What are the responsibilities and job description for the Brookside Gardens Summer Intern position at The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission?
Are you looking for an exciting job opportunity with Montgomery County Parks’ premier Brookside Gardens Facility? The Brookside Gardens team is seeking undergraduate students and recent graduates to fill paid summer intern positions. This is an opportunity for motivated individuals to work closely with professionals in a public garden setting, learning first-hand about the varied facets of operating a public garden with outstanding plant collections and displays, a diverse customer base, and engaging learning opportunities. Experience and skills acquired through the internship will prepare participants for professional positions in related fields within the green industry and will complement undergraduate or graduate studies in horticulture or related fields.
Brookside Gardens is a 55-acre horticultural display garden with intricately crafted landscapes, permanent and seasonal displays, and two conservatories. Throughout the year, the Gardens welcomes more than 1,000,000 visitors, at engaging programs and events for children and adults, including the winter light display and summer butterfly exhibit. Learn more about us at https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens/
For more information about the Seasonal Hiring process and application status for Montgomery County, please contact mcp-parkscareers@montgomeryparks.org.What the Internship will involve:
The pay rate for this position is $18.25 per hour. The schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm (may vary), and the internship program will run from Mid-May, 2026 – Mid-August, 2026. Must be available for occasional alternate weekdays, weekends, and evenings.
Interns will rotate through several sections throughout the gardens and will work on projects crucial to Brookside Gardens’ operations in each department. Interns should expect to assist with:
Outdoor Garden Maintenance
Indoor Garden (Conservatory) Maintenance
Plant Propagation and Production
There will be periodic training sessions on topics relevant to the Gardens’ operations, in addition to field trips to other gardens and related facilities.
Each intern will work with a staff mentor on an independent project, presenting their findings before Montgomery Parks staff at the end of the summer.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an undergraduate program related to Horticulture, Plant and Environmental Sciences, Soil Sciences, or Landscape Architecture.
Applicants should have a passion for learning new and varied skills relevant to running gardens and be capable of working independently or on a team.
Please include a copy of your college transcripts with your application
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
Working Conditions
Interns work both indoors and outdoors. May expect exposure to summer weather conditions, dirt, dust, unpleasant odors from fumes from fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides. May also encounter wildlife or harmful insects, and traffic hazards and noise.
Supplemental Information
Brookside Gardens will cooperate with universities and colleges that offer credit for internship programs; however, it is the responsibility of the intern to assist with arrangements for receiving academic credit with their institution.
No housing available.
This position does not provide benefits.
A criminal background investigation will be completed prior to hire.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1) M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/