Smithsonian Gardens Internships

Remember, the application deadline for Smithsonian Gardens Internships are due on February 1.  Take some time now to complete your on-line application and submit it today!  Further details on how to apply can be found on our website at http://www.gardens.si.edu/get-involved/internships.html . If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at 202-633-5845.  

Horticulture Internship 
For more information visit: http://www.gardens.si.edu/get-involved/internship-grounds-managment.html

Internships with Grounds Management Operations are designed for students who seek work-related experience in a public garden with a diverse workforce. Internships that focus on the Smithsonian gardens and greenhouse operations include regular horticulture maintenance duties such as planting, watering, weeding, and pruning. Special projects are typically added to an intern’s regular duties so that they can practice project management skills needed to see a project through from start to finish. Projects vary greatly and are determined on an individual basis. They may include everything from record-keeping, analyzing ecosystems and researching nomenclature to turf management and public programming. Interns will have the opportunity to network with a team of professional landscape architects, horticulturists and gardeners responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of seasonal and permanent plantings on the Smithsonian campus. 

Greenhouse Internship 

For more information visit:  http://www.gardens.si.edu/get-involved/internship-greenhouse-nursery.html

SG’s Greenhouse Nursery Operations manage the production facility that provides plants and related supplies necessary to meet the horticultural needs of the Smithsonian museums.
The Production internship emphasis includes the propagation and production of annuals and hanging baskets for the flower beds and gardens; production of tropical plants and seasonal pot plants for special events.  Interior Plantscape internship provides insight into special challenges of maintaining plant material in certain adverse conditions posed by interior spaces. Orchid Collection internship is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to learn various components of living plant collections management working with the Smithsonian Orchid Collection. 

Landscape Architecture Internship For more information visit: http://www.gardens.si.edu/get-involved/internship-landscape-architecture.html  

Interns working in this position will assist the Landscape Architect with various projects that develop out of current design needs or multi-year projects. Intern projects typically involve the development of designs, presentations, and/or planning reports.  All assignments require effective project management skills.. Interns will be exposed to design and construction meetings with architects, engineers, approving agencies, and other parties. Experience in CAD is required.

Tree Collection/Arborist Internship For more information visit: http://www.gardens.si.edu/get-involved/internship-specialty-area.html

The intern will assist the Smithsonian Gardens Arborist with many aspects of tree maintenance and management in the various Smithsonian museum grounds and gardens in downtown Washington, D.C. and Suitland, MD. The intern will perform a variety of duties which can include, but may not be limited to, moderate tree pruning, diagnosing insect and disease problems, and evaluating trees for potential risk factors.  He or she will also have the opportunity to assist with assigning appraisal values to trees based on current industry standards and with maintaining the Smithsonian Tree Collection database using GIS.  They will experience first-hand the challenges and rewards of caring for trees in a public garden setting and may be called on to answer visitor questions.

Education and Outreach Internship For more information visit: http://www.gardens.si.edu/get-involved/internship-education-outreach.html

An Education and Outreach intern will give a student the chance to develop skills in public engagement, learn more about museum practices, and share your passion for education.  Interns will work primarily with the SG education manager to develop educational content for on-site programs, outreach materials, and SG's website.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Office:  600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 3300, Washington, DC 20024

Mailing:  PO BOX 37012, Capital Gallery 3300,  MRC 506, Washington DC 20013-7012
T: 202-633-5845 

www.gardens.si.edu