The Hay Honey Farm Endowed Natural Lands Intern receives hands-on training in all phases of garden development and care of the Living Collection, primarily those plants located on the historic 65-acre Bloomfield Farm property. Bloomfield, a farm in name only, is a largely naturalistic landscape that includes cultivated gardens, research plots, meadows, floodplain, privately administered community gardens, woody plant nursery, Quercetum, green roofs, platinum LEED certified Horticulture Center, historic grist mill, and the Arboretum’s materials handling site. Emphasis is placed on refining practical horticultural skills and the safe use and care of small and large power equipment; supervisory skills are developed by directing the activities of volunteers and seasonal employees.

Additionally, a small percentage of time is spent in the Natural Areas of the public garden, which includes wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas featuring a deer exclosure and native plants.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Learn practical nursery digging concepts, proper planting techniques and turf care basics
• Learn to properly identify weeds and implement control methods
• Demonstrate pruning skills using CODIT philosophy and assist in formative pruning of the Arboretum's plant collection
• Demonstrate knowledge of proper pesticide use--handling, mixing, applying and clean up of pesticide equipment
• Take part in watering plants and containers on a rotating weekend schedule
• Participate in the Horticulture Department's project days once a month
• Help with snow removal
• Learn to operate the following garden machinery:
• Small Equipment Operation - push mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, snow thrower
• Large Equipment Operation - golf cart, riding mower, backhoe, tractor, dump truck
• Arborist Equipment Operation - chainsaw, chipper
• Complete an independent study project under the direction of your supervisor
• Enroll in and complete two academic courses at Penn: LARP755 (Fall) and LARP756 (Spring)
• Participate in intern sessions as scheduled (typically weekly outside of academic year)
• Perform additional duties as requested

Qualifications/Requirements

• A strong academic background in horticulture, environmental studies or closely related field
• A strong academic background in horticulture, environmental studies or closely related field
• Be able and willing to communicate with Arboretum visitors
• Be able and willing to work independently and as part of a team
• Be able and willing to work in all weather conditions
• Be able and willing to lift at least 25 lbs
• A valid driver's license is required