Description
Interns are assigned to a particular area within the arboretum. Participation in regularly scheduled educational programs and field trips is limited based on their part-time status. Interns will work on independent projects that benefit the arboretum, and are supervised by the arboretum's professional staff. Compensation for the 2010 part-time internship is approx. $13.03/hr. The position requires two days a week or 16 hours, usually 7:00am – 3:30 p.m. Scheduled work days are flexible. College credit may be arranged by the student and is encouraged.

Qualifications
Applicants need to have either completed course work or have acquired practical experience in horticulture or a related field. Basic gardening or laboratory skills, interest in plants, and the ability to work independently are very important.

Duties & Working Conditions
Interns will be responsible for the standard duties of working in a public garden. Examples include assisting in all aspects of garden maintenance and development, including greenhouse work, potted plant maintenance, propagation, planting, watering, weeding, mowing, and pest management. Interns will also assist with the accurate labeling of plants and answering visitor’s questions. Outdoor internships involve heavy lifting and exposure to extreme heat and humidity.

Part-time positions for 2009 have been filled. Please check back in Fall 2009 for announcements about our 2010 positions. Please contact the Internship Office if you have any questions (see contact information below).

Friendship Garden: Designed around a ranch style home, this intensively planted 2-acre garden uses a wide variety of ornamental grasses, herbaceous perennials, bulbs, trees, and shrubs to provide a full four-season garden with a rich variety of flowers, fruit, foliage, and bark interest. Tasks vary seasonally, but all focus on tending to the horticultural demands of the various plants.

Selective Service System:
Males over age 18 who were born after December 31, 1959, must have registered with the Selective Service System (or have an exemption) to be eligible for Federal employment.

Employment of Noncitizens In Non-Permanent Excepted Service Positions:
For information on the eligibility of noncitizens for temporary internships, see http://www.afm.ars.usda.gov/hrd/topicsaz.htm#n.

EEO Policy Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.