Program Description

The U.S. National Arboretum offers a limited number of internships to qualified individuals seeking on-the-job work experience and training in horticulture, botany, research, education, facilities management, and public garden administration. Selected individuals gain hands-on experience throughout the Arboretum's various plant collections, greenhouses, and research laboratories.

Bonsai Internships:

Description: This internship will be at the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum at the U.S. National Arboretum.  The intern will be trained by the curator in the care and maintenance of the bonsai collection.   This position will start April 8th.   Compensation is approx. $11.91/hr. Weekend work will be required.  The intern may work a full time or part time schedule depending on availability.  Internship will not exceed 480 hours.

Qualifications: Applicants should have an active interest in the art of bonsai.  The incumbent should have a basic understanding of plant care and have the ability to accurately follow instructions relating to planting, pruning, weeding and other routine garden maintenance tasks.  Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.

Duties & Working Conditions: Duties include assisting with the day to day care of the bonsai collection.  The intern will work under the direction of the museum curator.  The intern will assist in a wide variety of tasks required in the maintenance of the bonsai collection as needed such as watering, repotting, trimming and wiring.   

Deadline for applications is January 18th, 2013.

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume via postal mail or email to::

     Internship Office
     US National Arboretum
     3501 New York Avenue, NE
     Washington, DC 20002
     USNA.Internships@ars.usda.gov