Summer 2026 Internship - Horticulture

Shedd Aquarium • Chicago, IL

1d • $17 • Onsite

About The Position

Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond. We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for. These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application. We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.

At Shedd Aquarium, our commitment to conservation and sustainability is extended outside the walls into our biodiverse, organic gardens that have been developed to support biodiversity along the lakefront, and as aesthetic and educational experiences for our visitors. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about caring for naturalistic landscapes, urban food production, native plant propagation, the use of native and edible plants in ornamental horticulture, invasive species control, our relationship with pollinators, IPM, and the building and conserving of healthy soil. Interns will work as a member of our team to learn skills needed to care for these landscapes. The completion of an independent study project related to Shedd’s horticulture program is an important aspect of this internship. Ample time will be allowed for completion of this project.

Interns will primarily be working outdoors in all safe weather conditions under the supervision of members of the Horticulture team. Interns must be able to lift 50 pounds, and stand, reach, stoop, and walk for extended periods of time.

By the end of the internship interns can expect to be able to:

define an array of ecological /habitat gardening practices employed by Shedd’s Horticulture team.
identify many more plants than they could previously.
understand the diversity of foods that can be grown in Chicago.
describe in detail why organic, ecological gardens matter.

Requirements

• Fields of Interest: Horticulture, Urban Ecology, Urban Agriculture, Regenerative Horticulture, Public Gardens, Sustainable Garden Design, or related.
• Formal horticulture training is not required, but we are looking for individuals with a demonstrated interest in plants and horticulture.
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application.

Nice To Haves

• Deep enthusiasm for plants and the practice of horticulture
• A desire to work outdoors
• Effective communication skills
• Friendly, reliable, professional demeanor
• Willingness to follow instructions and work as a member of a team or independently
• Desire to engage with our guests and help create a welcoming environment

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Weeding, planting, watering, mulching, and deadheading
• Native plant propagation including seed collection
• Harvesting food crops in our display gardens (summer and fall)
• Natural and native landscape maintenance
• Completion of an independent project and share with the Shedd community (Ex. a tour or newsletter submission.)
• Other projects as assigned

What This Job Offers

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