Sustainable Plant Health Care Internship

Apply by March 15, 2021

Flexible three-month period June – September

Job Description

Successful applicants will work with Lotusland’s Plant Health Care Coordinator and grounds staff implementing and monitoring sustainable management practices for a 37-acre botanical display garden emphasizing bromeliads, cacti and succulents, cycads, ferns, palms, water gardens as well as turf areas.

The intern will experience all aspects of Lotusland’s horticultural program. They will gain theoretical as well as hands on experience that will equip them for designing and managing a similar program in any urban horticultural setting without using toxic or environmentally degrading materials. Applicants will become familiar with ecological soil management practices using compost, compost tea, and mulch, as well as soil fertility management using natural nutrient cycling by soil food web organisms and through applying organic fertilizers. They will also help manage plant diseases by the use of beneficial microorganisms and experience the insectaries responsible for the balanced insect ecology of the garden. Finally, they will become familiar with plant health indicators and how to monitor them both in the field and in Lotusland’s lab.

Applicant must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited, college-level horticultural program or internship. Intern must have his or her own transportation. Housing provided.

Stipend/Credit/Wages: $13.00/hour plus housing

Please note: Because of Lotusland’s location, intern will need a vehicle for offsite transportation (no public transportation close by)

To apply, please send a cover letter, application, and three letters of reference to Tyler Diehl tdiehl@lotusland.org Director of Gardens and Facilities, Ganna Walska Lotusland, 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, by March 15, 2021. The successful applicant will be notified by April 2021. For information about Lotusland, please visit our website: www.lotusland.org.