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Internship Horticultural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Horticulture

MD ยท On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

... programming. * Create departmental annual plans in line with organizational vision and key ... horticultural staff; engages seasonal staff, interns and volunteers to meet departmental and ...

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Internship Horticultural Engineer information

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How much do internship horticultural engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship horticultural engineer in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship horticultural engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Horticultural Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of plant science, soil management, and basic agricultural techniques, often supported by coursework in horticulture or agricultural engineering. Familiarity with tools like irrigation systems, greenhouse management software, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Strong observation skills, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring healthy crop production, efficient project work, and successful collaboration in a dynamic agricultural environment.

What is the difference between Internship Horticultural Engineer vs Horticultural Technician?

AspectInternship Horticultural Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in horticulture, landscape architecture, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, nurseries, landscape projects, and environmental agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, research institutions, private landscaping firms
Work FocusAssisting in research, design, and development of horticultural projects

While both roles involve working with plants and horticultural practices, an Internship Horticultural Engineer focuses on gaining experience in research, design, and development within horticulture, often during their studies. In contrast, a Horticultural Technician typically performs hands-on maintenance, cultivation, and technical tasks in nurseries or landscape settings. The internship provides learning opportunities, whereas the technician role is more operational.

What types of projects or hands-on experiences can an internship horticultural engineer expect during their internship?

As an Internship Horticultural Engineer, you will typically be involved in a variety of projects such as assisting with greenhouse management, conducting soil and plant health analyses, supporting irrigation system design, and participating in crop production trials. Interns often work alongside experienced horticultural engineers and agronomists, gaining exposure to both field and laboratory environments. These experiences are designed to help you develop practical skills, understand industry best practices, and build a professional network, all of which can be valuable for future career advancement.

What does an internship horticultural engineer do?

An Internship Horticultural Engineer assists with the planning, design, and management of plant-based systems in environments such as greenhouses, nurseries, or urban landscapes. Interns typically work under the supervision of experienced horticultural engineers, supporting tasks like soil and water analysis, plant selection, irrigation design, and pest management. They may also help with research projects, data collection, and the implementation of sustainable horticultural practices. This position provides hands-on experience and exposure to both the technical and practical aspects of horticultural engineering.
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What cities are hiring for Internship Horticultural Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Internship Horticultural Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Horticultural Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Horticultural Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Horticultural Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Horticultural Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internship Horticultural Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Horticultural Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Internship Horticultural Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

ABOUT US
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility-situated two miles from downtown Columbus-features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.
MISSION
As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.
VISION
Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.
JOB SUMMARY
The Horticulturist is an important member of the Horticulture and Exhibitions team and will be responsible for horticulture maintenance of display gardens as well as seasonal exhibition installation. The Horticulturist will report to a horticulture team Manager and at times receive direction from Senior Horticulturist for general work coordination and daily assignments. They will also work with a team of Senior Horticulturists and Horticulture Assistants to maintain high profile spaces. The Horticulturist can work in a variety of areas to meet the needs and goals of the department but with a focus in a specialized, assigned zone within the property. This multifaceted position will involve maintaining plant collections according to collection goals, leading projects as needed, as well as coordinating and working alongside volunteers. The Horticulturist can play numerous roles and specializes in various aspects of Conservatory operations. This role supports departmental and facility goals, mission, and values with a strong emphasis on customer service.
Additional Information: This is a full-time non-exempt position. This position is eligible for the Conservatory's benefit package offered to full-time employees, which includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid Life/AD&D/Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Program (OPERS), optional 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and complimentary membership to the Conservatory.
Compensation: $19/hourly paid biweekly.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Prepares the property for daily public visiting hours.
  • Works hands on in cultivated gardens and natural ecosystems. This includes, but is not limited to: weeding, planting, pruning, mulching, watering, staking, dividing, and transplanting plants, path maintenance, mowing, fertilizing, pest and disease control and seasonal plant installations on FPCBG grounds.
  • Develops and administers plant maintenance programs and department work plans for efficient operations.
  • Monitors, reports and treats pests, diseases and environmental concerns within Integrated Pest Management program, including the use of pesticides and herbicides.
  • Develops knowledge and identification of plant collection, specializing in assigned areas or collections.
  • Works and coordinates with Senior Horticulturists and Designers to implement and maintain designs, installation and removal of seasonal flower displays, seasonal exhibits, and new permanent installations.
  • Provides information to the Plant Collections Specialist regarding plant accessions, removals, transfers, and label requirements. Labels plants in a timely manner, assists with the installation of signage and ensures the quality control of signage. This includes, but is not limited to: installation, straightening, cleaning, reporting and turning in damage signage.
  • Assists with training Horticulture Assistants, ensuring they can conduct horticulture maintenance practices correctly, effectively, and efficiently.
  • Supervises and trains volunteers and interns as well as creating and leading their work projects.
  • Interacts with the public, volunteers, employees, and peer institutions by answering questions, leading tours, public presentations, interviews, and TV appearances.
  • Supports marketing and electronic media programming including developing and facilitating informational topics as well as highlights of plant collections to share with the public.
  • Assists in irrigation program setting, minor repairs and troubleshooting issues.
  • Keeps inventory of tools and supplies, coordinates ordering and delivery of product while maintaining the budget.
  • Supports offsite storage organization and transporting props.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
  • Associates or Bachelor's degree in horticulture, botany, or a related field OR 2 years of hands-on experience with tropical plants with extensive knowledge in plant maintenance, watering techniques, plant identification, pest and disease identification and treatment as well as equipment use.
  • Demonstrated experience with leading projects.
  • Proficient in greenhouse/tropical house maintenance techniques, aquatic plant maintenance, including pruning techniques, irrigation repair, herbicide, pesticide and beneficial insect uses and applications.
  • Understanding tropical plant physiology, tropical soil systems and moisture management, experience with high humidity environments.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain ad valid Ohio Certified Pesticide Applicator's License within 6 months of employment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Forklift Certification.
  • Valid Driver's License with the ability to provide your own transportation to and from work sites as needed.
  • Ability and willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrates proficient written and verbal communication skills when sharing horticulture knowledge with a variety of audiences such as the public, employees, volunteers, and peer institutions.
  • Knowledge and proficiency in the use of basic software programs (Word, Excel, and Google Workspace).
  • Ability to develop, lead, and implement effective maintenance routine strategies with strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to install and maintain garden displays that ensure a high standard of plant health and display presentation.
  • Ability to lead and implement landscape and Conservatory designs.
  • Ability and willingness to apply chemicals and supervise others applying chemicals safely and correctly.
  • Team-focused with the ability to multitask, set priorities, manage time and meet deadlines, follow directions, and work independently.
  • Ability to work within budgets and support revenue goals.
  • Ability and willingness to perform hands-on gardening and other duties in all types of weather, indoors and outdoors: heat and humidity, freezing temperatures, wind and rain.
  • Frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves materials weighing up to 50lbs to accomplish plant installations and maintenance.
  • Ability to operate lifts and ladders to ascend plant canopy for maintenance safely.
  • Ability to support the mission and values of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
  • Knowledge of tropical plant propagation methods, requirements for non-soil plants, including mounting, epiphytic irrigation, and nutrient delivery.
  • Light intensity management of high light plants and low light/understory plants.

EEO Statement:
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.