The Smithsonian Gardens provides an exceptionally well-rounded array of experiences in its intern program thanks to the wide diversity of services it offers to the Smithsonian, the world's largest museum complex. Interns will learn skills in a broad range of horticultural endeavors from SI's expert professional staff and can provide a strong practical background to emerging professionals hoping to enter the public gardening world.

Eligibility

Smithsonian Gardens accepts current and recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students studying horticulture, landscape architecture, museum studies, or other related fields. Selection is based on both an evaluation of the applicant’s application and available positions.

Duration

10 to 16 weeks

Expenses & Stipends

A limited number of paid internships are available. A Garden Club of America scholarship is also available for the Archives of American Gardens internship. Candidates must pay for their own travel, housing, and subsistence during the period of the internship. Steel-toe safety shoes are required for certain projects. The shoes must meet ANSI Safety Standard Z41.1.

Academic Credit

Interns may arrange for academic credit through their college or university.

Deadlines

Applications for internships should be received no later than the dates listed below. Internships will begin approximately three months after the deadline.

• Summer Internships: February 1
• Fall Internships: June 1
• Winter/Spring Internships: November 1

How to Apply

To apply, applicants must register and submit an application online at Smithsonian On-line Academic Application System (SOLAA) at https://solaa.si.edu. On SOLAA, you can locate Smithsonian Gardens' internship application under the Office/Museum/ Research Center: OFFICE OF FACILITIES ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS. Next, under "Program that you wish to apply for:" Select "Smithsonian Gardens Internship" from the drop down list of programs.

Requirements

Requirements for applying to the Smithsonian Garden intern program:

• Submit an on-line application
• Two letters of recommendation
• College transcript(s)
• Essay describing background, interest in field, career goals and chosen project

Submission

Completed application, essay, academic records, and two letters of recommendation should be submitted on-line through at Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System.