Spring 2027 paid internships are available at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas in Horticulture.
The Horticulture Intern will work alongside the Zoo’s horticulture team to help maintain and enhance the landscapes, gardens, greenhouse, and public spaces throughout the Zoo. This internship offers practical experience in plant care, landscape maintenance, greenhouse production, and the unique considerations involved in maintaining horticultural spaces in a zoological environment.
Learning Opportunities & Responsibilities
Throughout the internship, students will gain hands-on experience in the following areas:
- Landscape & Plant Care: Assist with watering, fertilizing, weeding, planting, pruning, and general landscape maintenance throughout the Zoo.
- Exhibit Design & Horticulture: Learn how plant selection, landscape design, and horticultural practices contribute to animal habitats, exhibit aesthetics, and the overall guest experience.
- Greenhouse Production: Assist with greenhouse operations, including the care and maintenance of bedding plants, hanging baskets, and other ornamental plants.
- Turf & Grounds Maintenance: Help maintain turf areas, pathways, and public spaces through mowing, trimming, debris removal, and other groundskeeping activities.
- Waste & Sustainability: Support waste management, litter removal, recycling, and general efforts to maintain clean and sustainable Zoo grounds.
- Guest Engagement: Develop professional communication and visitor relations skills while working in a public-facing environment.
- Cross-Departmental Learning: Shadow up to five additional Zoo departments to gain exposure to the diverse career opportunities available in zoological facilities.
- Daily Projects: Assist with ongoing horticulture projects, seasonal plantings, and other tasks that support the Zoo’s horticultural operations.
- Workplace Safety: Learn and follow all Zoo safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and departmental protocols.
Qualifications & Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a college sophomore or higher classification at the time of application.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
- Provide documentation of a negative TB test.
- Be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
- Be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, rain, and other inclement weather.
- Demonstrate a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, dependability, and a professional attitude.
Students pursuing degrees in horticulture, plant science, botany, landscape management, environmental science, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
Internship Duration
January 13th - May 11th
Interns must plan to arrive at least three business days before the internship start date to complete the required onboarding process.
Requests for planned time off, excluding illness or emergencies, must be discussed during the interview process and approved before the internship begins.
Application Requirements
To be considered for the Horticulture Internship, applicants must submit the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Unofficial college transcripts
Compensation & Housing
- Gross Pay: $580.62 biweekly, before taxes and applicable deductions.
- Housing: Optional housing may be provided for interns who need accommodations during the internship. A housing deduction will be applied to the intern’s pay if housing is elected.
Additional details regarding housing availability and the applicable deduction will be provided during the interview process.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
