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Bonnet Springs Park · 1 day ago

Horticulture Intern

Lakeland, FL

Internship

Onsite

Intern

$15/hr - $15/hr

Bonnet Springs Park is seeking a Horticulture Intern to increase their knowledge about the development, protection, and enhancement of native plants through hands-on experience. The intern will manage plant communities, assist with horticultural tasks, and collaborate with the Horticulture team to ensure the health and sustainability of the park's flora.

CommunitiesEducationNon ProfitParks

Responsibilities

Manages the plant communities within the BSP Grounds, Gardens, Greenhouse and Butterfly House including: planting, watering, weeding and trimming as needed

Develop manual skills – use of company equipment and learn techniques used throughout the park

Identify the many native plants on property and create a listing to make plants easily identifiable for volunteers/guests/fellow team members assisting with various projects

Confers with leadership to report conditions, plan planting and harvesting schedules and to discuss changes in fertilizer, herbicides or cultivating techniques

Recognize signs of plant illness and brainstorm solutions to improve plant conditions and prevent further instances of such

Tasked with creating a pest identification guide to better understand harmful vs helpful insects

Works to problem solve potential issues throughout the park but with great focus being on mitigation of soil erosion in plant beds and surrounding areas

Ensures weed control in all of the plant beds and exhibits

Completes duties such as, cultivation, harvesting, maintenance or altering Greenhouse environmental conditions

Makes recommendations on new plants for the Greenhouse with a plan showing the sustainability of the plants and how they could make a positive economic impact to the park

Ensures the cleanliness and “show-ready” look of the greenhouse

Assists with designing, budgeting and planting seasonal or annual plant bed rotations, designs, and exhibits

Assists with maintaining the population of butterflies in the exhibit through natural process and plant cultivation

Works with volunteers, developing long-term productive relationships

Ensures the cleanliness and “show-ready” look of the greenhouse

Maintain positive communications with all park visitors

Conducts all business in a moral and ethical manner leaving no room to question the integrity of the park or its staff

Completes daily activities as assigned by the Horticulture Supervisor

Maintains a working knowledge of general and departmental safety procedures. Attends safety training programs and works to earn specific certifications as needed

Assists with implementation and monitoring programs that assure a safe facility and work environment that is in compliance with all appropriate regulations--Ergonomics, Emergency Responses, Injury and Illness Prevention, and Hazard Communications Programs

Performs additional duties as assigned

Qualification

Horticulture knowledgeNative plant identificationTransplanting techniquesPlant maintenancePlanningOrganizationCommunication skills

Required

Enrollment in a program of study for horticulture, botany, natural sciences, or a related field

One to two years of education and experience

Pass a background check and mandatory drug test

Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable through the park's insurance carrier

Ability to walk around in a 168-acre park

Must have good people skills and be comfortable dealing with the public

Preferred

Botanical, nature center and/or native landscaping experience

Knowledge of Florida native plants and plant maintenance

Knowledge of transplanting techniques and native plant production

Possess planning and organization skills with attention to detail and ability to multi-task, prioritize, and follow-through

Must be willing and able to work varied and long shifts including holidays, weekends, and events

Outstanding personal communication skills, ability to interact and communicate effectively and collaborate with their team, co-workers, community partners, donors, and agency contractors