Emerging Horticultural Leaders Internship Program
Employment type: Internship
Application Due Date: March 30, 2026
Western Hills Garden is a three-acre naturalistic garden and plant nursery founded in 1959, home to a globally significant collection of rare plants, including more than 300 unique species of trees. Once a private garden, Western Hills Garden now operates as a public-serving nonprofit—open to visitors on weekends and alive with classes, special gatherings and seasonal programs.
Located in Occidental, a small town in West Sonoma County just six miles from the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by redwood forests, vineyards, apple orchards, and working dairy farms, the garden is both a place of deep horticultural practice and thoughtful experimentation. Some nearby larger cities include Sebastopol (20 minute drive), Santa Rosa (30 minutes) and San Francisco (1.5 hours). The summer weather in Occidental is dry and mild, averaging highs in the low-to-mid 70s and lows in the high 40s to low 50s.
WHG’s Emerging Horticultural Leadership Program was created to support college students and early-career gardeners who are building both technical skills and a sense of direction in the field of public horticulture. Now in its third year, the program centers hands-on garden work, close mentorship, and cohort-based learning as pathways into long-term careers in garden and land stewardship. Each summer, Western Hills Garden welcomes a small cohort of 2–3 Horticulture Interns, fostering collaboration, shared learning, and meaningful engagement with our living collection.
Internship Overview: The Horticulture Intern is a core member of our summer garden team. This is a 10–12 week, full-time paid internship (40 hours per week; 8 hours per day, 5 days per week). Specific start and end dates will be coordinated with the intern prior to hire.
Interns work closely with the Horticulture Manager, alongside other interns and staff, in a collaborative, hands-on environment that balances daily garden work with mentorship and professional growth.
Reasonable-priced on-site housing may be available for some interns; please inquire when applying.
Internship Components:
1. Daily Garden Work & Responsibilities
Interns participate fully in the care and stewardship of a living, public-facing landscape. Responsibilities include:
● Pruning shrubs and trees using best horticultural practices
● Managing the compost system, including hauling, chopping, and chipping green waste
● Applying soil amendments, compost, and mulches
● Weeding and maintaining planting beds and pathways
● Assisting with integrated pest management and diagnosing plant health issues
● Supporting nursery operations, including propagation from seed, cuttings, and division; potting and preparing plants for sale
● Helping maintain the garden’s extensive irrigation system
● Keeping garden grounds and facilities clean, safe, and guest-ready
● Assisting with research and documentation of the living plant collection
This work forms the foundation of the internship and offers deep exposure to practical horticulture in a public garden setting.
2. Learning Beyond the Garden: Field Trips
Interns will participate in three full-day field trips to leading Bay Area public gardens. These behind-the-scenes visits are led by professional garden staff and focus on garden operations, management, and career pathways in horticulture.
Past field trips have included:
● Gardens of Golden Gate Park (San Francisco)
● Filoli Historic House & Gardens
● Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery
● University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley
3. Capstone Project
Each intern will complete a capstone project in an area of personal interest by the end of the internship. Interns will develop a project proposal and plan in consultation with the Horticulture Manager. Projects may be practical, research-based, or documentation-focused.
Capstone projects should:
● Add value to Western Hills Garden
● Reflect the intern’s interests, skills, and developing expertise
● Contribute to the intern’s professional portfolio
Who We’re Looking For
This internship is designed for early-career horticulturalists who are curious, motivated, and eager to learn through hands-on work.
Required Qualifications
● Currently or previously enrolled in a gardening or horticulture program
● At least one year of experience in gardening, landscaping, or plant care
● Basic knowledge of plant and soil sciences
● Interest in hands-on learning and collaboration
● Strong communication skills and comfort engaging in open dialogue
● Ability to self-start, complete projects, and return work areas to a guest-ready state
● Comfort occasionally working independently
● Positive attitude and interest in working with a diverse team
● Spanish language skills are a plus
Physical Requirements
● Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds
● Ability to bend, squat, kneel, reach, walk, climb ladders, and work with hands for extended periods
● Willingness and physical ability to work outdoors in a range of weather conditions
● Ability to safely operate hand and power garden tools
● Comfort occasionally working around hazardous materials and equipment
Compensation: $16.90–$20.00 per hour, dependent on experience
How to Apply
Please email a cover letter and resume to:
Justin Berthiaume Horticulture Manager 📧 justin@westernhillsgarden.com
In your cover letter, we invite you to share what draws you to horticulture and this garden, what you hope to learn through this internship, and how it fits into your longer-term goals.
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