Growing Rotational Internship bei Walters Gardens

Description

At Walters Gardens, we’re passionate about growing exceptional plants — and exceptional people. Each summer, we welcome a group of interns to join our team and gain firsthand experience in the science, art, and business of perennial production.

During your internship, you’ll find a supportive environment that values curiosity, teamwork, and growth. Our internships are designed to provide:

• Hands-on training in real-world greenhouse settings
• Rotational learning across multiple departments to build a well-rounded skill set
• A personalized project to deepen your expertise and make a meaningful contribution
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with leaders in the industry 

Interns consistently tell us the program is more than just an internship — it’s a summer of learning, connection, and fun. You’ll gain practical skills, explore career paths in horticulture and plant sciences, and leave with not only knowledge but also friendships and memories that last well beyond the season.

About the Internship
Our summer growing internship is designed for students who want hands-on experience with perennial plant production, trialing, and plant health. Over 12 weeks, you’ll rotate through core departments, gaining practical skills in greenhouse operations, trials, and integrated pest management, while also completing a specialized project based on your interests. By the end of the program, you’ll have a strong foundation in growing practices, plant health management, and the teamwork it takes to support large-scale perennial production.

What You’ll Do

• Rotate through key areas of greenhouse production, including:
  • Greenhouse Operations – propagation, growing, and daily crop care
  • Trials Department – evaluating new plants and assessing performance
  • Field Plant Health – scouting, diagnosing, soil sampling, and preventing health issues
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – developing strategies to keep crops strong and healthy
• Shadow and collaborate with teams in other departments
• Complete a specialized project tailored to your interests
• Build practical skills, professional confidence, and career insight in horticultural sciences

Why You’ll Love It
Ask any of our interns, and they’ll tell you the same thing: the people make the experience unforgettable. You’ll work side-by-side with a welcoming, knowledgeable team who are eager to share their expertise. No question is too small, and you’ll learn insider tips and tricks from some of the best in the industry. Beyond greenhouse learning, interns often discover lasting friendships and build a professional network that extends well beyond the summer.

Program Details

• 12-week internship (summer, flexible start and end dates)
• Full-time, 40 hours per week with half-day Fridays
• Pay: $18.51/hour
• Monthly housing stipend for out-of-area students
• Opportunities to attend team meetings, workshops, and networking events
• Application Deadline: January 9, 2026 (early applications encouraged, as spots may fill before the deadline)
• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Requirements

Who Should Apply

• Current students enrolled in an accredited college or university
• Rising seniors or those in their final year of study are preferred
• Majors in Plant Science, Horticulture, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Science, or related fields are strongly encouraged
• Curiosity, initiative, and a hands-on mindset are key to success