Careers
Horticulture Intern
Position
Horticulture Intern
Reports To
Deputy Grounds Superintendent
Term
June 1st to August 7th, 2026
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
An Introduction to Glenstone Museum
Founded with the mission to seamlessly integrate art, architecture, and nature, Glenstone is a world-class contemporary art museum in Potomac, Maryland. Opened in 2006 and expanded in 2018, the museum welcomes visitors to a unique experience of indoor and outdoor spaces enveloped by 300 acres of organically maintained meadow and woodlands. Admission is always free. The work culture at Glenstone is dynamic and team oriented. As a mission-driven nonprofit, we are proud to foster a workplace where associates feel valued, respected, and accepted. We leverage our collaborative and enriching culture to provide abundant opportunities for all associates to develop new skills, feel connected to our mission, and actively participate in advancing their careers.
Position Overview
The goal of the internship program at Glenstone is to cultivate the next generation of the workforce by exposing interns to various professional pathways in the museum world. In collaboration with their department, interns can expect to gain professional experience by supporting specific departmental initiatives and projects. Interns are encouraged to connect with fellow team members throughout the organization to gain knowledge and build lasting relationships.
The Grounds team works to harmonize Glenstone’s landscape with its art and architecture, creating a peaceful and contemplative setting for all who visit. Rooted in a commitment to authentic native plant communities and organic land care, the team maintains the campus using practices that protect and regenerate the natural environment. Since adopting an organic approach in 2010, we have continuously sought thoughtful, non-toxic alternatives to conventional chemicals, ensuring the wellbeing of our visitors, our staff, and the surrounding wildlife. Through this work, Grounds strives to set a standard for sustainability within the landscape profession.
The horticulture intern will work with a highly skilled team of landscape maintenance staff and will perform various duties in the upkeep and preservation of the grounds at Glenstone. The intern will work with Glenstone’s professional staff who will provide guidance, mentoring, training, and supervision. The position may also require the intern to work independently on basic projects and assignments.
This is an opportunity for students or recent college graduates to gain valuable, hands-on experience in all aspects of landscape maintenance, utilizing the best organic practices and protocols. It is most appropriate for someone pursuing a career in horticulture.
Once selected, you will become a member of our dynamic, skilled, and motivated Grounds crew. The primary duties will be spent working closely with the Area Horticulturists in areas of plant identification (including invasive species), planting, irrigation, corrective pruning, and assisting in visitor preparation.
The internship will also provide insight into all aspects of the Grounds responsibilities by rotating through other members of the Grounds team, including Arborist, Aquatic Horticulturist, Split Rocker Technician, and Irrigation Technician.
Desired Attributes & Characteristics
The Landscape Intern should have a genuine interest in environmental stewardship, ecological land care, and sustainable landscape practices. An appreciation for native plants, natural systems, and the role they play in Glenston’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform hands-on Landscape maintenance to support the care and preservation of Glenstone's organically managed 360-acre campus, including:
- Routine care of meadows, woodland edges, and understory landscape
- Assist with invasive species eradication
- Gravel pathway maintenance
- Support the preservation of outdoor sculptures and surrounding setting
- Assisting with planting, watering, pruning, and basic horticulture tasks
- Working with annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees
- Interact with visitors to convey Glenstone's mission.
- Attendance at all-staff meetings.
- Attendance at all intern check-in meetings scheduled by the Learning & Development department.
- Creation and delivery of an all-staff presentation at the end of the internship.
Required Skills & Experience
- A self-starter, able to take direction, run with a task, ask good questions, and enhance a project.
- Willingness to collaborate with peers, associates, and work successfully both as an individual and as part of a team.
- Strong intercultural competence, communication, planning, and organizational skills.
- Desire to learn and implement best practices, including those unique to Glenstone.
- Adaptability and adherence to Glenstone’s core values.
- Ability to work outdoors in all temperatures and weather conditions.
- Must be able to do physically demanding tasks that includes lifting, bending, carrying materials, and walking the campus.
- Reliable transportation to and from Potomac, MD.
Preferred Qualifications
- Genuine interests in art, architecture, and nature.
- Familiar with the safe operation of heavy equipment including hand and powered landscaping tools.
Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Short essay (300–400 words)
Essay Prompt
With your understanding of Glenstone’s mission and values, what kind of intern would be most useful to the department you are applying to? How do you align with that standard?
Salary & Benefits
As part of our compensation philosophy at Glenstone, all internships are paid. To promote collaboration and show appreciation to associates, Glenstone provides a weekly staff lunch, health and wellness reimbursement, and paid volunteer opportunities. Benefits include a 401(k)-retirement account with a matching contribution.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Wage: $21.18 per hour