What are the responsibilities and job description for the CONSERVATORY DISPLAY 12-MONTH INTERNSHIP position at Longwood Gardens?
As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.
Join our Conservatory Display team for an exciting 12-month internship and work with world-renowned indoor displays of more than 1,000 different seasonal crops and 5,000 permanent taxa, in one of the nation’s largest conservatories! The Conservatory Display Intern will gain insight into the distinct practice of gardening under glass through hands-on involvement in the day-to-day process of installing and maintaining indoor displays and collections. Our historic Conservatory features a series of wondrous spaces harmonizing the beauty of 19th-century classical architecture to horticultural displays both formal and contemporary. Our new 32,000-square-foot West Conservatory has a close relationship with water and seamlessly integrates the old with the new. Its asymmetrical peaks rise from a pool on which the entire building will seemingly float, while its islands of interior Mediterranean-inspired gardens will be set amid pools, canals, and fountains in an exquisite tapestry-like design.
What you gain:
- Hands-on experience working with seasonally changing displays, fine-tune grooming, planting, and display maintenance practices
- Opportunities to create displays using annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and bulbs
- Increased knowledge of specialty collections including orchids, succulents, ferns, bonsai, and Mediterranean flora
- Exposure to Horticulture experts
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in or completed (graduated in May 2025 or later) an associate or bachelor’s degree in horticulture or a related field preferred
- General knowledge of greenhouse environments and plant culture is preferred
- High degree of motivation, organization, attention to detail, and willingness to work independently
- Occasional weekend work is required
- The ability to work from ladders and aerial lifts up to 30 feet, bending, stooping, lifting at least 50 pounds and operating small equipment
- A valid driver’s license is required
- U.S.-based individuals only (for international internship program, click here).
The internship will run from June 1, 2026 to May 6, 2027.
Application Requirements:
- Upload an updated CV or resume
- Upload a statement of purpose (Word or PDF) telling us why you are interested in coming to Longwood and what you hope to gain from this placement
- Provide the names and email addresses for two professional references. Your references will only be contacted if you are selected as a finalist.
Application deadline is January 15, 2026. Reviewing will begin in January, and interviews will be conducted through February 18, 2026.
Benefits:
- Medical Insurance through Independence Administrators
- Free furnished housing on the grounds of Longwood Gardens (this is a taxable benefit). For further details about housing click here.
- All utilities are included except cable television
- 96 hours of personal time and 9 paid holidays
- Weekly field trips, hands-on workshops, lectures, and conferences
- Complimentary tickets to Longwood Gardens for friends and family
- 50% discount at The Café and 25% discount in The Garden Shop
Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.