You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Organic, Sustainable Gardening Internship - Spring 2022

Internship: Organic, Sustainable Gardening
Season: Spring 2022
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: Applications accepted until position filled.
 
Internship Overview: 
At Shedd Aquarium our commitment to conservation and sustainability is extended outside the walls into our biodiverse organic gardens that have been developed as both aesthetic and educational experiences for our visitors. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about soil, IPM, growing food and caring for natural landscapes and our relationship with pollinators. Interns will work independently and with our team to learn the skills needed to care for these landscapes.
 
Learning Objectives: 
  • Strengthen understanding of the sustainable gardening techniques practiced at Shedd and their wider application
  • Strengthen understanding of how to create biodiverse managed landscapes
  • Practice the basics of organic fruit and vegetable propagation
  • Develop an understanding of the potential of mission-driven public gardens to advance conservation work

Responsibilities & Projects: 
  • Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
  • Partner with the Coordinator of Horticulture to learn about greenhouse gardening and sustainable methods
  • Work alongside the Coordinator of Horticulture and Manager of Horticulture Programs to learn about the skills required for growing healthy gardens
  • Assist as directed with:
  • Propagating vegetables from seed in the offsite greenhouse.
  • Preparing new planting areas and installing new plants.
  • Weeding.
  • Dividing and transplanting native plants.
  • Maintenance and spring clean-up of native landscapes.
  • Interact with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, and small groups
  • Complete an independent project pertaining to Shedd’s sustainable gardens, including written and visual documentation, and a potential presentation.
  • Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Horticulture, Urban Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Conservation, Sustainability, Public Gardens or related, and a strong desire to learn in this field. Horticulture training helpful, but not required.
 
Skills/Characteristics: 
  • Ability to walk, stand, and stoop for extended periods of time, and lift up to 80 pounds
  • Strong communication skills with an outgoing and friendly personality
  • Ability to handle multiple projects.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  • Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED. 

Time Commitment: 
  • Minimum of 14 hours and maximum of 21 hours per week
  • Minimum of 10 weeks, starting in March
  • Preferred availability on weekday mornings, especially Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
  • Weekends are unavailable for this opportunity.
  • Set schedule based on intern availability. 

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships. 
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. 
 
If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).