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Internship Plant Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ladew Topiary Gardens

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 ...

GrayMatter

Talent Acquisition Intern

Our consulting, implementation, and technology curation services help industrial companies ... This is a 3-month remote internship based in the United States and requires approximately 15 hours ...

Oglebay

Oglebay Good Zoo Animal Keeper 2

Wheeling, WV · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

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 ...

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Internship Plant Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

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How much do internship plant curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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?

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?

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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Curator jobs? The most popular types of Plant Curator jobs are:
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Internship Plant Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Plant Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper, Central Park Zoo

Wildlife Conservation Society

New York, NY

$54K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Wildlife Conservation Society rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Title: Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper
Reports To: Supervisor of Animals/Animal Dept. Curator
Position Managed: N/A
Department: Animal Programs
Location: Central Park Zoo
Employment Type: Union, Full-Time
Pay Range: $54,473.00 per year
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean.  We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence.  Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary:
To perform authorized activities necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service.
Principal Responsibilities:
  • Supervise and provide leadership in the assigned section of the zoo, taking responsibility for daily animal care activities of keepers, trainees or interns as assigned, and be responsible for the exhibit appearance in the section.
  • Perform and supervise safe, proper, and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Prepare and supervise animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Perform and supervise safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Routine maintenance can include, but is not limited to, watering plants, maintenance/replacement of substrates and exhibit furnishings, clearing and cleaning drains/catches, changing lightbulbs, and cleaning exhibit glass.
  • Assist curatorial/supervisory staff in developing safe, proper, and humane protocols for the management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas.
  • May provide guidance and on-the-job training to other employees.
  • Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of supervisory/curatorial staff, to include, but not limited to, the installation of plant material, perches, and exhibit props such as rocks and logs, monitoring water quality, addition of substrates, and cleaning of exhibit glass where maintenance staff does not have access.
  • Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas to ensure that they are clean, well-lit, properly ventilated, properly heated or cooled, and that all mechanical systems are operating properly.
  • Report any deficiencies and/or required maintenance - whether Animal Department or Maintenance responsibility - to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Make any minor repairs necessary to assure safe, proper, and humane animal management.
  • Observe assigned animals for any changes in activity pattern, social behavior, feeding behavior, and food preference, any abnormal behavior or evidence of injury and illness, any indications of sexual behavior or sexual cycle.
  • Summarize these and any other observations relevant to safe, proper, and humane management in a daily report submitted to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Maintain life history cards and other assigned recordkeeping.
  • Promptly report anything that might require immediate action to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Carry out the curator and veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick and injured animals and summarize required procedures in a daily report submitted to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  • Submit a daily report to supervisory/curatorial staff that summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities within assigned work areas, identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment.
  • Participate in CPZ animal behavior programs to facilitate animal management and to enhance and enrich the daily lives of the animals in our care.
  • Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Maintain each animal's current level of behavior criteria through effective observation, listening, and training application.
  • Develop a proactive approach to behavioral husbandry. Anticipate behavioral issues and discuss with the supervisor/curator to avoid potential problems.
  • Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naive and experienced animals to exhibits.
  • Provide special attention to the need to make animals more visible to our guests.
  • Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Central Park Zoo, guest services, exhibits, and the animal collection.
  • Enforce the Central Park Zoo's guest rules and regulations.
  • Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.

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