Plant Collections 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 and museum management and the interrelationship of work between various departments and our visitors. At the end of the internship, all interns will be asked to prepare a 1-2 page summary of their internship experience, learnings, challenges and future plans/dreams for their future.

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 $23.00. 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 2025 program are June 16 - August 22. 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.

PLANT COLLECTIONS INTERNSHIP 

The Plant Collections Internship as part of the Horticulture Internship program is an opportunity for interns to learn about living plant collections curation, horticulture, and public garden management. The internship program is designed to give interns tangible and meaningful experience through training sessions and work assignments in plant collections database management, GIS mapping, plant photography, plant identification, plant taxonomy and nomenclature, communication with and interpretation for visitors and the public, as well as horticultural skills and techniques. The Intern will work with Filoli’s Plant Curation team and other members of the Horticulture Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Plant identification;

• Use and update electronic databases;

• Use GIS software for garden and irrigation infrastructure mapping;

• Plant photography;

• Conduct research on plant taxonomy and nomenclature;

• Interact 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;

• Basic computer skills;

• Demonstrated interest in botany or horticulture, for example through classes, clubs, volunteer services, jobs, a home garden, or public or community garden.

Skills and Abilities:

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

• Attention to detail and accuracy when working with data and databases;

• Ability to learn database and GIS software;

• Proficiency with email and basic Google and Microsoft Office applications; 

• Effective and respectful communication (speaking, listening, writing, reading) with co-workers and visitors;  

• Ability to take direction, multi-task, and work effectively in a team environment;

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

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

A valid Driver’s License or ID 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:

• Essential functions include walking and standing for the majority of the day, walking across uneven terrain, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, as well as sitting for long periods of time at a computer;

• Strength sufficient to exert force up to 50 lbs. occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly to lift, carry, push and pull or otherwise move objects.

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/detail/a26ons3ukmyr/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.