Upon completion of the internship program, it is our goal that students have a concrete understanding of native plants, possess solid skills in caring for a naturalistic garden (or in the case of the natural lands intern, the components of land stewardship) and be able to speak in public about it. With this end in mind, students will participate in plant identification classes and complete an intern project that shows understanding of native plants and their use. Lastly, they will complete a 10-minute presentation on their project. Academic credit is possible for selected internship activities.
Internships commence May 22, 2012 and end August 10, 2012. We understand that each student may have differing school schedules and we will work with the student to fulfill his/her requirements within reason. Students may take limited non-paid vacation time during their internship.
Onsite housing is provided which includes the use of a communal kitchen and laundry facility. Rooms and co-ed common areas are minimally furnished. Each student is provided with a single-bed and work table. Students will have internet access via wireless connection. Students need to provide their own lap top. Parking is also provided.
We are currently unable to accommodate foreign applicants.
Collections Management: Gain invaluable experience with BG-BASE ™ and BG-Map, the computerized plant recordkeeping and mapping systems used at Mt. Cuba Center, as well as the most up-to-date information on botanical nomenclature. Intern will learn why this is a crucial skill required at all public gardens and arboreta. Assist the Plant Recorder with accurate recordkeeping practices. Learn curatorial techniques used in our plant collections such as inventorying, labeling, and mapping. Opportunities exist to explore special projects.
Formal Gardens and Entrance Landscape: The intern will experience two distinct perspectives of gardening with native plants during the twelve weeks internship. The Formal Garden, surrounding the Main House, showcases native plants in an historic and intimate setting. The Entrance Landscape Garden which is our guest’s first view of Mt. Cuba Center, features plant displays in large masses. The intern will learn about garden maintenance, using native plants in both naturalistic and formal designs and other aspects of public horticulture that enhance the visitor experience.
Greenhouse / Research Internship:
Learn about Mt. Cuba Center’s Greenhouse production as well as the Plant Evaluation and Introductions Program. Staff will share propagation and production techniques for native woody and herbaceous plants collected from many regions of the eastern United States. These plants are grown for use in Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens and research program. Assist staff in daily maintenance and production activities. The intern will also assist staff in the assessment of native plants for garden use. In general, student will spend 60% of his/her timein Geenhouse, 20% in Research and 20% in education.
Naturalistic Gardens:
Work side-by-side with Mt. Cuba Center’s experienced and knowledgeable Horticulturists. There are three internships available, one each in the Woods Path, Ponds & Dogwood Path and Meadow Gardens. Interns assist in the daily maintenance and development of these gardens. In addition, interns will learn the design intricacies of naturalistic plantings. Please state which naturalistic garden(s) you would like to work in:
Natural Lands: Gain knowledge of natural land stewardship techniques, best management practices, and exotic plant suppression principles while assisting with forest and habitat restoration and preservation. Study Piedmont biodiversity, silviculture, wildlife management, and assist with vegetation and wildlife surveys of native flora and fauna.
The goal of the education day is to introduce students to native plant topics — identification, propagation, natural areas, landscape usage. The field trips are geared for students to explore other public gardens and lands under preservation. We schedule in general, 1 day per week for this.
In PDF format, send your resume and a cover letter outlining your internship choice, experience, career goals, and references with contact information to jobs@mtcubacenter.org
or mail to
PO Box 3570
Greenville, DE 19807-0570
Attention: Julia Lo Ehrhardt
For more information, contact Julia Lo Ehrhardt, Education Coordinator, at 302.239.4244, ext. 234. We will phone interview applicants as early as February and continue in to March.