Job Description
At Walters Gardens, we're passionate about growing exceptional plants - and exceptional people. Each summer, we welcome a group of interns to join our team and gain firsthand experience in the science, art, and business of perennial production.
During your internship, you'll find a supportive environment that values curiosity, teamwork, and growth. Our internships are designed to provide:
- Hands-on training in real-world greenhouse and laboratory settings
- Rotational learning across multiple departments to build a well-rounded skill set
- A personalized project to deepen your expertise and make a meaningful contribution
- Mentorship and networking opportunities with leaders in the industry
Interns consistently tell us the program is more than just an internship - it's a summer of learning, connection, and fun. You'll gain practical skills, explore career paths in horticulture and plant sciences, and leave with not only knowledge but also friendships and memories that last well beyond the season.
About the Internship This 12-week summer program offers hands-on experience in the full process of perennial plant production, with a special focus on tissue culture. Interns rotate through key departments, learning from experts in each area while also working on an individual project tailored to their interests. By the end of the summer, you'll have a strong understanding of how healthy plants move from lab to greenhouse and into large-scale production.
What You'll Do - Rotate through different areas of production, including:
• Motherstock Greenhouse & Virus Lab - maintaining clean, healthy plant material
• Tissue Culture Lab - learning sterile techniques and plant multiplication
• Greenhouse Production & Planting Lines - observing large-scale operations in action
• Acclimation Range - transitioning young plants from lab to greenhouse conditions
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - supporting plant health and quality - Shadow and collaborate with teams in other departments
- Complete an individual project designed with your supervisor to apply what you learn and contribute to ongoing research or production goals
- Build valuable mentorship connections, gain professional experience, and explore career paths within horticulture and plant sciences
Why You'll Love It Interns often say the best part of the summer is the people. You'll be surrounded by a welcoming, knowledgeable team eager to share their expertise. No question is off-limits - we love teaching and training. The environment is supportive, fun, and full of opportunities to learn from real-world experts. Many interns leave not only with valuable career experience, but also with lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.
Program Details - 12-week internship (Summer 2026, flexible start and end dates)
- Full-time, 40 hours per week
- Pay: $18.51/hour
- Monthly housing stipend for out-of-area students
- Opportunities to attend team meetings, workshops, and networking events
- Application Deadline: January 9, 2026 (early applications encouraged, as spots may fill before the deadline)
- Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Requirements
Who Should Apply - Current students enrolled in an accredited college or university
- Rising seniors or those in their final year of study (preferred)
- Majors in Plant Science, Horticulture, Biology, Agriculture, Biotechnology, or related fields encouraged
- Curiosity, willingness to learn, and a hands-on mindset are key to success
Job Tags
Full time, Summer work, Flexible hours,