Arboretum Horticulture Internship

Job Title
Arboretum Horticulture Internship

Requisition Number
DU14350

Department Name
81115:Arboretum

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Salary Range
$14.00

Type of Position
Student

Position Time Status
Part-Time

Required Education

• High School Degree
• Current Student at the University of Kentucky

Required Related Experience

• Basic knowledge of horticulture, botany, ecology, landscape architecture and/or natural resources preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and cooperatively in a team environment, as well as independently
• Strong work ethic
• Good verbal and written communication skills, including basic PC skills and familiarity with MS Office
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively with visitors and fellow staff members

Required License/Registration/Certification

• Must pass a background check
• Must possess a current valid Driver’s License

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in challenging and adverse weather/environmental conditions, sometimes for extended periods of time
• Ability to walk, reach, pull, push, grab, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds
  
  

Shift

• May-October 2026
• Part-time hours during the Spring and Fall academic semesters (8-10 hours per week)
• Extended hours during summer months (35 hours per week)
• Monday-Friday day schedule primarily

Job Summary

Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is a 100-acre greenspace located in the south section of the University of Kentucky campus. The Horticultural Gardens and Displays include the visitor center plantings, home demonstration garden, fragrance garden, 5191 memorial garden, perennial teaching garden, and several woody plant collections. These gardens and displays showcase a large and diverse variety of ornamental plants—annuals, perennials, roses, trees and shrubs—that thrive in the Bluegrass region. We partner with horticultural clubs, University of Kentucky faculty and staff, and plant breeders to provide visitors with year-round color and change throughout each season.

The Arboretum is currently seeking a student intern to work in the Horticultural Gardens and Displays. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the diversity of plants that can be grown in the Bluegrass, and their proper care and management. Learned skills will include plant identification, pest and disease identification and management, and plant records management. Student interns will be exposed to practical skills such as working safely with equipment and machinery including chainsaws, loaders, chippers, and mowers. Finally, student interns will develop leadership skills by helping to lead weekly volunteer groups in the management of the collection.

• Perform seasonal landscape work including, but not limited to, mowing, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, planting
• Assist with curatorial activities such as updating plant records and creating and maintaining plant labels
• Help scout for pests and diseases
• Safely operate gardening tools and small equipment
• Help lead weekly volunteer groups in the management of the collection
• Create social media posts and ephemeral educational signs
• Attend relevant events, educational classes and field trips with staff

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

• Must be a currently enrolled UK student
• Willingness to learn to operate small equipment and gardening tools

Deadline to Apply
03/13/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.