Internships
Internships at the JC Raulston Arboretum offer students the opportunity to gain real life experience working in a public garden. Summer internships are offered in horticulture, education and non-profit management.
Horticulture Internships
The JC Raulston Arboretum Summer Internship provides students with valuable experience in public horticulture, plant ID, plant records, garden maintenance, propagation, and much more at one of the nation’s premiere plant collections. Interns will work alongside Arboretum staff performing daily tasks, executing special projects and providing educational opportunities. Interns also provide support for industry events like symposium and field days where they can create connections with leading industry professionals.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a two-year or four-year (undergraduate) or a self-supported graduate student horticulture, landscape design, botany or other plant sciences related degree program.
Requirements
Applicants must be self-motivated and willing to work both independently and in a team environment.
Able to stand, bend, squat, kneel, sit for extended lengths of time and lift at least 40 pounds. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Ability to learn and responsibly operate hand tools and small power equipment.
Education Internships
As an education intern at the JC Raulston Arboretum, you’ll be able to work with all aspects of education in a public garden including creating education experiences for visitors, helping facilitate online educational programs, organizing large events, leading tours for small groups of students, and assisting the children’s programs.
Each summer, the education intern is a critical part of the children’s program helping create and deliver science-based lessons to homeschoolers, youth groups and local families. The education intern also works alongside a certified teacher in our summer camp program working with preschool through middle school campers.
This paid summer internship allows students the chance to gain valuable teaching experience while having fun in the Arboretum’s gardens!
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a four-year degree program, preferably majoring in education, extension education or plant-related sciences.
Requirements
Applicants should be self-motivated and willing to work both independently and in a team environment. Desired applicants will have experience working in a teaching, mentoring or camp setting and a creative, energetic personality with joyful, sincere interest in working in an outdoor setting in all weather conditions.
Applicants should demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills and solid interpersonal skills; need to be physically able to lift materials (bins of program materials, art supplies, plants and soil, water cooler, etc), move about the garden and safely operate garden equipment with provided training; and, must have the ability to pass a background check prior to hiring.
Work Schedule
Horticulture Interns:
- May 12 - August 8, 2025
- Monday - Friday, 7:30AM - 4:30PM. Occasional night or weekend hours may be needed.
- May 12 - August 15, 2025
- Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM (may vary with program needs). Occasional night or weekend hours may be needed.
How to Apply
Horticulture and Education Internship applicants should submit their resume, a letter of interest and complete the application online through the NC State University Employment website.
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, February 9, 2025.Learn more about our internship program and how supporters make a difference.