How long are the internships?

 This is a year-long, full-time program that is split into two six month terms.  One term you will be stationed at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami and the other term you will be at a private botanic garden in Palm Beach County.  The expected start date of the 2013 - 14 program is August 12, 2013 with the end date of August 1, 2014.   

 What are the minimum requirements to be an intern?

Related coursework or a related degree is preferred, but not required.  Ideal candidates will have or be pursuing a degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science or a related field.  Those without formalized training must demonstrate strong interest and abilities.    

Interns should be highly motivated and well organized with a strong work ethic.  Interns must be willing to work full days outdoors in hot and humid environments. 

All interns are required to undergo a thorough background check. 

 How do I apply to this internship program?

Complete the application[link] and include all the additional documents in a single pdf file as directed.  Required documents include a statement of purpose, your resume, two letters of recommendation and your official transcripts. 

 Is this a paid internship?

Yes, this is a full-time paid internship. 

Do interns receive vacation and sick days?

Yes, interns receive paid holidays, five paid vacation days and five paid sick days for the entire program.  Any additional days taken are pending supervisor approval and without pay.    

What happens after I submit my application?

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt email.  The applications are then reviewed by a committee.  Top applicants will be contacted for an interview, in person if possible.  Out of state applicants will be scheduled for a phone interview.  

Is housing provided?

This program is somewhat unusual in that it is in two locations.  Housing is provided for the six month term occurring at the Palm Beach County private garden.  Unfortunately, we are unable to provide housing for interns while they are at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.  

We do, however, have a vast network of volunteers at Fairchild in Miami that welcome interns into their homes for a range of compensation.  If you are interested in being connected with volunteers that have available housing, we will provide you with a list and it is your responsibility to make an agreeable arrangement.

What are the independent projects?

Past independent projects have covered a range of topics.  This is an opportunity for interns to explore their interests and also to share what they have learned throughout the program.  Topics are chosen with the guidance of a mentor. 

• The Jewels of the Caribbean: An Ethnobotanical Study
• The Economic Power of Botany: Creating a Sustainable Clothing Garden
• The Effect of Rooting Products on Hardwood Cuttings
• The Bahamas Collection at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
• A Survey of Threatened Plants and the Role of Ex-Situ Conservation in FTBG's Collection: A Brief overview of the survey process and explanation of the IUCN categories
• Hybridization in ex situ conservation and collections: Re-emphazising the responsabilities of botanic gardens

What have past interns gone on to do after completing the program?

Past interns have gone on a variety of paths after completing the program.  A portion of recent interns have continued their education in seeking advanced degrees, others have gained employment at various institutions including FTBG, Pinecrest Gardens, the Institute of Regional Conservation and the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources. 

 What schedule do interns work?

Interns may have variable schedules, but will never be required to work overtime.  Your schedule will be determined by your supervisor and may change throughout the internship as needed.  You will be required to work occasional weekends. 

Can interns attend classes at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden?

Interns are encouraged to attend at least five classes offered at the garden.  We offer a variety of plant-related classes. 

What should I bring with me?

Interns will need sturdy work shoes, sun protection including a wide brimmed hat, a good water bottle to stay hydrated and durable work clothes.

What transportation is available?

Interns must provide their own transportation.

What else is there to do around the gardens?

Miami offers a wide range of cultural and botanical points of interest.  Within the garden there are a variety of activities that interns can take advantage of, such as plant society meeting, our Plant ID workshop, garden events and festivals.  

Nearby institutions include Montgomery Botanical Center, the Subtropical Horticulture Research Station of USDA, the Kampong, the Tropical Research and EducationCenter and the Invasive Plant Research Laboratory.