CSSA Intern

Equal Opportunity Employer The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law. Job Description The Cactus & Succulent Society of America (CSSA) offers a structured and comprehensive horticultural internship within the renowned Desert Garden at The Huntington. This eight‑week appointment provides practical, supervised training in the cultivation, management, and preservation of an internationally significant collection of cacti and succulents. Interns will work alongside professional horticultural staff and will contribute directly to the care and long‑term stewardship of the Desert Garden’s living collections. Essential Duties Conduct manual weeding and general grounds maintenance. Apply mulch and assist with soil conditioning and preparation. Perform pruning, grooming, and routine care of cacti, succulents, and associated desert flora. Assist with planting, transplanting, and establishment of desert plant species. Harvest, clean, label, and properly store seeds in accordance with horticultural protocols. Assist with hand watering, irrigation tasks, and monitoring of soil moisture conditions. Participate in special horticultural or conservation projects as assigned. Carry out physically demanding tasks including bending, lifting, kneeling, and transporting materials while adhering to safety guidelines. May perform other related duties as assigned. Candidate Requirements and Experience Foundational knowledge or formal training in horticulture, botany, plant science, or related discipline. Ability and willingness to perform sustained outdoor physical work in varied weather conditions. Demonstrated interest in cacti, succulents, arid‑land flora, or botanical garden management. Ability to follow established horticultural and safety procedures, particularly when working with spiny or hazardous plant material. Practical experience in professional horticultural maintenance and operational best practices. Identification, cultivation, and specialized care of desert‑adapted plant species. Seed collection, processing, labeling, and documentation techniques. Principles of sustainable landscape management in arid environments. Experience working within a public botanical institution and collaborating with garden staff. Preferred Current enrollment in a horticulture, botany, or related college or university program. Affiliation with a cactus and succulent club, botanical society, or similar organization. Spanish language proficiency to support collaboration with staff and volunteers. Prior experience in public gardens, nurseries, or plant collection management. Physical Demands Prolonged standing and working in outdoor conditions. Comfortable with bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching for extended periods. Reach overhead, perform repetitive hand/wrist movements for pruning, maintain balance on uneven terrain or ladders. Visual acuity and ability to communicate to quickly identify and address safety and security concerns. Ability to access and traverse across a large campus on paved and unpaved roads and work in all weather conditions. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Jewish Education Project