Horticulture Intern 

Filoli is a 654-acre historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, located on the San Francisco Bay Peninsula near Woodside, CA, and one of the finest remaining country estates of the early 20th century. As a team member here, you will be able to connect rich history with a vibrant future through beauty, nature and shared stories. You have the opportunity to preserve, build upon and share the wonder of this place.

In our daily interaction with guests, we envision a time when all people honor nature, value unique experiences and appreciate beauty in everyday life.  In this position, you have the opportunity to engage in the 2024 - 2028 Strategic Plan, centered on connecting to our community, and support the launch of a site plan and capital campaign designed to provide Filoli guests greater access to nature.  Filoli’s culture is rooted in integrity and we are accountable for our work, actions, and impact on our visitors, community, and environment.  Through our values, Filoli Team members are committed to being Inclusive, Welcoming, Innovative, Collaborative, and committed Stewards using sustainable practices for the future.

SUMMARY 

Filoli’s Internship program offers college students an introduction to a career in horticulture, public gardens, museums, and nonprofit administration. During the 10 week summer program, interns are welcomed as part of the Filoli community -- collaborating with staff and their supervisor to accomplish projects, interact with Filoli visitors, and regularly meet with their summer intern cohorts. In addition to the duties specific to their daily work, interns will interact with visitors during Filoli’s seasonal public programs. All interns will also have the opportunity to learn about nonprofit public garden management and the interrelationship of work between various departments and our visitors. 

Filoli is open to all and works tirelessly and collaboratively to create a place that welcomes and respects everyone. Interns are expected to work both collaboratively and independently and are asked to actively participate in group training sessions. The staff that supervise interns are committed to providing constructive feedback and an experience that mutually benefits interns and the community Filoli serves. 

This is a full time (30-40 hours, flexibly scheduled), non-exempt, hourly and temporary position. Hourly wages are $21.00. The schedule is generally Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 3:30pm but will require some weekends and evenings so flexibility to meet the needs of the organization is important. Please note that access to public transportation at Filoli is not available. The dates of the 2024 program are June 10 - August 16. Filoli recognizes that regional college schedules vary, so some adjustments to timing may be made once interns are hired in order to best accommodate all program participants.

HORTICULTURE INTERNSHIP 

The Horticulture Internship program is designed for students interested in learning more about horticulture, public garden management, landscape maintenance, or landscape architecture. Horticulture Interns rotate throughout project assignments in the formal garden, greenhouse, plant collections and orchards, working under the direct supervision of a staff Horticulturist. Through training sessions and work assignments, interns will be introduced to horticulture techniques for formal gardening, greenhouse propagation, and food production. 

The goal for Horticulture Interns is to leave the program with new skills and an introduction to the various aspects of the field of horticulture. Upon completing the program, interns will have gained experience in: planting and soil preparation; pruning and hedging using landscape design specifications; pest control and weed management; fertilization; annual bedding maintenance; fruit harvesting, cut flower and edible production, water management; turf care; plant collections management and GIS mapping systems; greenhouse practices, workplace and equipment safety; plant identification; and creating excellent visitor experiences by communication with the public about plants and horticultural displays. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

● Planting; 

● Weeding and debris removal; 

● Moving landscaping materials and tools; 

● Grooming and pruning; 

● Watering; 

● Plant collections management; 

● Interacting with staff and visitors. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

An individual must be able to perform each duty listed above and any additional responsibilities as directed as well as satisfy the educational and skill requirements listed below: 

Education: 

• High school diploma or GED equivalent; 

• Enrollment in a 2 or 4-year college or similar program, including rising freshman. 

Experience: 

● Some general work, volunteer, or school leadership experience; 

● Demonstrated interest in environmental science or horticulture, either in a home garden, public or community garden, clubs, volunteer services, or with a related job. 

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to learn, understand, and apply the basic principles of horticulture, plant science, and botany; 

• Mechanical abilities necessary to safely operate a range of power equipment and vehicles; 

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; 

• Proficiency with email and basic Google Applications and MS Office applications; 

• Communicate (listening and speaking) effectively and respectfully with Filoli employees, visitors, and volunteers; 

• Ability to view racial and cultural differences as assets to the organization and recognize that individuals bring unique backgrounds, beliefs, values, and world-views; 

• Take direction, multi-task, and work effectively in a team environment.
   

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

A valid Driver’s License is highly recommended. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including: 

• Stand, walk across uneven terrain, climb ladders (extensive use of orchard and extension ladders up to 16’ and scaffolding up to 25’) and stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, handle, lift, carry, push and bend frequently; 

• Possess strength sufficient to exert force up to 60 lbs. occasionally and/or up to 35 lbs. frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. constantly to lift, carry, push and pull or otherwise move objects; 

• Perform repetitive motions up to 50% of time using tools and equipment; 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but there are occasional (2-3x a day) when the noise level requires the use of protective gear to shield ears. Due to the use of garden equipment and possible airborne debris, the use of protective eye gear is required when appropriate. 
 

HOW TO APPLY 

1. Candidates with the above prerequisites are invited to submit their resumes along with a cover letter outlining their interest, related experience, and background to: 

 https://filoli.applicantstack.com/x/apply/a26ons3t2vm9/aa0

2. Possession of minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. 

3. Please, no phone calls. 

4. Thank you for your interest in Filoli! 

Please visit our website for more information: www.filoli.org

Filoli is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workplace.