Internship: Horticulture
Season: Summer 2025 (Approx June-August)
Location: Onsite
Application Deadline: March 17 at 4pm 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 as both aesthetic and educational experiences for our visitors. Interns will have the opportunity to learn about caring for naturalistic landscapes, edible landscaping, practical use of native plants in ornamental horticulture, invasive species control, our relationship with pollinators, soil creation and conservation, IPM, and food propagation. Interns will work independently and with our team to learn the skills needed to care for these landscapes.  
 
Learning Objectives: 

• Strengthen understanding of the sustainable gardening techniques practiced at Shedd and their wider application   
• Strengthen understanding of how to create biodiverse managed landscapes   
• Practice the basics of organic fruit and vegetable propagation   
• Develop an understanding of the potential of mission-driven public gardens to advance conservation work   

Responsibilities & Projects: 

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values 
• Partner with the Coordinator of Horticulture to learn about garden maintenance and sustainable methods.   
• Work alongside the Coordinator of Horticulture and Manager of Horticulture Programs to learn about the skills necessary for growing healthy gardens.   
• Complete an independent project and share with the Shedd community though a presentation (ex. a tour, a Tidings submission or a Lunch and Learn).    
• Assist as directed with:  
  • Weeding, watering, and deadheading.  
  • Native plant propagation.  
  • Planting vegetable and annual starts.   
  • Growing food crops in our display gardens.  
  • Preparing new planting areas.  
  • Natural and native landscape maintenance.  
• Other projects as assigned 

Qualifications: 

Fields of Interest: Horticulture, Urban Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Public Gardens or related and a strong desire to learn about plants. Horticulture training helpful, but not required. 
 
Skills/Characteristics: 

• Effective communication skills with an outgoing and friendly personality.   
• Ability to walk, stand, and stoop for extended periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.   
• Ability to handle multiple projects.   
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.  
• Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.   
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED. 

On-boarding
All interns attend one full day orientation. These are held in person on select Mondays from 9am-5pm. This is required, even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.

Time & Compensation: 

• This is a non-exempt, temporary position that pays $17 per hour
• We anticipate this position will be scheduled for 24 hours per week for 12 weeks, pending business needs and individual performance.
• Preferred schedule: 3 days per week between Tuesday and Friday, between 9am and 4:30pm. Fridays are required. No Mondays or weekends.
• Set schedule based on intern availability. 

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.