Plant Collections Intern - Summer 2026

Cheekwood • Nashville, TN

7d • $16

About The Position

Why Cheekwood? Working at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens offers you the opportunity to work for one of the most beautiful places in Nashville. Formerly the home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, Cheekwood now serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and museum with period rooms and art galleries. At Cheekwood, you'll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of roles tailored to your skills and interests. Whether you're passionate about horticulture, art curation, historical preservation, or one of our many other career opportunities, you would have the chance to thrive and make a meaningful impact here. Working in such a place that cherishes its rich history, vibrant art scene, and serene gardens offers a unique blend of fulfillment and inspiration. You'll find yourself in a supportive environment where every day brings new opportunities for personal and professional growth, amidst the backdrop of picturesque setting. Internship Description The Cheekwood Horticulture department is offering an internship for undergraduate (Junior or Senior class standing) or current graduate-level students working towards or with a degree in or adjacent to the field of Horticulture, Agriculture or Plant Sciences Interns will work with the Garden Staff to learn and build proficiencies in basic collections management functions and work to support various GIS and garden projects.

Requirements

• Junior or Senior at the undergraduate level, current graduate-level student, or recent graduate from an accredited university.
• Area of Study Horticulture, Agriculture, Botany and Plant Sciences.
• Hours/Time Commitment 15 hours per week/12 weeks. (June 1 - August 21, 2026)

Responsibilities

• Access and collect living collections data in the field.
• Enter data in the field using GIS mapping tools.
• Document and inventory plant collections in Cheekwood’s plant record system.
• Inspect and install plant labels.
• Develop interpretive materials for the garden, including social media content.
• Assist in regular garden maintenance including, but not limited to weeding, mulching, watering, planting, leaf removal, and pruning.
• Interns will be required to present, in a public forum, information about the project that he/she worked on during the internship.

Benefits

• Membership & Discounts: As an employee, you receive a Cheekwood membership, which entitles you to unlimited admission during regular Garden hours and a limited number of free tickets to special events. Members also receive discounts, classes, ticketed events, and purchases at the Gift Shop. Your Cheekwood membership also include reciprocal admission for named members to more than 300 gardens though the American Horticultural Society.
• Reciprocal Admission: As an employee of Cheekwood you have free general admission access to various local cultural, historical, and art institutions as part of the employee admission program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern