Ganna Walska Lotusland · 1 month ago
Plant Health Care Sustainability Summer Intern
Santa Barbara, CA
Internship
Onsite
Intern
$16.50/hr - $16.50/hrGanna Walska Lotusland is a renowned non-profit botanical garden and historic estate located in Montecito. The Plant Healthcare Sustainability Summer Intern will work with the Manager of Sustainability and grounds staff to implement sustainable management practices while gaining hands-on experience in horticultural programs and contributing to an independent project.
Museums & Institutions
Responsibilities
Equipment Operation
Power equipment: string trimmer, hedge shears, blowers (gas & battery), compost tea sprayer
Maintenance carts (requires valid driver’s license)
Hand tools: pole saw, hand saw, loppers, pruners, shears
Orchard ladders, pullers bear weeders
Garden Care
Proper pruning techniques for various plant types (deciduous fruit trees, citrus, palms, shrubs, cacti, ground covers)
Soil moisture monitoring and watering practices (wells, reservoirs, booster pumps, main lines)
Irrigation systems: hand watering, drip, sprinklers (rotary, rotor, spray, impact)
Awareness of garden hazards: plants, heat, animals
Preparing gardens for tours and special events
Pond and aquatic garden care
Safety protocols are integrated into all training
Curation
Plant mapping and accessioning
Inventory and documentation of plant collections
Greenhouse & Propagation
Plant propagation techniques
Nursery and greenhouse maintenance
Plant Healthcare:
Soil Science
Biological examination
Nutritional analysis
Physical tests of soil properties
Rodent Abatement
Vertebrae trapping
Applied Entomology
Insectary program
Review various common insect challenges
Renovating perimeter insectary areas
Organic Matter Programs
Mulching program observations
Composting system and compost application
Organic Fertilizers
Application methods
Discuss and record observations in the field
Review various types and reasons for choice selection
Applied micro-organisms
Mycorrhizae
Types, benefits, application methods
Bacteria
Types, benefits, application methods
Compost tea
Compost tea production method
Compost tea assay analysis
Compost tea application methods
Additional Leadership, Skill Development, & Resume Enhancements
Gain hands-on experience applying sustainable horticultural practices
Build confidence by learning new skills and expanding your knowledge base
Strengthening communication and teamwork abilities through collaborative work
Learn directly from experienced professionals in a leading botanical institution
Demonstrate initiative, reliability, and responsibility in a professional setting
Apply classroom concepts in real-world scenarios, bridging academic and professional experiences
Contribute meaningfully to the organization and achieve a sense of accomplishment
Resume Enhancements
Acquire valuable experience and achievements to enhance your resume or academic applications
Gain a competitive edge in future job or school applications
Qualification
Required
Applicant must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited, college-level horticultural program or internship
Intern must have his or her own transportation
Employment background/criminal check is required
Benefits
Housing provided.
Sick leave.
Company
Ganna Walska Lotusland
Lotusland is recognized as one of the most breathtaking public gardens in the world.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase