Botanical Intern, Orchid Collections at The Huntington
Job Title: Botanical Intern, Orchid Collections
Job Status: Internship
Location: San Marino, CA
Salary: $15.50/hr
About Us
At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.
The Huntington
Founded in 1919, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science and to display and interpret its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.
The Culture
Here we are committed to the highest of standards in all that we do – from preserving and protecting the collections, to exhibitions, educational and scholarly programming, visitor and reader services, and beyond. Achieving excellence across these pursuits requires a diversity of perspectives, expertise, experience, and methodologies. We are better together. We believe an explicit commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion directly impacts and improves staff and audience engagement and experience.
Job Description
About the Role:
With over 10,000 orchid plants, The Huntington has one of the largest orchid collections in the United States and one of the most diverse species collections in the world. The collection contains over 3,600 unique varieties, representing 280 genera, including, but not limited to, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Cymbidium, Cattleya, Stanhopea, and Lycaste.The Huntington is seeking an individual who is interested in committing to a 400-hour internship program. The intern will work for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The internship will be approximately 14 weeks long. The botanical intern reports to the Collections and Conservation Manager but works under the direct supervision of the Orchid Specialist, performing duties that support staff in maintaining the orchid collection. The expected start date will be in August.
Essential Functions
- Assists Orchid Specialist in maintaining orchid collections under direct supervision by watering, transplanting, planting, grooming, fertilizing, and weeding.
- Assists Orchid Specialist in maintaining orchid-related exhibits by designing floral arrangements, creating educational content and interpretative signage, and mounting orchids in public spaces.
- Assists Orchid Specialist and Plant Records and GIS Mapping Specialist in managing and updating records pertaining to the orchid collection.
- Assist Orchid Specialist in planning, preparation, and setting up for orchid-related events such as shows, symposiums, and conferences.
- Assists Orchid Specialist in organizing and cataloging physical and digital assets relating to the orchid collection.
- Assists staff in Tropical Collections under direct supervision by watering, transplanting, grooming, fertilizing, and weeding.
- May be asked to perform duties in other areas of the Huntington Botanical Gardens as needed.
- Must adhere to written safety policy, following all precautions and directions in use of equipment and chemicals.
Other Functions
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Must be able to operate light-powered equipment and should possess basic pruning and potting skills.
- Must be in good physical condition to stoop, bend, walk long distances, and lift moderate and, occasionally, heavy loads.
- Familiarity with the safe and proper use of hand tools and garden equipment.
- Must be able to work independently without constant supervision or be able to work in teams with volunteers
Experience
- Some garden maintenance experience is required.
Working Conditions
- Work outdoors and in climate-controlled growing spaces with tropical-like temperatures and humidity.
Compensation & Benefits
We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:
- Pay Rate: $15.50/hr.
- Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants
- Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions
- Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds
The Application Process
Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume as a single PDF attachment. You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the “My Experience” section of the application EEO IS THE LAW