Arboretum Horticulture Internship
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
Full-time
Maintenance
Posted on April 4, 2024
Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Arboretum Horticulture Internship
Requisition Number
DU11942
Department Name
81115:Arboretum
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$14.00
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Part-Time
Required Education
The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is a 100-acre greenspace located in the south section of the University of Kentucky campus. The Horticultural Gardens and Displays include the visitor center plantings, home demonstration garden, fragrance garden, 5191 memorial garden, perennial teaching garden, and several woody plant collections. These gardens and displays showcase a large and diverse variety of ornamental plants—annuals, perennials, roses, trees and shrubs—that thrive in the Bluegrass region. We partner with horticultural clubs, University of Kentucky faculty and staff, and plant breeders to provide visitors with year-round color and change throughout each season.
The Arboretum is currently seeking a student intern to work in the Horticultural Gardens and Displays. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the diversity of plants that can be grown in the Bluegrass, and their proper care and management. Learned skills will include plant identification, pest and disease identification and management, and plant records management. Student interns will be exposed to practical skills such as working safely with equipment and machinery including chainsaws, loaders, chippers, and mowers. Finally, student interns will develop leadership skills by helping to lead weekly volunteer groups in the management of the collection.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
04/17/2024
University Community of Inclusion
The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Posting Details
Job Title
Arboretum Horticulture Internship
Requisition Number
DU11942
Department Name
81115:Arboretum
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$14.00
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Part-Time
Required Education
- High School Degree
- Current Student at the University of Kentucky
- Basic knowledge of horticulture, botany, ecology, landscape architecture and/or natural resources preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment, as well as independently
- Strong work ethic
- Good verbal and written communication skills, including basic PC skills and familiarity with MS Office
- Demonstrated ability to interact positively with visitors and fellow staff members
- Must pass a background check
- Must possess a current valid Driver's License
- Ability to work in challenging and adverse weather/environmental conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time
- Ability to walk, reach, pull, push, grab, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
- May-October 2024
- Part-time hours during the Spring and Fall academic semesters (8-10 hours per week)
- Extended hours during summer months (35 hours per week)
- Monday-Friday day schedule primarily
The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is a 100-acre greenspace located in the south section of the University of Kentucky campus. The Horticultural Gardens and Displays include the visitor center plantings, home demonstration garden, fragrance garden, 5191 memorial garden, perennial teaching garden, and several woody plant collections. These gardens and displays showcase a large and diverse variety of ornamental plants—annuals, perennials, roses, trees and shrubs—that thrive in the Bluegrass region. We partner with horticultural clubs, University of Kentucky faculty and staff, and plant breeders to provide visitors with year-round color and change throughout each season.
The Arboretum is currently seeking a student intern to work in the Horticultural Gardens and Displays. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the diversity of plants that can be grown in the Bluegrass, and their proper care and management. Learned skills will include plant identification, pest and disease identification and management, and plant records management. Student interns will be exposed to practical skills such as working safely with equipment and machinery including chainsaws, loaders, chippers, and mowers. Finally, student interns will develop leadership skills by helping to lead weekly volunteer groups in the management of the collection.
- Perform seasonal landscape work including, but not limited to, mowing, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, planting
- Assist with curatorial activities such as updating plant records and creating and maintaining plant labels
- Help scout for pests and diseases
- Safely operate gardening tools and small equipment
- Help lead weekly volunteer groups in the management of the collection
- Create social media posts and ephemeral educational signs
- Attend relevant events, educational classes and field trips with staff
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
- Must be a currently enrolled UK student
- Willingness to learn to operate small equipment and gardening tools
04/17/2024
University Community of Inclusion
The University of Kentucky is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring all our students, faculty, and staff work in an environment of openness and acceptance. We strive to foster a community where people of all backgrounds, identities, and perspectives can feel secure and welcome. We also value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Please describe your paid grounds/landscaping experience.
(Open Ended Question) - You must be a UK student to hold this position. Are you a UK student?
- Yes
- No
- Do you have reliable and readily available transportation?
- Yes
- No
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
