Guest Experience Internship
Come study at Mt. Cuba Center, a premier botanical garden that embraces ecological gardening and celebrates native plants. Gain hands-on experience in your specific internship area while working one-on-one with our professional staff. Participate in group projects, educational programming, plant identification classes, and trips to other local horticultural organizations. Each intern will complete a special project culminating in an in-house presentation of the results. The program runs from May 18, 2020 to May 7, 2021.
The Guest Experience Intern learns to create remarkable experiences at a public garden by assisting in the evaluation of on-site interpretation materials and the development and implementation of public programs throughout the year. The intern project involves the evaluation of our newly developed interpretive suite of products, such as signage, wayfinding, and interactive activities, all key elements of Mt. Cuba Center’s interpretive planning process. The intern’s evaluation tracks the efficacy of the products and leads to recommendations for improvement. In addition to their evaluation project, the intern participates in planning and executing Mt. Cuba’s seasonal events. In 2020, this will include an exciting new community engagement project, OF/BY/FOR ALL, where the intern will help to put on programs involving local partners. The intern also develops project management skills through cross-department collaboration, as well as external communication skills in relaying key messages to the public. Qualifications include a familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, adaptability, organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interact with the public.
Qualifications
The one year internship is designed for individuals with a degree in horticulture, forestry, ecology, environmental studies, associated plant fields, or museum studies who want to become professionals in public gardens. Through this internship, individuals with limited experience in the horticultural industry will also gain basic employment skills. Mt. Cuba Center, while very scenic, is remote and has no public transportation, walking, or bike lanes, so a car is highly recommended. [The use of Mt. Cuba Center’s vehicles for personal use is not permitted.]
Compensation
The internship pay is $11/hour for a 40-hour work week, medical benefits included. Housing is available on site at beautiful Mt. Cuba Center at no cost to the intern.
Application Process
Application deadline is March 1, 2020. Please apply early because interviews will begin in January 2020, as applications are received, and will continue until positions are filled, possibly before the March 1 deadline. For more information, email internships@mtcubacenter.org or call 302-239-8886.