Internship: Horticulture
Department: Design & Exhibits
Status: Temporary, non-exempt
Pay Rate: $17.00/hr
Location: Onsite
Season: Spring 2026 (3/16/26-6/5/26)
Application Deadline: January 18 at 5pm CST
 
Shedd Internship Program
Shedd Aquarium's Internship Program aims to provide meaningful career exploration for those seeking professions in non-profits, animal care, conservation, research, and beyond.  We hope to inspire and develop future professionals as diverse as the aquatic world we care for.

These opportunities are geared toward those that are new to the field and just starting to establish a career. They have the skills and knowledge, but not necessarily the real-world application.

We welcome applications from all levels of experience, including those seeking career exploration or changes, gap year students, freshmen, sophomores, and those seeking first internships.

Department Overview: 
At Shedd Aquarium, our commitment to conservation and sustainability is extended outside the walls into our biodiverse, organic gardens that have been developed to support biodiversity along the lakefront, and as aesthetic and educational experiences for our visitors. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about caring for naturalistic landscapes, urban food production, native plant propagation, the use of native and edible plants in ornamental horticulture, invasive species control, our relationship with pollinators, IPM, and the building and conserving of healthy soil. Interns will work as a member of our team to learn skills needed to care for these landscapes.  

The completion of an independent study project related to Shedd’s horticulture program is an important aspect of this internship. Ample time will be allowed for completion of this project. 

Environment:
Interns will primarily be working outdoors in all safe weather conditions under the supervision of members of the Horticulture team. Interns must be able to lift 50 pounds, and stand, reach, stoop, and walk for extended periods of time.

Learning Goals: 
By the end of the internship interns can expect to be able to: 

• define an array of ecological /habitat gardening practices employed by Shedd’s Horticulture team. 
• identify many more plants than they could previously. 
• understand the diversity of foods that can be grown in Chicago. 
• describe in detail why organic, ecological gardens matter. 

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• Weeding, planting, watering, mulching, and deadheading 
• Native plant propagation including seed collection 
• Harvesting food crops in our display gardens (summer and fall) 
• Natural and native landscape maintenance 
• Completion of an independent project and share with the Shedd community (Ex. a tour or newsletter submission.) 
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: 
Horticulture, Urban Ecology, Urban Agriculture, Regenerative Horticulture, Public Gardens, Sustainable Garden Design, or related. Formal horticulture training is not required, but we are looking for individuals with a demonstrated interest in plants and horticulture.  

Skills/Characteristics: 

• Deep enthusiasm for plants and the practice of horticulture  
• A desire to work outdoors 
• Effective communication skills  
• Friendly, reliable, professional demeanor 
• Willingness to follow instructions and work as a member of a team or independently 
• Desire to engage with our guests and help create a welcoming environment 
• Must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
• Have a high school diploma or GED at time of application. 

Schedule: 

• This internship will run from 3/16/26-6/5/26.
  • The first day of the internship will be a full day orientation from 9am-5pm. This is required, even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 24 hours per week during this time period, pending business needs and individual performance.
  • Preferred schedule: Tuesday/Thursday/Friday or Wednesday/Thursday/Friday.  Mondays and weekends are not offered.
  • Set schedule based on intern availability and host department needs. 

Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at internship@sheddaquarium.org.
 
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, Veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.