ABOUT US
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.
MISSION
As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.
VISION
Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.
JOB SUMMARY
The Growing to Green Intern works alongside the Growing to Green Manager and Educator to develop dynamic virtual resources, coordinate community events, support leadership programming, assist with volunteer workdays, and manage experimental educational garden beds. This multifaceted role balances public-facing community engagement with hands-on urban agriculture and technical asset management. It is an ideal opportunity for an emerging professional passionate about sustainable urban agriculture, food justice, and community resilience.
Compensation: $16/hour
Schedule/weekly hours: Part Time seasonal working up to 20 hours a week. The weekly schedule is flexible based on availability and dates and times for working hours can be predetermined upon job offer. There is not a required amount of hours that need to be worked per week.
Tentative start/end dates for the position: Mid August 2026 - Mid October 2026
RESPONSIBILITIES
Digital & Visual Stewardship and Community Garden Map:
- You will help maintain our regional Community Garden Map, ensuring it remains a vital resource for the public by inputting garden data, and assisting in updating the map’s visual interface and layout to ensure it is user-friendly and engaging.
Community Engagement & Events:
- As a representative of the program, you will help bridge the gap between our organization and the people we serve.
- Volunteering Workdays: Act as a co-leader for off-site community garden workdays, guiding volunteers through various tasks while fostering a welcoming environment.
- Harvest Awards & Events: Assist in the logistical planning and execution of the annual Harvest Awards and other inperson networking events designed to bring growers together, such as the Urban Garden Leadership Academy (UGLA).
Perform Other Duties as Assigned:
- Such as assisting in the maintenance of an on-site educational garden bed.
CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Education & Academic Focus:
- Current Student or Recent Graduate: Open to students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program.
- Relevant Coursework: Ideal fields of study include Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Food Systems, Geography, Community Development, Social Work, or Public Health. (We also welcome students from any major who can demonstrate a strong passion for urban greening and food justice).
Experience (Prior Professional Roles Not Required):
- Basic Gardening Exposure: Prior experience with gardening, farming, or landscaping—whether through family gardens, community volunteering, student clubs, or coursework.
- Working with People: Experience participating in group settings, campus organizations, volunteer groups, or customer service roles where you interacted regularly with the public.
Technical & Administrative Requirements:
- Proficient with standard digital productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include occasional evening or Saturday hours to support UGLA classes and volunteer workdays.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Commitment to Sustainability & Food Justice:
- A foundational interest in sustainable urban agriculture, local food systems, community gardening, and environmental justice.
Technical Aptitude & Spatial Interest:
- Comfort adapting to new digital tools and technologies. Prior exposure to GIS (Geographic Information Systems) or digital mapping software is highly advantageous, along with a strong willingness to learn and maintain a public - facing digital map resource.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills:
- Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to confidently engage with community partners, warmly welcome and direct volunteers, and collaborate productively within a team environment.
Visual Communication & Resource Design:
- Strong organizational and creative skills to translate information into clear visual formats. Familiarity with graphic design platforms (such as Canva) to create community guides, flyers, or infographics is a plus.
Collaborative & Self-Motivated Work Ethic:
- The ability to follow project directions, work independently, and bring positive, professional energy to community - facing networking events.
Physical Abilities:
- Comfort working outdoors in typical Ohio weather (heat, humidity, or light rain).
- Ability to perform standard garden tasks like bending, kneeling, standing for extended periods, and lifting up to 30 lbs, with or without accommodation.
EEO Statement:
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
