Summer Horticultural Intern

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: As early as May 1  Compensation: $17.95/hr.

Planting Fields Arboretum is a spectacular 409-acre public garden located on the north shore of Long Island. This former Gold Coast estate features specimen trees, ornamental shrubs, herbaceous plantings, 2 1/2 acres of display and production greenhouses, historic buildings and a 65 room Tudor revival mansion. The arboretum features one of the most comprehensive woody plant collections in the Northeast.

Responsibilities/Duties

Interns will help to maintain and enhance many special gardens such as the Dwarf Conifer Garden, Hydrangea Garden, Woodland Garden, Synoptic Garden, Rhododendron Collection and Formal Gardens. 

Qualifications/Requirements

Horticultural Interns need a passion for working in a public garden setting.  They will receive practical, hands-on experience in all phases of maintenance, landscape design and enhancement of a diverse collection of horticultural plant collections within the  409-acre arboretum. Planting Fields is an intact historic estate designed by the Olmsted Brothers as well as an active arboretum with many unusual greenhouse and hardy plant collections. General duties will include planting, pruning, watering, weeding, plant propagation, mulching and garden renovation.

Additional Information

If students qualify, free housing is available. Each student is assigned a room in our dormitory complex, which includes heating and air conditioning, common kitchen, lounge, and a laundry. 

All interns are invited to participate in near-weekly educational field trips to private and public gardens, nurseries and growers on Long Island and the surrounding areas.

Contact Information

New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
Contact Name: Michael Ahern
Email: michael.ahern@parks.ny.gov
Phone: 5169133418