Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
Federal Way, WA
Rhododendron Species Foundation
Internships

 

 

Internship Program

 
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG) Internship Program is designed to provide practical hands-on experience in the following areas of interest: garden maintenance & renovation, propagation, nursery management, communications, development and retail management.
 
2010 Opportunities

 

Communications Intern (UNPAID)

(10 - 20 hours/ weekly)

Provide general Communications support for Assistant Director.

Assist in researching, writing, editing, proofreading, and producing/posting of print and web-based materials.

Assist with production of fundraising and public awareness materials.

Develop and disseminate communications products (e.g., publications, articles, videos, press materials, power point presentations, graphics, and briefing materials).

Develop and produce communications products for meetings and other internal and external events.

Provide assistance with media relations and public awareness.

Support membership and development programs.

Act as first point of contact for general inquiries.

Log, field, and track contacts appropriately.

Six month commitment REQUIRED.

 

Development Intern (UNPAID)

(10 - 20 hours/weekly)

Process donations and prepare acknowledgement letters and other correspondence.

Maintain foundation, corporation and individual donor files.

Coordinate productions and mailing of spring and year-end appeal letters.

Maintain guest lists, gather and prepare registration materials and other duties as assigned for fund-raising events.

Handle all administrative details associated with meetings (i.e. prepare and distribute notices, agendas, minutes, etc.).

Prepare media materials for distribution. (i.e. copying, filing, mailing, e-mailing)

Assemble media and donor kits for events and meetings.

Continually update and correct database records.

Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director.

Six month commitment REQUIRED.

 
 
Botanical Garden & Nursery Internship
One full-time position available in 2010 for up to 6 months - Spring through Fall 2010
Schedule can be negotiated. Some weekend work required.
Wages:   N/A
 
Garden Management: Learn how to care for a 22-acre botanical garden, including proper pruning and planting techniques, landscape design, weed control, renovation, irrigation, and plant identification.
 
Nursery Management: Gain valuable experience in the operation and maintenance of a highly specialized nursery with emphasis on propagation techniques. Learn propagation methods including grafting, cuttings, seed sowing and hand pollination as well as greenhouse operation, transplanting, inventory control, data entry and plant identification. Detail oriented and mechanical ability or aptitude helpful.
 
Retail Management Internship
One 8-week position available Summer - Fall 2010              
Part-time (24 hours/week – Schedule can be negotiated; however, at least one day must be on the weekend – prefer both weekend days, if possible)
Wages: N/A
 
Learn how to manage the RSBG Plant Sales Pavilion including pricing, displaying plant material, maintaining and stocking sales facility, creating labels and signage, supervising volunteer assistants and record-keeping. Enthusiastic self-starter sought.
 
 
 
General Information
 
The RSBG is a 22 acre garden featuring one of the largest collections of Rhododendron species in the world. Over 4,500 forms of 488 species are displayed in a natural woodland setting. Additional plant collections include ferns, maples, heathers, bamboo, alpines and carnivorous plants. Special features include the Alpine Garden, PondGarden, Hardy Fern display garden, Gazebo, Gift Shop and Plant Sales Pavilion. The garden is located in Federal Way near I-5 and Highway 18.
 
The garden is supported by the Rhododendron Species Foundation (RSF), an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the study, cultivation, display and distribution of Rhododendron species. The RSF is internationally recognized as a leader in Rhododendron conservation. To find out more about our organization, please visit our web site at www.rhodygarden.org
 
To apply, please submit a one-page cover letter and resume to:
 
Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
 
Attn: Assistant Director
PO Box 3798
Federal Way, WA 98063