Ferry Curation Intern

Ferry Foundation Curation Intern

Cleveland Botanical Garden

Internship

Opportunity:

The Horticulture & Collections department is seeking a summer intern. The Ferry Curation Intern candidate will learn about the facets of curating and documenting a living plant collection in a public garden setting. In addition, all members of the Holden Forests & Gardens’ (HF&G) intern cohort will have the chance to participate in professional development, such as workshops, scientific lectures, networking, and field trip experiences. All interns will have the opportunity to develop and present their research at HF&G’s SEARCH symposium. This position is based at the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus in Cleveland, OH with occasional travel to the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH.

Position Details:

• Internship begins on May 19, 2026, flexibility in start date with academic scheduling needs
• Applications are due February 9, 2026
• 12-week internship
• 40 hours per week
• Pay $14.00/hour
• Low-cost housing at Holden Arboretum may be available
• Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
• Open to undergraduate or recent graduates

Key Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Ferry Curation Intern include, but are not limited to:

• Support routine plant collection curation activities
• Assist with plant collection inventory
• Identify plants using taxonomic keys
• Map plants using GIS-based field data collection tools
• Enter data into plant records database BG-BASE
• Work with supervisor to develop and complete an independent project which will be presented at the SEARCH symposium at the end of the internship
• Other relevant duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

• Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission vision, and values
• Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
• Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Biological Science, Botany, Forestry, Environmental Science, Horticulture or related field, preferred
• Passion for connecting people with the wonder, beauty and values of trees and plants to inspire action for healthy communities along with a strong interest in natural resource management and conservation education
• Effective Communication, organizational skills, adaptability, and critical thinking skills, highly desired
• Able to work well in a diverse team
• Must be able to follow multistep directions and be able to work independently when needed
• An interest in working outdoors performing manual labor in all weather conditions
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or the ability to learn
• A valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record, required

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Perform required tasks in all weather conditions
• Ability to safely operate small-engine machinery e.g., brush cutter, weed-whip or a desire to learn
• Willingness to work in and around poison ivy, poison sumac, stinging insects, ticks and in the sun
• Ability to hike up to 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain
• Effective vision and hearing
• Hand and arm dexterity
• Walking and working on wet, uneven, slippery terrain
• Occasionally lifting and carrying of up to 50 lbs.
• Kneeling, bending, stooping, grabbing, and reaching

Apply:

Would YOU like to join us and play an integral part at this exciting time for HF&G and add a competitive edge to your resume and experience? Applications are due February 9, 2026.

Qualified applicants should submit a résumé, letter of interest explaining your desire to learn how to curate & document a living plant collection and contact information for at least two references.

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values an authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.

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