2007 Sustainable Plant
Health Care Internship
Internship: Sustainable Plant Health Care
Apply by March 17, 2007
For: Flexible three-month period June - September
Stipend/Credit/Wages: $10.00/hour plus housing
Please note:
Because of Lotusland’s location, intern will need a vehicle for off site
transportation (no public transportation close by)
Job Description
Successful applicants will work with Lotusland’s Plant Health Care Coorinator and grounds staff implementing and monitoring sustainable management practices for a 37-acre botanical display garden emphasizing bromeliads, cacti and succulents, cycads, ferns, palms, water gardens as well as turf areas.
The intern will experience all aspects of Lotusland’s horticultural program. They will gain theoretical as well as hands on experience that will equip them for designing and managing a similar program in any urban horticultural setting without using toxic or environmentally degrading materials. Applicants will become familiar with ecological soil management practices using compost, compost tea, and mulch, as well as soil fertility management using natural nutrient cycling by soil food web organisms and through applying organic fertilizers. They will also help manage plant diseases by the use of beneficial microorganisms and experience the insectaries responsible for the balanced insect ecology of the garden. Finally they will become familiar with plant health indicators and how to monitor them both in the field and in Lotusland’s lab.
Applicant must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited, college-level horticultural program or internship. Intern must have his or her own transportation. Housing is provided.
For information and application materials, please e-mail dshaner@lotusland.org. To apply, please send a cover letter, application, and three letters of reference to Dorothy Shaner, Public Programs Manager, Ganna Walska Lotusland, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, by March 17, 2007. The successful applicant will be notified by mid April 2007.