What are the responsibilities and job description for the ORCHID COLLECTION 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.
The Orchid Collection internship provides the opportunity to learn about the science and art of orchid growing and collection curation. During this 10-week summer internship, interns will learn all the basics of orchid cultivation, be introduced to systems of orchid collection curation, and have the opportunity to participate in unique initiatives, like orchid hybridization and education, and engage with and visit other orchid nurseries and collections.
What you gain:
- Hands-on experience in:
- Orchid repotting with multiple genera in multiple mediums
- Watering and fertilizing
- Orchid display management
- Inventories, labeling, and tracking systems
- Orchid hybridization
- Orchid lab work (possible, but not guaranteed)
- Knowledge on:
- Orchid culture
- Orchid production, from seeds to cloning
- Orchid management systems
- Orchid biology
- Connections to some of the great orchid nurseries and collections in the US and world
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in or completed (graduated in May 2025 or later) an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field
- A desire to learn about orchids and work with them professionally
- General knowledge of greenhouse environments and plant culture is preferred
- Occasional weekend work is required
- The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, work from ladders and aerial lifts up to 30 feet, bending, stooping, lifting at least 50 pounds and operating small equipment
- High degree of motivation, organization, and attention to detail, and willingness to work independently
- 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.