Title: Sustainable Plant Health Care Internship - Apply by March 15
Classification: Seasonal (Summer) Internship
Department: Grounds and Facilities
Reports To: Manager of Sustainability
Salary Range: $15.00/hour plus housing
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7AM -3PM Flexible three-month period June – September 2023

About the Position

Successful applicants will work with Manager of Sustainability 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.

Duties/Responsibilities

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.

Education and Experience

Applicant must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited, college-level horticultural program or internship. I

Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to communicate via radio, phone/text and email.
• Ability to communicate basic information in writing as well as understand written communication.
• Valid Driver’s License

Work Environment

Please note: Because of Lotusland’s location, intern will need a vehicle for offsite transportation (no public transportation close by).

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift heavy objects, i.e., equipment, fertilizer, potted plants, etc. (50 lb. minimum lifting requirement).
• Ability to read, understand, follow and enforce safety procedures.

To Apply

 

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, application, and three letters of reference to Corey Welles, Manager of Sustainability, cwelles@lotusland.org by March 15, 2023.

The successful applicant will be notified by April 2023. For information about Lotusland, please visit our website: www.lotusland.org.