What are the responsibilities and job description for the LAND STEWARDSHIP & ECOLOGY SUMMER 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 Land Stewardship & Ecology team this summer for a 10-week internship managing our 700 diverse acres of forests, meadows, wetlands, streams, ponds, and agricultural lands in a southeastern Pennsylvania Piedmont landscape. You will be immersed in both the practice of land stewardship and the science of ecology, learning from varied experiences that range from restoration of native plant communities and scientific data collection to GIS mapping and invasive species management.
To learn more about our Land Stewardship & Ecology program please click here or here.
What you gain:
- Hands-on experience in:
- Ecological restoration planting
- Meadow management
- Trail maintenance
- Invasive species management
- Collecting and analyzing data
- Opportunities to:
- Help advance scientific research in ecology and test innovative land stewardship practices
- Engage with volunteers and participate in educational programs related to land stewardship
- Exposure to experts in scientific ecology, native plant horticulture, wildlife management, and ecological landscape design
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in or completed (graduated in May 2025 or later) an associate or bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, environmental science, or a related field
- A passion for land stewardship and conservation
- High degree of motivation, organization, and attention to detail, and willingness to work independently
- The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, working from ladders, 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 August 6, 2026.
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:
- 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
- 24 hours of personal time and 2 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.