Tropical Plants Curation Intern

Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver, CO 80206
United States
Industry
Horticulture
Manages Others
No
Experience Required
No
Degree Required
No
Pay
From $17.85
Per Hour
Employment Type
Employee
Work Schedule
Full-Time
Travel
No Travel
Job Description

About Denver Botanic Gardens: Green inside and out, Denver Botanic Gardens was founded in 1951 and is considered one of the top botanical gardens in the United States and a pioneer in water conservation. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, The Gardens has a robust living plant collection, natural history collection and art collection along with temporary art exhibitions. The Gardens is a dynamic, 24-acre urban oasis in the heart of the city, offering unforgettable opportunities to flourish with unique garden experiences for the whole family – as well as world-class exhibitions, education, and plant conservation research programs. 

For more information, visit us online at www.botanicgardens.org.


Denver Botanic Gardens is currently seeking a Tropical Plants Curation Intern in our Horticulture Department! Read below to see if the requirements might be a good fit for you:


 To be considered, please submit your application before Monday, February 6th, 2023. 

 


Position Summary and Goals: With the assistance of the Tropical Horticulturists, the intern will be mapping and accessioning plants in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory for the Gardens Navigator map. The intern will also assist in labeling currently unlabeled specimens. 


Background: The intern will be involved with a variety of tasks for the upkeep of the tropical collection in the conservatory such as watering, pruning, deadheading, and planting. The intern will also work alongside the Tropical Horticulturists in repotting and propagating specimens that are housed in the collection greenhouses. Prior knowledge of tropical plant care and BG-Base/ BG- Map are not requirements.   



 
Job Requirements
Requirements and Internship Highlights:

Interns will take part in field trips, lectures, and group projects. We at Denver Botanic Gardens feel strongly that there is no substitute for hands-on learning so in addition to the project and participating in the learning opportunities, interns are expected to work alongside their mentors and other horticulturists in the Gardens.

This will include participating in the daily activities associated with public garden maintenance – weeding, watering, planting, accessioning, preparing for special events, etc.

The goal of the internship is to provide an overview of public horticulture as well as useful experience in a specific area which can help students define their interests in horticulture.

As a member of DBG’s staff, interns will participate in employee meetings and other day-to-day operations and will be subject to all DBG employment policies.

In Denver temperatures can reach a sizzling 100° in mid-summer, while temperatures at our Mt. Goliath site can drop into the 50’s. Humidity is very low here, however, there are occasional days of rain or drizzle. Interns should be prepared to work in these environmental extremes as the work site is primarily outdoors.



Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.



All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.



General Duties and Responsibilities/Deliverables:

Update locations of accessioned plants in the conservatory
Assist in accurately labeling plants in the conservatory


Skills that will be learned or refined:

Hands on experience with tropical plants
Knowledge of curating a collection
BG Base & BG – Map


Horticultural knowledge that will be learned and how this project will link classroom theory with practical experience:

Plant culture and maintenance such as water requirements, the correct soil, and light needs will be addressed. Updating and mapping plants will help with plant ID as well as showing practical use of taxonomic and nomenclature rules.



Eligibility Requirements:

Candidates must be currently authorized to work in the United States
Candidates must be currently enrolled in an academic program or have graduated within the last six months.
Applicants must upload a job application, resume, cover letter, transcript(s) and two reference letters to be considered.
Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans when necessary, throughout the day.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook and Teams.
Ability to work overtime as necessary.
Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
Must be committed to working safely at all times.