Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and accredited museum in Miami, Florida (www.vizcaya.org). The Horticulture Intern is a hands-on position that performs general landscape maintenance duties and assists in ensuring the effective care of horticultural displays and living collections. The position is on the Engagement & Cultural Resources Team in the Horticulture & Sustainability Department and reports to the Senior Horticulturist and Horticulture Manager. Vizcaya is owned by Miami-Dade County and is operated by the non-profit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Trust, Inc. Our mission is to preserve the estate’s cultural and environmental resources to engage people in connecting with the past, understanding the present and shaping the future. Our vision is to position Vizcaya as an enduring, inclusive and innovative place that inspires people to embrace the cultural vitality and environmental sustainability of the world around us.

Essential Functions

Under the guidance of Horticulture staff, participate in and learn daily hands-on grounds maintenance related activities such as grass cutting, weed management, planting plants, watering by hand and with irrigation, and debris removal.
Maintain, independently and under supervision, all landscaped areas and natural areas to desired standards.
Lawn care, including cutting, trimming, fertilization, and weed/pest control under supervision and as directed.
Work with a wide variety of hand tools and landscape power equipment.
If required, manage volunteer teams on various garden-related tasks.
Keep gardens clean by removing leaves, branches, and other debris.
Participate in professional development opportunities, including field trips and plant purchasing.

This job description is not designed to be comprehensive; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Learning Opportunities:

If desired, work on an approved horticulturally related project of interest during the internship term.
Learn how to operate hand tools and power equipment used in landscape management tasks.
Learn how to identify and care for typical South Florida landscape plants and turf.
Learn how to care for orchids in the South Florida climate.
Understand how to care for plants and landscapes in an environmentally sensitive manner.
Understand the role of living plant collections in a public garden and how to manage their records.

Position Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, and some course work or experience in landscape horticulture, public horticulture, or a closely related field is preferred but not required.
Capable of carrying up to 50 lbs. and working outside in all weather conditions, able to stand for long periods of time and safely traverse uneven surfaces.
Ability to work independently as required or as part of a group.
Understanding of and some experience with general landscape maintenance practices.
Positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, flexibility and commitment to collaboration and customer service.
A passion for horticulture, plants, and the natural world.
English fluency.

Factors Vizcaya Will Consider When Evaluating Applicants and Determining Compensation

Additional relevant work experience, training and education.
Additional experience in horticulture and landscape techniques including fertilization and weed control.
Horticulture Professional Certificate or, in lieu of a Certificate, 1 year of the above experience.
Spanish, Haitian Creole and other language skills

Compensation

The salary for employees meeting the requirements of this position is $20/hour.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The majority of work is done outside in varying climatic conditions that include excessive heat and humidity. The position requires sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. The position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time and to safely traverse uneven surfaces. The position frequently lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs. The position works with typical landscape maintenance equipment and materials. The position involves some interaction with the public, community members, partners, donors, vendors, contractors and other constituents. Vizcaya is a non-smoking environment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a part-time (up to 30 hours per week) position for up to 12 weeks. Periodic evening and weekend work may be required.

To Apply

Please submit a resume to: Internship@vizcaya.org. Please reference the position title in the subject line of your email.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is committed to equity and inclusion and is engaged in a strategic process to ensure that our staff, Board and volunteers reflect our community’s diversity. Vizcaya welcomes applicants from groups that are underrepresented in cultural organizations and seeks to recruit, develop and retain a diverse workforce. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is an equal opportunity employer. Vizcaya respects people of all backgrounds and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, familial status, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, or other applicable legally protected characteristics protected by law.