Horticulture Internship, Plimoth Patuxet Museum, Plymouth, MA
Posted March 17, 2023
Description
Horticulture Interns will work alongside the Museum’s Horticulture and Historic Patuxet Homesite staff to gain an inside knowledge of how traditional Wampanoag gardens and landscapes are planned, maintained and interpreted for diverse public Indigenous and non-Native audiences. Horticulture interns will hone their horticultural skills in existing gardens and landscapes in the Historic Patuxet Homesite exhibit and behind the scenes with specific emphasis on invasive removal and native habitat and plant restoration with the goal of helping staff develop a sustainable horticulture plan for implementation in 2024. Horticulture Interns will also have the opportunity to work with staff to develop and pilot a related educational program such as a nature/plant/TEK walk. Time permitting, interns may have the opportunity to apply their research and work to other areas of the museum. This internship reports to the Director of Algonquin Exhibits and Interpretation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with daily maintenance of gardens in the Historic Patuxet Homesite including but not limited to planting, pruning, weeding, watering, organic fertilizing, propagating, plant identification, and historic and modern plant usage;
- Engage and educate Museum guests about the plants and horticultural practices used historically by Indigenous and Wampanoag communities;
- Guided by Museum staff experts and culture bearers, conduct preliminary research to develop a long-term plan for a natural species introduction and sustainability plan for the Historic Patuxet Homesite
- Develop, implement, assess, and revise a family-friendly nature walk program for the Historic Patuxet Homesite that incorporates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) within cultural boundaries.
- Assist the Horticulture specialists and Historic Patuxet Homesite staff with horticulture-related educational programs and special projects.
- Participate in weekly seminars and other personal and professional development activities, including field trips, field work assignments, and final internship symposium.
Qualifications
The Horticulture Internship is ideal for students who are studying horticulture, agriculture, botany, and/or public history. The successful candidate will have some prior experience in horticulture or a related field. A basic understanding of Indigenous gardening techniques and terminology is preferred, but not required. Candidates should have a willingness to learn through participation and by asking questions to deepen understanding as well as an outgoing personality with good communication skills. Please note that this position requires working outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions; the ability to climb, lift, carry, stoop, and stand for extended periods of time; and requires a degree of physical strength (lifting up to 50 lbs.).
Work Schedule
Full-time (35 hours/week), flexible hours between 9am and 5pm. Some weekend or evening work may be required.
Salary
$15/hr. This paid internship is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the New England Farm & Garden Association. Housing and university credit are available. Students are responsible for all paperwork, arrangements and credit fees.