The Smithsonian appreciates horticulture in all its forms as well as the importance of plants in the environment and in our lives. The Smithsonian Horticulture Services Division (HSD) provides an exceptionally well-rounded array of experiences in its intern program thanks to the wide diversity of services it offers to the Smithsonian, the world's largest museum complex. Interns will learn skills in a broad range of horticultural endeavors from SI's expert professional staff including the daily care of exceptional gardens, exotic ornamentals and fascinating orchids; production of bedding plants, flowering pot plants and perennials; world class interiorscaping; landscape architecture; collections management; integrated pest management; and irrigation. A horticulture internship at the Smithsonian can provide a strong practical background to emerging professionals hoping to enter the public gardening world.

ELIGIBILITY:  Horticulture Services Division (HSD) accepts current and recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students studying horticulture, landscape architecture, museum studies, or other related fields.  Selection is based on both an evaluation of the applicant’s application and available positions.

DURATION:  10 to 16 weeks.

EXPENSES & STIPENDS:  A limited number of paid internships are available. Stipends pay $360/week for undergraduate and $420/week for graduate students. A Garden Club of America scholarship is also available for the Archives of American Gardens internship. Candidates must pay for their own travel, housing, and subsistence during the period of the internship. Steel-toe safety shoes are required for certain projects. The shoes must meet ANSI Safety Standard Z41.1.

ACADEMIC CREDIT:  Interns may arrange for academic credit through their college or university.

DEADLINES:   Although applications are received and evaluated on a continuing basis, the application deadline for summer internships is February 15.  Applications for fall, winter, and spring internships are due three months prior to the proposed start date of the internship.

List of Horticulture Internships Available
A wide variety of positions are available for HSD interns ranging from grounds management and landscape architecture to greenhouse nursery production, collections management, IPM and irrigation.

APPLICATION:  Completed application form, essay, academic records, and two letters of recommendation should be mailed to:

HSD Internship Program
Smithsonian Horticulture
P.O. Box 37012
Capital Gallery, Suite 3300, MRC 506 Washington, DC  20013-7012

or by Fed Ex to:
HSD Internship Program
Smithsonian Horticulture
600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 3300 Washington, DC 20024

Download Application Form here