internship opportunities

Gardening in a semi-arid environment is a new adventure for many of our interns. With an average of just over 15 inches of precipitation per year, humidity that hovers in the 35% range and an average growing season of 150 days, Denver Botanic Gardens is an ideal place for students and visitors alike to discover how rich in plant life a steppe climate can be. Our York Street location packs more than 14,000 taxa into almost 20 cultivated acres. We have naturalized areas as well as an alpine garden that is just steps away from our hardy cacti garden and our water gardens.

• I was exposed to so many new plants and important aspects of horticulture. There are so many knowledgeable and inspiring people that I learned from.
        - Bethany from Utah State University, 2011

Our Chatfield location is a model of public gardening in a natural and agricultural setting. In addition to a large pumpkin patch, corn maze and community supporting agriculture program, the garden is home to a wildflower garden, trial gardens and a nature preserve.

• The summer flew by because I had fun, and I learned a lot due to the amazing mentors and the field trips.
        - Jacob from University of Missouri-Columbia, 2010

Designed for students pursuing a career in the field of horticulture, our internships provide the opportunity for students to put their classroom learning to work in real-world situations and obtain valuable hands-on work experience. While our focus is on public horticulture, our horticulture, horticultural therapy and plant records interns learn about plants in alpine regions as well as in prairie ecosystems during the season.

• It was a great learning experience and I would strongly suggest it to anyone thinking about working in the realm of public horticulture. 
        - Chelsea from Iowa State University, 2011

As part of the Gardens’ staff, interns have the opportunity to work in teams as well as independently, shoulder responsibilities, work with and/or manage volunteers all while gaining hands-on experience in the field of public horticulture. They learn practical skills that are so important to future employers.

All applicants must be legally able to work in the United States and must have a valid driver’s license. Please note the educational requirements outlined in our job descriptions.

During the summer of 2012 we will offer internships in the following areas:

• Horticulture (4-6)
• Horticultural Therapy (1)
• Plant Records (1)   
• CSA (Community Supporting Agriculture) (2)

Completed applications for the internships listed above are due February 16, 2012. Click here to obtain a internship application.

Frequently asked questions about internships >>

Denver Botanic Gardens is a nonprofit organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer.