Intern, Horticulture Shaw Nature Reserve

Missouri Botanical Garden • Gray Summit, MO

9d

About The Position

Assists horticulture staff with hands-on outdoor horticulture activities involving native plant trials at Shaw Nature Reserve (SNR), including seed collection, propagation, planting, plant records data entry, mulching, weeding, watering, and pruning. This internship opportunity will work an average of 24 hours per week and requires availability from April through September 2025. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Assists horticulture staff with the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Shaw Nature Reserve Trial Gardens and other native plant horticulture projects in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden. Enters plant records information into the MBG Living Collections Management System (LCMS). Evaluates and assesses performance of native plants in the Trial Gardens for ornamental display in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden and for broader horticultural applications. Works closely and cohesively with horticulture staff and volunteers and with other SNR staff teams. Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately. Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within division and through the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers and visitors. Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies. Meets expected attendance guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Interest in pursuing a career in horticulture or related field. Current enrollment in college program is preferred.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests.  All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date.  The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines.  When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all the countries where travel is required.   
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
• H.S. diploma or equivalent and some college coursework with an emphasis in Horticulture.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).
• Requires proficient ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, calculate percentages, and understand use of decimals and fractions.
• Requires ability to exercise judgment to apply facts and principles to solve problems.
• Proficient Microsoft Office Suite (including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s license, prior to hire.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e. climb ladders, dig in raised garden beds).
• Able to lift up to (50) pounds (i.e. load and unload supplies and equipment).
• Must be able to work in high heat/humidity and extreme cold weather.
• Ability to stand and move about entire facility for extended periods of time - 80% or more of the workday is standing on feet (i.e. extensive standing, walking, reaching and stooping).

Responsibilities

• Assists horticulture staff with the development, implementation, and maintenance of the Shaw Nature Reserve Trial Gardens and other native plant horticulture projects in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden.
• Enters plant records information into the MBG Living Collections Management System (LCMS).
• Evaluates and assesses performance of native plants in the Trial Gardens for ornamental display in the Whitmire Wildflower Garden and for broader horticultural applications.
• Works closely and cohesively with horticulture staff and volunteers and with other SNR staff teams.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed. Adapts or modifies work methods to reduce hazards. Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within division and through the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers and visitors.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED