Horticulture Internships

The Bloedel Reserve Internship Program offers college and high school students an outstanding opportunity that includes real-life work experience, practical skill development and education in the field of horticulture, as well as formal instruction on the most important attributes desired by employers. The Internship Program capitalizes on the diversity and uniqueness of its setting: the 150-acre public garden becomes a living laboratory. The Reserve is a unique blend of natural woodlands and beautifully landscaped gardens, including a Japanese Garden, a Moss Garden, Pollinator Meadow, and the Bloedel's former estate home. Though focusing on environmental horticulture and sustainability, this Program will also help prepare students for the fundamental skills needed in any career.
Student Experience
The mission of the Internship Program is to provide a paid job, specific horticultural experience, and associated formal training and education. The Intern will work full time (40 hours per week) for a total of eight weeks. Four and one-half days per week, the content of the Internship Program will center on working with experienced gardeners and horticulturists in a variety of work, guided by a specific list of skills and work experience. This training will be supplemented with one-half day of instruction from Reserve Staff.
Selection
Applications are welcome from all college and high school students that are at least fifteen years of age by the start of the Internship. Selection will be first on the basis of demonstrated interest and experience in horticulture, and secondarily on responsible effort in school work and participation in related activities.
Deadline to apply: May 12, 2023.
Interviews to be scheduled the week of May 15, 2023
Horticultural and Garden Experience

• Work on various garden renovation projects
• Work daily with a horticulturist in all areas of the garden
• Rotate through other departments, including public programs, communications, and guest services
• Learn basics of garden maintenance and sustainable horticulture
• Learn safe work practices
• Learn basics of plants propagation, pruning, plant identification, and planting and transplanting

Formal Instruction

• Overview of horticulture
• Basic botany, including plant identification
• Plant propagation
• Equipment maintenance
• Composting, green waste management, soil biology, and fertility
• History, terminology, pruning, and maintenance of Japanese gardens
• Job readiness skills