Rotational Internship - Tissue Culture

Walters Gardens, Inc.; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Wellness program

Employee discounts on company products

Education reimbursement

Paid time off (PTO)

Paid holidays

Job summary

Walters Gardens, Inc. offers a 12-week rotational internship in Zeeland, MI, focused on tissue culture and plant production. You’ll rotate through motherstock greenhouse, tissue culture lab, greenhouse production, acclimation range, and IPM, gaining hands-on experience and an individual project guided by your supervisor.

Open to current college students; juniors/seniors preferred. The program includes mentorship, workshops, and opportunities to network within horticulture and plant sciences.

Qualifications

• Current students enrolled in an accredited college or university
• Rising juniors and seniors (or final year) preferred
• Majors in Plant Science, Horticulture, Biology, Agriculture, Biotechnology encouraged
• Curiosity and hands-on mindset are essential

Responsibilities

• Rotate through different areas of production, including Motherstock Greenhouse & Virus Lab, Tissue Culture Lab, Greenhouse Production & Planting Lines, Acclimation Range, Integrated Pest Management
• Shadow and collaborate with other departments to broaden knowledge
• Complete an individual project designed with your supervisor to apply what you learn
• Gain mentorship and professional experience in horticulture and plant sciences
• Attend team meetings, workshops, and networking events during Summer 2027
• Full-time, 40 hours per week with a housing stipend

Skills

Curiosity

Hands-on mindset

Education

Major in Plant Science / Horticulture / Biology / Agriculture / Biotechnology

Job description

Position:Rotational Internship - Tissue Culture

Location: Zeeland, MI

Job Id:113

# of Openings:1

About the Internship

Our summer internship program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the full process of perennial plant production, with a special focus on tissue culture. Over 12 weeks, interns rotate through key departments, learning from experts in each area while also working on an individual project tailored to your interests. By the end of the summer, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of how healthy plants move from lab to greenhouse and into large-scale production.

What You’ll Do

• Rotate through different areas of production, including:
  • Motherstock Greenhouse & Virus Lab - maintaining clean, healthy plant material.
  • Tissue Culture Lab - learning sterile techniques and plant multiplication.
  • Greenhouse Production & Planting Lines - seeing large-scale operations in action.
  • Acclimation Range - transitioning young plants from lab to greenhouse conditions.
  • Integrated Pest Management - supporting plant health and quality.
• Shadow and collaborate with teams in other departments to broaden your knowledge.
• Complete an individual project (designed with your supervisor) to apply what you learn and contribute to ongoing research or production goals.
• Gain valuable mentorship, professional experience, and insight into career paths within horticulture and plant sciences.
• Summer 2027 - 10-12-week internship (summer, with flexible start and end dates)
• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Competitive pay plus a monthly housing stipend
• Opportunities to attend team meetings, workshops, and networking events

Who Should Apply

• Current students enrolled in an accredited college or university
• Rising juniors and seniors or those in their final year of study are preferred
• Majors in Plant Science, Horticulture, Biology, Agriculture, Biotechnology, or related fields are strongly encouraged
• Curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a hands-on mindset are a must!

Why You’ll Love It

Our interns often say the best part of the summer is the people. You’ll be surrounded by a welcoming, knowledgeable team that’s excited to share their expertise - nothing is off-limits to ask about, we love teaching and training. The environment is supportive, fun, and full of opportunities to learn from real-world experts. Many interns come here for a summer of experience and leave with lasting friendships, unforgettable memories, and a true sense of belonging.

• Company Paid Short and Long-Term Disability
• Option to Purchase additional Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Employee Discounts on Company Products
• Family and Medical Leave
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Medical Leave (PML)
• Company Paid Holidays
• Employee Incentive Program
• Employee Events
• Education Reimbursement
• On-site Financial and Mental Health Counseling Services

Walters Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer.