Come study at Mt. Cuba Center, a premier botanical garden that embraces ecological gardening and celebrates native plants. Gain hands-on experience in your specific internship area while working one-on-one with our professional staff. Participate in group projects, educational programming, plant identification classes, and trips to other local horticultural organizations. Each intern will complete a special project culminating in an in-house presentation of the results. The program runs from June 1, 2021 to May 18, 2022. Visit http://mtcubacenter.org/employment/internship-program/ for more information and to apply online.
The three positions detailed below are available for 2021-2022.
1. Natural Lands One Year Internship
The Natural Lands Intern expands their knowledge of and experience with land stewardship while gaining the skills required for a position in the natural resources field. The internship focuses primarily on updating and analyzing existing land management and research data using software tools such as ArcGIS. The intern will also use new and innovative techniques in data collection and analysis. Additionally, the intern will summarize the results and write reports for posting on the Conservation and Natural Lands webpage. The intern may also assist other departments in data collection, analysis, and GIS mapping projects. The intern will learn how to establish goals, objectives, and maintenance schedules for ecologically based land management projects. Qualifications include experience with ArcGIS, Microsoft Office suite, data entry and analysis, and attention to detail.
2. Guest Experience One Year Internship
The Guest Experience Intern learns to create remarkable experiences at a public garden by assisting in the evaluation of on-site interpretation materials and the development and implementation of public programs throughout the year. The intern project involves the evaluation of our newly developed interpretive suite of products, such as signage, wayfinding, and interactive activities, all key elements of Mt. Cuba Center’s interpretive planning process. The intern’s evaluation tracks the efficacy of the products and leads to recommendations for improvement. In addition to their evaluation project, the intern participates in planning and executing Mt. Cuba’s seasonal events as well as coordinating programs with local partners. The intern also develops project management skills through cross-department collaboration and external communication skills in relaying key messages to the public. Qualifications include a familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, adaptability, organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interact with the public.
3. Environmental Education One Year Internship
The Environmental Education Intern gains an understanding of project planning and how environmental organizations support and work with educators to supplement K-12 students’ educational curriculum. The intern project is to conduct an environmental education needs assessment for Mt. Cuba Center, as the organization seeks to understand how it may best meet the needs of regional educators and students. This includes becoming familiar with Next Generation Science Standards; communicating with K-12 educators, school/district administrators, and environmental educators; and working with Mt. Cuba staff to identify opportunities and make recommendations. In addition to the needs assessment, the intern participates in the planning and execution of Mt. Cuba’s education classes, special events, public and outreach programs. The Intern will also explore programming opportunities for organized groups including Boy and Girl Scouts, 4-H, and the Future Farmers of America. Qualifications include effective written and verbal communication skills, an interest in informal environmental education, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Qualifications
The one year internship is designed for individuals with a degree in horticulture, forestry, ecology, environmental studies, associated plant fields, or museum studies who want to become professionals in public gardens. Through this internship, individuals with limited experience in the horticultural industry will also gain basic employment skills. Mt. Cuba Center, while very scenic, is remote and has no public transportation, walking, or bike lanes, so a car is highly recommended. [The use of Mt. Cuba Center’s vehicles for personal use is not permitted.]
Compensation
The internship pay is $11/hour for a 40-hour work week, medical benefits included. Interns will be responsible for providing their own housing.
Application Process
Please visit http://mtcubacenter.org/employment/internship-program/ to apply online. Application deadline is March 1, 2021. Please apply early because interviews will begin in January 2021, as applications are received, and will continue until positions are filled, possibly before the March 1 deadline. For more information, email internships@mtcubacenter.org or call 302-239-8886.