Horticulture Internship

Caldwell Zoo; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 15,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing available

Housing deduction may apply

Job summary

Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas offers a Spring 2027 Horticulture Internship. Interns assist with landscape and plant care, greenhouse production, turf maintenance, and guest-facing activities within a zoological setting.

Responsibilities include cross-department shadowing, participation in seasonal projects, and adherence to Zoo safety guidelines. Applicants should be college students in horticulture or related fields, with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and ability to lift 40 pounds.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a college sophomore or higher classification at the time of application.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Provide documentation of a negative TB test.
• Be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and other inclement weather.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, dependability, and a professional attitude.
• Students pursuing degrees in horticulture, plant science, botany, landscape management, environmental science, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist with landscape and plant care throughout the Zoo.
• Learn exhibit design and horticultural practices for habitats and guest experience.
• Support greenhouse operations and bedding plant care.
• Help maintain turf areas and public spaces through groundskeeping.
• Support waste management and recycling efforts.
• Develop professional communication and visitor relations skills.
• Shadow up to five Zoo departments for cross-department exposure.
• Assist with ongoing horticulture projects and seasonal plantings.
• Follow Zoo safety guidelines and protocols.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Willingness to learn

Dependability

Professional attitude

Outdoor work

Physical fitness

Education

College sophomore or higher

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Horticulture Internship

Intern Tyler, TX, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1087

Spring 2027 paid internships are available at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas in Horticulture.

The Horticulture Intern will work alongside the Zoo’s horticulture team to help maintain and enhance the landscapes, gardens, greenhouse, and public spaces throughout the Zoo. This internship offers practical experience in plant care, landscape maintenance, greenhouse production, and the unique considerations involved in maintaining horticultural spaces in a zoological environment.

Throughout the internship, students will gain hands‑on experience in the following areas:

• Landscape & Plant Care: Assist with watering, fertilizing, weeding, planting, pruning, and general landscape maintenance throughout the Zoo.
• Exhibit Design & Horticulture: Learn how plant selection, landscape design, and horticultural practices contribute to animal habitats, exhibit aesthetics, and the overall guest experience.
• Greenhouse Production: Assist with greenhouse operations, including the care and maintenance of bedding plants, hanging baskets, and other ornamental plants.
• Turf & Grounds Maintenance: Help maintain turf areas, pathways, and public spaces through mowing, trimming, debris removal, and other groundskeeping activities.
• Waste & Sustainability: Support waste management, litter removal, recycling, and general efforts to maintain clean and sustainable Zoo grounds.
• Guest Engagement: Develop professional communication and visitor relations skills while working in a public‑facing environment.
• Cross-Departmental Learning: Shadow up to five additional Zoo departments to gain exposure to the diverse career opportunities available in zoological facilities.
• Daily Projects: Assist with ongoing horticulture projects, seasonal plantings, and other tasks that support the Zoo’s horticultural operations.
• Workplace Safety: Learn and follow all Zoo safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and departmental protocols.

Qualifications & Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a college sophomore or higher classification at the time of application.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Provide documentation of a negative TB test.
• Be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and other inclement weather.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, dependability, and a professional attitude.

Students pursuing degrees in horticulture, plant science, botany, landscape management, environmental science, or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Internship Duration

January 13th - May 11th

Interns must plan to arrive at least three business days before the internship start date to complete the required onboarding process.

Requests for planned time off, excluding illness or emergencies, must be discussed during the interview process and approved before the internship begins.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Horticulture Internship, applicants must submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Unofficial college transcripts

Compensation & Housing

• Gross Pay:$580.62 biweekly, before taxes and applicable deductions.
• Housing: Optional housing may be provided for interns who need accommodations during the internship. A housing deduction will be applied to the intern’s pay if housing is elected.

Additional details regarding housing availability and the applicable deduction will be provided during the interview process.