Horticulture Internship

The mission of the U.S. National Arboretum is to enhance the economic, environmental, and aesthetic value of ornamental plants through research, conservation, and display. Horticulture interns work in one or more of the Arboretum’s gardens or collections. An internship project, which is presented to staff, volunteers, and stakeholders at the end of the internship, is required. In addition, interns participate in professional development opportunities and educational field trips.   

Description: Internships range from three months to one year, beginning in May/June. All internships are hourly positions (approximately $20/hour). College credit may be arranged by students and is encouraged. Housing is not provided.

Qualifications: Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applicants need to have either completed course work or have acquired practical experience in horticulture or a related field. Basic gardening skills, interest in plants, and the ability to work independently are essential. 

Duties & Working Conditions: The National Arboretum is a public garden facility. Interns will assist staff in the development and maintenance of the plant germplasm collections. Duties include general gardening tasks, including but not limited to weeding, planting, watering, mowing, mulching, and assisting staff with updating plant records and labels in collections. Internships will involve heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and exposure to extreme heat, humidity, and/or cold.

Available internships include:

• Asian Collections features plants collected from the rich floras of China, Japan, and Korea. (One-year position, may be combined with other collections.)
• Azalea Collection features cultivated azaleas in a native woodland setting. (Three - six-month position, depending on candidate availability.)
• Conifer Collection and Dogwood Collection Combo highlights hundreds of varieties of conifers and dogwoods, respectively. (Three-month position.)
• Fern Valley Native Plant Collection features plants native to Eastern USA in woodland and meadow settings. (One-year position.)
• Friendship Garden showcases innovative landscapes that include woody plants, perennials, ornamental grasses, bulbs, and aquatics designed for year-round interest. (Three-month position that may be combined with another collection.)
• National Herb Garden is the largest designed herb garden in the nation that includes annual, perennial, and woody herbal plants. (One-year position.)

To apply: Send a cover letter indicating availability and interest areas, resume, names of three references, and transcripts (unofficial are acceptable) via email to USNA.Internships@usda.gov.   DEADLINE: JANUARY 19, 2026