Student
Internships
Join us during the summer as part of our student staff and make a difference.
Grow with Purpose
Calling all current college and university students! MBGNA is excited to announce a wide variety of paid internship opportunities for 2024! We're looking for enthusiastic changemakers who are passionate about social and ecological resilience, equity, justice, sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity to join our team.
Our internships offer flexibility in length, hours, and focus, and span 10 diverse job categories. Whether you're interested in research, horticulture, community outreach, or something else, there's likely a perfect fit for you at MBGNA.
Who We Are
University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) stewards over 840 acres of land and water across four properties in and around Ann Arbor, with Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens serving as its two anchor locations. Click here to view our Strategic Plan. With more than 500,000 annual visitors, MBGNA is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the lands and waters we steward. We put that commitment into action by:
- Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails
- Advancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze equity and justice in a radically changing world
- Emerging as University of Michigan’s premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity
- Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world.
How to apply
Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. Applicants may apply for multiple positions through separate applications.
Click position link
Use the link coresponding with each position to go to the application site. The application is through the University of Michigan employment website.
Prepare materials
Have your cover letter and resume prepared as a combined PDF. Include this with your electronic application.
Diverse and Enriching Opportunities
Do you want to learn about and grow organic produce for fellow students? Discover the difference between a native and invasive plants? Build an interactive map of a garden? Create a youth education tour from the ground up? We have so many opportunities! Check them out:
Refugee Garden Youth Education
Working with both the Education team and the Campus Farm team, the Refugee Garden Youth Education Intern works directly with youth accompanying RAPP (Refugee Agricultural Partnership Program) program enrollees, providing activities, unstructured nature play, and environmental education as appropriate while families are onsite. This intern will gain skills in supporting clients in a collaborative resettlement program, developing a sense of belonging and welcome to children and their families. Details and application at this link.
University Outreach Assistant
Working within the Education team, the University Outreach intern position will start in July and will continue through October 2024. Intern will plan and conduct coordinating University engagement activities. University student welcome-back activities, Nature Rx experiences, represent MBGNA at fall campus events, and coordinate University engagement activities through October. Intern will gain experience in community outreach and peer leadership. Details and application at this link.
Facilities and Projects Assistant
Work closely with the Facilities Lead and Administrative Manager to facilitate special projects and installations, organize project schedules, track project budgets, prepare status updates, project files and photos, and create presentation materials . This position will liaise with university infrastructure and planning departments to coordinate and facilitate construction work at MBGNA. Details and application at this link.
Shakespeare in the Arb Production (SITA) Assistant
Within the Visitor Experience department, the Production Assistant position is a 6 (six) week position working closely with MBGNA staff and SITA directorial teams to manage the operations of staging "As you Like It" for the complete run of the show. Position will be based primarily at Nichols Arboretum. Responsibilities will include: Training and managing volunteer ushers. Audience management which includes preparing tickets, managing box office reports, directing attendees. Transporting personnel and equipment with a golf cart. Opening and closing the Nichols Arboretum Visitor Center. An application and position details are available at this link.
Visitor Services Assistant Intern
Responsibilities include: Greeting visitors, taking phone calls and communicating information about our properties and programs, assisting with retail operations, plant sales, rentals, and special events. Key skills and attributes: Must have a flexible schedule with weekend and evening availability. An application and position details are available at this link.
Interested?
Positions are limited – apply early! The application deadline is March 3, 2024.
Most internship begin May 6, 2024.