Internships

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.

Nonprofit Administration Intern

Are you ready to embark on an enriching journey that blends professional growth with a whole lot of fun? As our Nonprofit Administration Intern, you'll dive into the heart of running our vibrant public garden. You'll be an integral part of the team that supports daily operations.

Gain valuable knowledge and experience in leadership, special events, marketing, member and public communication, volunteer administration and program administration. Specific responsibilities will be dependent on current organizational priorities, and intern skills and interests.

Qualifications

Full-time undergraduate student in a 4-year college program, preferably majoring in business administration, communications, marketing or English. Students in horticulture, landscape design, botany or other plant related sciences with excellent communications skills should apply. Students who will graduate in Spring 2024 are eligible.

Requirements

Desired applicants should be self-motivated, highly organized and willing to work both independently and in a team environment. Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and solid interpersonal skills. A keen eye for design and experience using Canva, Adobe, or other creative/design development software is a plus.

Work Schedule

Horticulture Interns: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm. Occasional night or weekend hours may be needed.
Education Interns: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (may vary with program needs). Occasional night or weekend hours may be needed.
Nonprofit Administration Interns: Work schedule will be determined with intern, but will take place during business hours, Monday- Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 pm (may vary with program needs). Occasional night or weekend hours may be needed.

How to Apply

Horticulture Internship applicants should submit their resume, a cover letter and complete the application online through the NCSU Employment website.

The application period for JCRA Internships occurs in January of each year and has closed for this year.

Learn more about our internship program and how supporters make a difference.