Isabella Welles Hunnewell Internship Program

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is the oldest public arboretum in North America and one of the world's leading centers for the study of plants. A link in Boston's Emerald Necklace of parks, the Arnold Arboretum is a unique blend of respected research institution and beloved public landscape. We provide and support world-class research, horticulture, and education programs that foster the understanding, appreciation, and preservation of trees. 

About the Internship:

The Arnold Arboretum offers paid internships that combine hands-on training in horticulture with educational classes. The internships offer the opportunity to work directly within an historic landscape and its world-renowned scientific collection of trees and shrubs.  

Note: Interns are accepted for 12 to 14 week appointments with the exception of a limited number of longer-term (18 to 24week) appointments based on funding.

Responsibilities:

• As part of the training program, interns work alongside professional staff in the Grounds Maintenance and Greenhouse departments. Interns participate in instructional sessions and field trips in order to develop a broader sense of the Arboretum's horticultural practices.
• Interns are encouraged to share their experience and knowledge and to participate fully in the work of the institution.
• Over the course of the summer, interns work in groups to address a real landscape management issue and present their proposal to their peers and Arboretum staff.

Qualifications:

• Preference is given to applicants with knowledge of woody plants and career interest in the fields of plant science, horticulture, or landscape design.
• Previous work experience in a botanic garden or nursery or in plant science, botany, horticulture, nursery management, or landscape architecture is preferred.
• Interns must be able to perform strenuous manual labor, including frequent lifting/carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 lbs. and be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions across a 265-acre landscape with uneven terrain.

Note: Housing is not provided.

To Apply:

First, click here to download an application, and then, please utilize the email address provided below to submit your application materials to Cynthia Cushman. You may also mail your materials to:

Cynthia Cushman
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
1300 Centre Street
Boston, MA 02131 

~ Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer ~