The Smithsonian Gardens provides an exceptionally well-rounded array of experiences in its intern program thanks to the wide diversity of services it offers to the Smithsonian, the world’s largest museum complex.
Further details about the internship and how to apply can be found on our website at Orchid Exhibit Internship – Smithsonian Gardens .
The application deadline for this winter/spring 2025 Orchid Exhibit Internship is December 12, 2024.
Orchid Exhibit Internship
Overview
This opportunity provides an intern with experience managing and caring for the Smithsonian Gardens Orchid Collection (SGOC), including exhibition, public programming, social media management, daily collection care, collections management, and interior plant maintenance.
The project’s primary focus will involve grooming and staking collection items for weekly exhibition delivery/installation, plant health monitoring, pulling/generating display labels, public programming, and assisting with creating social media content for a broad audience. The secondary focus will involve watering/fertilizing, repotting, and assisting with integrated pest management scouting and beneficial insect releases. Some public programs may occur on the weekend, which may cause some weekly schedule adjustment.
This internship offers hands-on experience working with living plant collections within a public garden and museum setting. Intern will work under the supervision of the Lead Orchid Collection Horticulturist and the Manager of Greenhouse Nursery Operations. Interns are encouraged to take advantage of the abundant resources of the Smithsonian Institution.
Application Deadline: December 12, 2024. Internship will begin in January/February 2025.
Duties
- Help with the grooming and staking of collection items.
- Delivery and installation of plant material
- Plant health monitoring
- Pull and generate display labels for plants.
- Watering, fertilizing, repotting, and assisting with integrated pest management.
Interests
- Maintenance and interest in learning industry best practices and standards for managing living plant collections within a museum environment.
- Strengthening plant nomenclature skills.
- Interest in learning the insights of exhibition planning and delivery.
Requirements
Applicants must be enrolled in a university horticulture or related program or recently graduated from one. Selection is based on both an evaluation of the applicant’s application and available positions.
Candidates must pay for their own travel, housing, and subsistence during the period of the internship.
A stipend of $7,200 will be provided to support you during your 12-week internship.
Requirements for applying to the Smithsonian Gardens intern program:
- Submit an online application.
- Two letters of recommendation
- College Transcripts
- Essay describing background, interest in field, career goals, and chosen project.
Submission
Completed application, essay, academic records, and two letters of recommendation should be submitted online through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System.
