Salary: $15.00 Hourly
Location : Urbandale, IA
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 23-Arb/Hort Intern-02
Department: Parks and Recreation
Division: Parks & Facilities
Opening Date: 10/02/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Summary Description
Reporting to the Parks Supervisor, this internship will offer a broad range of work experience in an arboretum to individuals interested in a career in public and ornamental horticulture. The internship will provide an opportunity to enhance creative problem solving skills as well as development practical career experience in public garden management.
Start your career by doing something meaningful this summer while getting to hit the ground running and gain hands on experience
The anticipated length of the internship is approximately mid-May to mid-August. Working hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Monday – Friday, and may include weekend hours.
Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities
- Assist with all aspects of maintenance of the arboretum as directed by Parks staff
- Designing, planting and maintenance of landscaping and flower beds
- Work with staff and volunteers in gardening and landscaping
- Provide design input for plantings, programs, and special events
- Mowing and trimming grounds, weeding, watering, digging, raking, and using hand tools for a variety of landscaping duties
- Assist with recordkeeping of work accomplished, landscape mapping and identification
- Assist with occasional weekend responsibilities to provide necessary plant care
- Operate small gas-powered engine tools
- Ability to drive a small utility vehicle
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Other Parks related duties as assigned
Typical Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Open to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in horticulture or closely related field
Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
- Ability to take initiative and work independently, safely and efficiently under general supervision.
- Excellent time management skills
- Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Problem-Solving ability
- Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods
Supplemental Information
There is one (1) opening available for the Summer 2024 internship available. Applicants selected will be invited to participate in the interview process. Position is open until filled.
For more information, please contact Beth Lauck, Sr. HR Analyst at
Post-offer/pre-employment background /motor vehicle report check and drug test are required. The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons with disabilities must submit requests for ADA accommodations to the Human Resources Department, in writing, prior to the application deadline.
This position is not eligible for health benefits but may be eligible for IPERS. IPERS eligibility and participation will begin once an employee earns $1,000 or more in two consecutive quarters and will continue for the duration of employment.