Public Horticulture Intern (paid)

About the role

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Lincoln Park Zoo is a level III accredited arboretum and an accredited botanic garden.

The Public Horticulture Intern is a full-time paid seasonal position up to 500 hours, running from the beginning of January to the end of March. The intern will work in a public garden, botanic garden, and arboretum at a zoo, collaborating with the Director of Horticulture, Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs, and horticulture staff to build vocational horticulture skills, learning about winter and early spring plant care for Chicago area plants as well as in a conservatory setting. The internship is project-based, focusing on a research project pertaining to indoor tropical plants and their use in a zoo setting, and concludes with a presentation on the project.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Participate in garden maintenance including pruning, weeding, planting, watering, and integrative pest management.
• Assist in the loading, unloading, and transportation of plant material, garden equipment and tools.
• Participate in the design, installation, and maintenance of display plants, permanent collections plants, and plant signage under the guidance of Director of Horticulture and/or Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs.
• Maintain inventory, cleanliness, and function of daily use tools and supplies.
• Support the Manager of Horticulture Operations in general tool maintenance and organization.
• Compile research on plant selections and identification guides for browse species.
• Ensure cleanliness, order, and safety of the working environment for those in and surrounding the work site.
• Frequently work independently and in groups with other zoo staff and volunteers.

Additional Responsibilities:

• May be asked to represent the zoo at internal and external functions, including but not limited to zoo donor tours, zoo special events, horticulture-related programming, and professional meetings and conferences.
• May use electric cart or wagon to move supplies and debris.
• May be asked to direct volunteers and guests in a zoo emergency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Learning Objectives

• Build a foundation of vocational skills in horticulture, caring for indoor and outdoor gardens over the winter.
• Gain experience in plant identification, zoo horticulture, natural area maintenance, and horticultural garden maintenance.
• Develop written and oral presentation skills.

Qualifications

• Ability to identify or willingness to learn common ornamental, landscape, and tropical plants.
• Ability to understand, communicate, and carry out directions in verbal and written English.
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and the general public.
• Knowledge of appropriate gardening techniques and practices helpful.

Education: High school degree or equivalent with an interest in studying horticulture, plant science, or a related field.

Requirements

• A valid Illinois driver’s license and maintenance of a good driving record.
• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift on an occasional basis up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, reach and climb.
• Ability to safely and effectively utilize the program tools and equipment.
• Ability to move about on sometimes slippery, muddy surfaces.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including winter conditions.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain.
• No allergy to plants or animals which may interfere with the ability to work.

Accommodation can be made to support variation in abilities.

Benefits

• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife

Pay

Salary: $17.05/hr

Schedule

Full-time paid seasonal position up to 500 hours, running from the beginning of January to the end of March.