Intern - Grounds

Paycom - ATS; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Paycom - ATS is offering a paid Horticulture Intern position at Carol Woods Campus. The intern will support daily landscape maintenance, gardening services, and special projects under Grounds Department supervision.

Ideal for students in horticulture or related fields, with opportunities to learn about intergenerational gardening and the therapeutic benefits of outdoor spaces for seniors in a retirement community setting.

Qualifications

• Interest in horticulture or related program.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to follow directions and safety procedures.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Interest in working with older adults in a retirement community setting.
• Basic familiarity with landscape tools and equipment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and planting beds.
• Shrub and tree pruning in accordance with professional standards.
• Assist residents with personal garden spaces as part of Private Duty Gardening program.
• Respond to resident work orders for outdoor tasks.
• Assist with pesticide application under supervision and safety protocols.

Skills

Outdoor work

Communication

Teamwork

Arboriculture interest

Landscape tools familiarity

Education

Enrollment in horticulture program

Tools

Mowers

Trimmers

Blowers

Job description

Position Title: Horticulture InternDepartment: GroundsReports To: Grounds ManagerPosition Type: Part-Time, HourlyPay Rate: $16.00/hourNumber of Openings: 1Work Location: Carol Woods CampusInternship Duration: Seasonal/As Scheduled M-F 8-3Position Summary:This paid internship provides hands-on horticultural experience in a residential retirement community setting. The intern will support the Landscape Specialists and Grounds Department with daily landscape maintenance, gardening services, and special projects across the Carol Woods campus. The position is ideal for current or prospective students pursuing studies in horticulture or related fields.In addition to technical skill development, this role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with older adults. Interns will gain insight into the importance of creating accessible, engaging outdoor environments for seniors and the therapeutic benefits of gardening in a retirement community context.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Intern will support daily operations including, but not limited to:Planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and planting bedsShrub and tree pruning in accordance with professional standardsParticipation in the Private Duty Gardening program, assisting residents with personal garden spacesResponding to resident-generated work orders for outdoor tasksAssisting with pesticide application under supervision and following safety protocolsSupporting landscape renovations during cottage turnover periodsCampus drainage maintenance supportParticipation in seasonal cleanup (e.g., leaf removal)General garden maintenance across campus groundsOperating basic landscape equipment such as mowers, trimmers, and blowersAssisting with trash and recycling collection in exterior areasPerforming other grounds-related tasks as assignedLearning and Development Objectives:Interns will receive practical instruction in horticultural techniques and grounds maintenance, including safety protocols and operational best practices. They will also gain exposure to working in an intergenerational environment, learning how outdoor spaces and gardening activities can be designed to benefit older adults—physically, mentally, and socially.Work may be tailored to align with the intern’s area of interest when applicable:Arboriculture – shadowing certified arborist staffNursery/Greenhouse Operations – assisting with greenhouse and indoor plant careTurf & Equipment – operating and maintaining lawn care machineryLandscape Projects – assisting with installation and renovation workCommunity Engagement – supporting programs that engage residents in gardening and promote connection through natureThis internship offers a well-rounded experience, combining field-specific knowledge with real-world interaction in a person-centered, wellness-focused senior living community.Minimum Qualifications:Interest in or current enrollment in a horticulture, landscaping, arboriculture, or related programWillingness to work outdoors in various weather conditionsAbility to follow directions and safety proceduresStrong communication and teamwork skillsInterest in working in a community setting and engaging respectfully with older adultsBasic familiarity with landscape tools and equipment preferred, but not requiredWorking Conditions & Physical Requirements:Frequent outdoor work; exposure to varying weather conditionsMust be able to lift up to 50 lbsRequires bending, stooping, standing, walking, and manual labor for extended periodsUse of hand tools, power equipment, and machinery with proper safety precautions