Plant Records Internship

Summer 2026 Internship Opportunity

About the Position

The Plant Records Internship offers an opportunity to develop curatorial and record-keeping skills by assisting in the oversight of Mt. Cuba Center's extensive living collection. The intern will work closely with the Plant Records Manager and Plant Records Assistant on day-to-day tasks and longer-term projects to gain an understanding of how Plant Records fits into the larger operation of a public garden. Participating in a variety of projects, the intern will become familiar with conducting inventories, using mapping equipment in the field, creating and putting out labels, identifying native plants, and utilizing IrisBG, a plant records database. There will be opportunities for field trips, educational experiences, and collaboration with other departments at Mt. Cuba Center. 

Essential Functions of the Role

• Assist in mapping the collection in the field using a GNSS receiver and tablet 
• Manage and enter data in IrisBG, a plant collections database 
• Conduct inventory of trees to be monitored in the Resilient Canopy project, plants of conservation concern, and assist with general bed inventory of the collection 
• Assess display label inventory and distribute labels into the garden 
• Assist in daily operations of the Plant Records Department 
• Opportunity to attend classes, work with other teams at Mt. Cuba Center, and visit botanic gardens and arboreta. 

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum one year of college or university completed 
• Demonstrated interest and curiosity in native plants 
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions 
• Attention to detail 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior database and/or collections experience 

Learning Outcomes

Interns will learn: 

• Data management in IrisBG, a plant records database widely used in the public garden industry 
• Mapping in the field using surveying equipment 
• How to conduct living collection inventory 
• Labeling procedures and standards at a public garden 
• Native plant identification 

About the Role: Compensation & Schedule

• Compensation: $17.00 per hour 
• Duration: May 18 through August 21, 2026 
• Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday 
• Location: Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin, Delaware 
• Benefits include paid holidays and sick time 
• Housing is not provided 

Interview & Hiring Process

We require the following in order to consider your application: 

• Resume 
• Cover letter [required] 

If you progress through additional stages in the hiring process you can expect to: 

• Complete the online position questionnaire 
• Complete a virtual screening interview 
• Participate in a final interview with the Hiring Manager and interview panel 

Please note: All applications will be reviewed by our team, and all candidates will receive a status update via email after their application has been reviewed. Due to capacity constraints on our hiring team, we are unable to provide you with a specific status update beyond these parameters.

Recruitment Timeline:

• Application deadline: January 16, 2026 
• Application review begins: Week of January 19, 2026 
• Final decisions communicated: Mid-February 2026 

Commitment to Diversity

Mt. Cuba Center is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. For accommodations or assistance with your application, please email careers[a]mtcubacenter.org.