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Internship Plant Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Technician Fellowship

Lisle, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Interns will also assist with the full cycle of collections development and curation, including ... The Plant Pathology Laboratory offers hands-on experience with molecular, microbiological, and ...

Director of Horticulture

MD · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Lead the curation and development of Ladew's living collections, ensuring alignment with ornamental ... plant collections subject matter expert, horticultural staff; engages seasonal staff, interns and ...

Supervises and assigns work to zoo volunteers and interns scheduled in keeper's area of ... Monitors and reports physical plant problems and fire/safety hazards; trained in CPR, first aid and ...

Internship Plant Curator information

See salary details

$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do internship plant curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship plant curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Plant Curator vs Internship Horticulturist?

AspectInternship Plant CuratorInternship Horticulturist
Required CredentialsBasic botanical knowledge, relevant courseworkHorticultural certifications, plant care knowledge
Work EnvironmentMuseums, botanical gardens, conservatoriesPublic gardens, landscape companies, nurseries
Industry UsagePrimarily cultural institutions and botanical collectionsLandscape design, garden maintenance, plant production
Common Search IntentLearning about plant curation and collection managementGaining horticultural skills for garden work

The Internship Plant Curator focuses on managing and preserving plant collections in cultural or botanical institutions, requiring knowledge of plant taxonomy and collection care. In contrast, the Internship Horticulturist emphasizes hands-on plant care, landscape maintenance, and garden design. Both roles involve working with plants but serve different industry needs and environments.

What does an Internship Plant Curator do?

An Internship Plant Curator assists with the care, documentation, and organization of plant collections at botanical gardens, research institutions, or nurseries. Their responsibilities often include helping with plant identification, record-keeping, propagation, and sometimes aiding in educational programs or tours. Interns learn about plant taxonomy, conservation, and the management of living collections. This role provides hands-on experience in horticulture and plant science under the guidance of experienced curators.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Internship Plant Curator and how do they contribute to the overall functioning of a botanical garden?

As an Internship Plant Curator, your daily responsibilities often include monitoring plant health, updating plant records, assisting with propagation, and supporting collection management activities. You'll work closely with horticulturists, researchers, and other interns to ensure the botanical collections are well-maintained and organized. These tasks are essential for supporting research, education, and public display functions of the garden. Collaboration and attention to detail are key, as your contributions help preserve plant biodiversity and enhance the visitor experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Plant Curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Plant Curator, you need foundational knowledge in botany or horticulture, often supported by coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with plant identification databases, greenhouse management systems, and inventory software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns excel in maintaining collections and collaborating with staff. These skills are crucial for ensuring plant health, accurate record-keeping, and contributing to the smooth operation of botanical collections.
More about Internship Plant Curator jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Plant Curator jobs? Cities with the most Internship Plant Curator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Curator jobs? The most popular types of Plant Curator jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Plant Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Plant Curator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Plant Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% As Needed, 27% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Curator of Earth Sciences

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Curator of Earth Sciences


People Architects is proud to partner with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as we search for a Curator of Earth Sciences. Founded in 1920, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. For more than a century, the Museum has inspired visitors to connect with the wonders of science and nature. Today, we continue that legacy-and remain committed to sharing our resources to promote a healthy future for both humans and the planet.


As Ohio's largest natural history museum, we use our vast collections and state-of-the-art facilities to contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Our scientists conduct research across a variety of disciplines, making groundbreaking discoveries about early human ancestors, ancient Ohio, animal and plant life around the world, and more. We steward more than 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program, working to protect the environment of northern Ohio and the diverse species that call it home.


The Museum is seeking a creative and dynamic professional to join our Earth Sciences curatorial team.


Job Summary

The Curator of Earth Sciences is a museum scientist who runs an independent research program as part of a team of interdisciplinary curators. They will serve as a scientific expert for the museum in areas such as geodiversity, deep time, history of life, ancient Ohio, and planetary processes. The Curator engages in public outreach and engagement, working to translate scientific information into accessible, compelling content that enhances public interest and knowledge. In addition to informal educational opportunities, the Curator trains students through Museum-supported undergraduate work study, internships for high school and college students, and volunteer opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities -
Equally divided, with 1/3 (33.3%) devoted to research, 1/3 to public engagement, and 1/3 to institutional services.

  • Conduct relevant fieldwork, collection-based, or laboratory research in support of an established research program. Adapt or build a research program that supports the Museum's mission and utilizes our galleries, collections, and/or natural areas. Present research results in academic forums such as peer-reviewed scientific journals and conferences.
  • Seek external funding to support research activities and manage the research budgets.
  • Oversee Research Assistant staff members, volunteers, students, interns, and other specialized staff involved in research activities.
  • Establish collaborative networks that can enhance the reach and application of the research program.
  • Contribute accurate and relevant scientific content for Museum projects, including reports, marketing materials, and public engagement. Serve as the content provider in the development of CMNH temporary and traveling exhibits.
  • In collaboration with philanthropy, lead tours, meet with donors, and develop content in support of fundraising activities.
  • Collaborate with collections management staff to create and implement collection strategies and access, including reviewing external research requests. Provide advisement and assistance for the care and access to collections.
  • Develop or enable academic partnerships for student training aligned with research program and Museum priorities.
  • Adhere to the CMNH Collections Policy Manual.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

  • Ph.D. in Geology, Hydrology, Paleoecology, Geomorphology, Paleoclimatology, or a related field and 3-5 years of experience required.
  • Experience securing external funding and researchpublications required.
  • Research focus related to Northeast Ohio, the Lake Erie Basin, and/or the Museum's collections and natural area preserves preferred.

Required Application Materials

  • CV/Resume
  • Research Statement
  • Cover Letter
  • Must include a museum integration plan that speaks to the science communication experience, community outreach, and use of Museum resources such as collections.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Expert knowledge of geodiversity, deep time, history of life, ancient Ohio, planetary processes, and best-practice research methodology.
  • Proven ability to plan, direct, report on, and secure external funding to support research activities.
  • Strong ability to communicate scientific materials in accessible, compelling ways to engage with diverse audiences.
  • Proven ability to manage research personnel, including students, interns, and volunteers.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite products.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving, and listening skills.
  • Ability to work independently, within interdisciplinary teams, and as a leader on large-scale projects.
  • Ability to follow all established Museum operating, safety, environmental, and quality policies.
  • Ability to function in a fast-paced environment with time constraints and meet deadlines with competing priorities.

Working Conditions

  • This position includes working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Position may require sitting, walking, standing, or working at a computer for prolonged periods of time.
  • Mustbe able to lift 50lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.


The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity, ADA Employer and a Substance Free workspace.
* no agencies/3rd parties