stressing plant identification, garden maintenance strategies and sound horticultural practices. Educational opportunities are provided through training workshops given throughout the internship, as well as fieldtrips to other gardens, nurseries and research facilities. Interns also have the option of completing an independent project which will be done under the advisement of a staff member. This is a three month internship.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Willingness to perform physically demanding tasks in all weather conditions, sometimes for an extended period.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Detail oriented and ability to perform horticultural tasks to a high standard.
• Ability to operate small engine machines and hand tools safely and effectively.
• Must have a valid drivers license.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Basic knowledge of plant identification and taxonomy, as well as horticultural techniques.
• Previous experience in a related field or coursework in a related field is preferred.
• Must be able to interact positively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Ability to work as part of the team and independently.

Additional Information

Application Guidelines: Send a cover letter and resume to:
Jessica O’Callahan, Horticulture Coordinator and Joy Arden, Landscape Curator via email to: jessica.ocallahan@parks.ny.gov and joy.arden@parks.ny.gov

Contact Information

Bayard Cutting Arboretum
Contact Name: Joy Arden
Email: joy.arden@parks.ny.gov