Brookside Gardens College Internship Program
Dates: Mid-May – Mid-August (12 Weeks)
Brookside Gardens is seeking undergraduate students and recent graduates to fill paid summer intern positions. This is an opportunity for motivated individuals to work closely with professionals in a public garden setting, learning first-hand about the varied facets of operating a public garden with extraordinary plant collections and displays, a diverse customer base, and engaging learning opportunities. Experience and skills obtained through the internship will prepare participants for professional positions in a number of related fields within the green industry, and is meant to complement undergraduate or graduate studies in horticulture or related fields. This will be a 40 hour/week position, and will include work during some evenings and weekends.
Duties: Interns will rotate through several sections throughout the gardens, and will work on projects crucial to Brookside Gardens’ operations in each department. Interns should expect to assist with:
Outdoor Garden Maintenance
Indoor Garden (Conservatory) Maintenance
Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit
Plant Propagation
There will be periodic training sessions on topics relevant to the Gardens’ operations. At the conclusion of the program, interns will make a presentation reflecting their experiences throughout the summer to Montgomery Parks staff.
Requirements: Applicants must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an undergraduate program related to Horticulture, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Soil Sciences, or Landscape Architecture. Applicants should have a passion for learning new and varied skills relevant to managing gardens and be capable of working independently or on a team.
Physical Demands / Working Conditions:
Interns work both in office and outdoors. May expect exposure to summer weather conditions, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors from fumes from fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides. May also encounter wildlife or harmful insects, and traffic hazards and noise.
How to Apply: Go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mncppc and search for “Brookside Gardens.” We are only accepting online applications. Application closes February 1. If you have any questions, contact Ellen Bennett at Ellen.Bennett@MontgomeryParks.org or (301) 962-1402.
Compensation: Interns will be paid an hourly wage of $12.28/hour.
College Credit: The internship provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant sciences, landscape design and maintenance. Brookside Gardens will cooperate with universities and colleges that offer credit for internship programs; however, it is the responsibility of the intern to make all arrangements for receiving academic credit with their institution.
About Brookside: With its colorful plantings, shimmering ponds, and breathtaking landscapes, Brookside Gardens is often described as the jewel of Montgomery Parks. The Gardens were founded in 1969 and named for the winding brooks and streams that surround this extraordinary public display garden. The 50-acre property features intricately designed gardens with exquisite combinations of color, texture, scent, and scale that merge together to delight the senses – all easily viewed from tranquil walking trails, comfortable benches, and shady gazebos. Brookside Gardens’ two conservatories house an intriguing tropical plant collection and seasonal plant displays, in addition to festive holiday shows. A team of fourteen horticulturists, seasonal gardening staff, and more than 650 volunteers care for the 130,000-plus plants and the ever-changing gardens from design conception to crop production and ongoing maintenance. Brookside Gardens hosts annual ticketed events, such as the captivating Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly & Caterpillar Exhibit and the amazing Garden of Lights display. Throughout the year, the Gardens provide engaging learning opportunities for all ages, including classes, lectures, and symposiums. The restorative nature of the Gardens, with its reflective quiet spaces and beautiful scenery, offers respite from the daily hustle and bustle. Come for a visit that will educate, inspire, and excite your imagination! If you have any questions about Brookside Gardens, call (301) 962-1400.