2020 Horticulture Internship

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation based in Upperville, Virginia with a mission to perpetuate and share Rachel Lambert Mellon’s home, garden, estate and Library to serve the public interest. The Foundation is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being. For additional information, please visit www.osgf.org.

OSGF is now accepting applications for 2020 spring/summer horticulture internship positions that will advance the mission of the Foundation.

Schedule: A nine month, full-time, beginning March 2, 2020 through November 20, 2020.

Location: Upperville, VA (housing provided, if needed); The Oak Spring estate is located in rural northern Virginia, 15 minutes from the nearest town. Having access to a car is desirable, but not essential.

The Horticulture Intern (“HI”) position provides a hands-on and practical horticulture experience in formal gardens, greenhouses and natural area settings. The work may also include opportunities in the fruit and vegetable production garden. The HI will gain experience in a wide range of tasks, with some consideration given to the specific areas of interest and background of the successful candidate. The HI, working with others in the Horticulture team, will be responsible for the maintenance and execution of the horticultural component of the Oak Spring Garden land management strategic plan. The HI will receive opportunities to expand their experience in pruning, planting, harvesting, cut-flowers, cultivation and garden management, including the management of weeds and invasive species. The HI will also have opportunities to interact with the landscape and trees team to develop an understanding of broader landscape management in the context of ecological zones, wildlife and historic development of the Oak Spring property. 

·      Work closely with the Horticulture Supervisor (“HS”) and the Head of Horticulture, Landscape Programs to ensure that the formal garden is maintained to a very high standard and in a style that respects the principles established by Rachel “Bunny” Mellon.

·      Proper care, treatment and ongoing maintenance of the formal garden, display greenhouse, production greenhouse, appropriate trees and orchards and open spaces.

·      Maintaining the formal garden space including watering, planting, weeding, pruning, deadheading, mulching and propagation of cultivated species.

·      Assisting with planting and removal of both annual and perennials, including dividing perennials.

·      Preparing planting beds and evaluating plants for overall health, including identifying and addressing problems with diseases and insect pests.

·      Develop protocols to improve horticultural practices at Oak Spring Garden by helping phase out unsustainable practices, and introducing integrated pest management and the use of only environmentally friendly chemicals, organic materials and sustainable practices.

·      Work with Horticulture Team on development of on-site composting and recycling of garden organic waste.

·      Assist with the ordering of supplies and materials for the Horticulture Team.

·      Perform tours of the formal gardens, formal green house and act as a representative and ambassador of Oak Spring Garden for potential future interns, external guests, and others.

·      Appropriate to the level of engagement with the production garden plant, harvest, weigh, and deliver fruits and vegetables as needed, and engage with the on-site kitchen team to build awareness of the harvest and availability.

·      Assist with propagation of plants and seed collection, and contribute to the development of protocols for these processes.

·      Other special projects as assigned by the Head of Horticulture and/or the Head of Horticulture, Landscape Programs.

·      Other duties as assigned.

·      Enrollment or recent graduate in a related horticulture program.

·      Relevant coursework or work experience in horticulture and landscape management.

·      Ability to meet physical requirements of working outside, in varied weather conditions in a garden space.

·      Capacity to operate normal garden machinery.

·      Knowledge of horticulture and landscape practices including tree pruning, gardens, open space land management and ecological land management.

·      Working knowledge of current trends and practices in environmentally sustainable horticulture.

·      Ability to work with garden and farm equipment.

·      Ability to do repetitive tasks.

·      Ability to work independently and also as a part of a team.

·      Excellent time-management, communication and organizational skills.

·      Ability to concentrate on a task for long periods of time without being distracted.

·      Dependable and collaborative team player.

·      Must have physical stamina to participate in rigorous outdoor activities.

·      Ability to exhibit safe and responsible conduct in outdoor environments.

·      Ability to lift 30 pounds.

Working Conditions: Position will be mainly outdoors in all types of weather. The HI must be comfortable in a variety of settings - both indoors and outdoors. This position will also be exposed to a wide variety of temperatures likely including extreme heat and cold.

To be considered for this internship, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@osgf.org with the position description and your name in the subject line.

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other non-merit factor.