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Thomas Jefferson Foundation · 3 weeks ago

Gardens and Grounds Intern

Charlottesville, VA

Internship

Onsite

Intern

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and education of Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The Gardens and Grounds Intern will assist staff in maintaining gardens, trails, and nursery operations while developing horticultural skills necessary for future employment.

BooksMuseums and Historical SitesNon Profit

Responsibilities

Assists with the maintenance of the flower, vegetable, fruit, and native gardens, as well as the Saunders-Monticello Trail and Center for Historic Plants on a rotating schedule

Supports staff by helping with planting, watering, weeding, staking, edging, transplanting, harvesting seed and produce, fertilizing, sowing seeds, amending soil, labeling, mulching, pruning, moving potted plants cleaning and packaging seeds, assisting with garden tours and events, cleaning and organizing workspaces, etc

Performs occasional ground maintenance activities, such as raking leaves, collecting branches, mowing turf grass, weed-eating, spreading mulch, removing trees, clearing out woodlands, maintaining shrubberies, operating power equipment, such as lawn mowers, rototillers, weed-eaters, etc

Assists with public programming, including summer camps and the Historic Landscape Institute

Assists with general maintenance, landscaping, Gardens and Grounds projects, and interdepartmental projects as assigned

Qualification

Horticultural principlesPlant identificationOperating garden toolsPower equipment operationActive learningCommunication skillsFlexibility

Required

Basic understanding of horticultural and grounds maintenance principles, including plant identification and knowledge of garden plants, soils and fertilizers, weeds and their control, watering techniques, vegetable, fruit, and flower production, plant propagation, operating garden tools, etc

Manual dexterity to safely and efficiently perform horticultural tasks such as seed sowing, seed collection, pruning and training plants, transplanting, watering, fertilizing, and spraying

Ability to safely operate vehicles, hand tools and power equipment

Strong communication skills and the ability to provide information to visitors and engage positively with colleagues

Flexibility in adapting to changing or adverse circumstances

Active learning capabilities, including asking questions, offering suggestions, seeking clarification, problem solving, etc

Position requires reliability and commitment to a set schedule

Position requires working for long periods in very sunny, hot, humid, windy, and rainy conditions performing manual tasks that require kneeling, bending, reaching, stretching, and lifting up to 50 pounds

Position requires a driver's license and reliable transportation to and from work

High school diploma