Stephen F. Austin State University

ob Summary: HMNS is home to the Cockrell Butterfly Center which consists of a three-story rainforest conservatory and insect zoo, as well as greenhouses and containment rooms, which are not open to the public. This internship is specifically for college students pursuing a career in horticulture or a related field. The Horticulture Intern assists museum staff in caring for and maintaining our extensive live plant collection inside our rainforest exhibit, greenhouses, and various gardens on the museum grounds. This internship focuses on plant husbandry, USDA regulations and science interpretation to the public. This position includes work in a typical office, outdoors, public exhibition areas and off-site locations. This position reports to the Director of the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Cockrell Butterfly Center. This internship is sponsored by the Garden Club of Houston. At the conclusion of the internship, the intern is required to provide a short report on the internship experience to the Garden Club of Houston, as well as any requirements of the student’s institution. A written evaluation by the Cockrell Butterfly Center Director will be sent to the Garden Club of Houston and the student’s institution. Course credit: We encourage applicants to investigate whether this internship can count for course credit at your institution. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Care and maintain plants in our greenhouses, gardens and rainforest exhibit; included tasks are watering, propagation, fertilization, IPM practices, planting and removing plants • Maintain exhibit spaces • Keep records of plant care and maintenance • Assist other butterfly center staff with projects • Arrive to work on time • Other duties as assigned • Comply with the museum’s health and safety protocols Skills and Experience: • Knowledge of horticulture and biology • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications • Strong work ethic and attention to detail • Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills • Proven track record of reliable punctuality and attendance Qualifications: • Currently enrolled in a college or university in a horticulture-related major • Reliable transportation to get to museum and other off-site locations Working Conditions and Physical Demands: • Able to work designated weekends, holidays and evenings • Able to work in outdoor conditions • Able to bend, stoop and lift/carry up to 50 pounds • Able to remain stationary and move about for extended periods of time • Able to ascend/descend stairs, step stools, ladders Perks of Working at HMNS Include: • Free access to museum exhibits, Butterfly Center, Planetarium, Giant Screen Theater and satellite facilities • Discounted museum programming • Free staff parking • Staff discount in the Museum Store