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Public Programming Education Intern

Holden Forests & Gardens
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Public Programming Education InternHolden Forests & GardensInternship

Opportunity: 

The Education department is seeking an intern to assist with our adult education and public programs at the Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The Public Programming Education Intern will help facilitate a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world for visitors to Holden Forests & Gardens by engaging diverse audiences, researching and sharing information about plants and our collections, working with volunteers and community partners, collaborating with departments including Horticulture, Conservation, and Research, and assisting with evaluating and improving current program offerings. This intern will integrate within the Education department, working closely with the Adult Program Coordinator. The Public Programming Education Intern will develop skills in museum and public garden education, public program development consistent with National Association of Interpretation best practices, engaging diverse audiences, volunteer management, and program evaluation. This internship offers collaboration with fellow interns and professional staff across HF&G, professional development opportunities such as career exploration workshops, lectures, networking, and field trips. All interns will have the opportunity to develop and present their research at HF&G’s SEARCH symposium. This position can be based on either campus with travel to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH and the Cleveland Botanical Garden, OH.

Position Details:  

  • Internship begins on May 19, 2026, flexibility in start date with academic scheduling needs
  • Applications are due February 9, 2026
  • The location of this position will be determined collaboratively based on the intern’s project interests and preferences and may be based at either the Cleveland Botanical Garden campus in Cleveland, OH, or the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, OH.
  • 12-week internship  
  • Approximately 40 hours per week  
  • Pay $14.00/hour  
  • Low-cost housing at Holden Arboretum may be available 
  • Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents  
  • Open to undergraduates and recent graduates  

Key Responsibilities: 

Key responsibilities of the Public Programming Education Intern include, but are not limited to:  

  • Collaborate with a variety of departments to research and develop guided tour outlines
  • Assess and provide recommendations for improvement of public program evaluation techniques
  • Assist public program instructors during programs and hikes 
  • Design educational program handouts and other program materials
  • Opportunities to develop and lead programs, hikes, and/or walking tours as time and interest allow
  • Work with supervisor to develop and complete an independent project which will be presented at the SEARCH symposium at the end of the internship  
  • Other relevant duties as assigned   

Qualifications and Skills: 

  • Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
  • Demonstrate a passion for people and nature 
  • Pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences, Environmental Education, Environmental Science, History, Museum Studies, English, Communication or related field, preferred 
  • Experience gathering and presenting information to diverse audiences
  • Experience using Canva, a plus
  • Familiarity with Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or the ability to learn  
  • Strong organizational skills, adaptability, and critical thinking skills   
  • Good communication, collaboration, and customer service skills
  • Reliable transportation and ability to get to both the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Gardens for various trainings, required 

Physical Requirements 

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation: 

  • Stand and sit for extended periods of time   
  • Sitting, standing, kneeling, and bending on uneven surfaces   
  • Walk and work on wet, uneven, slippery, or rocky terrain
  • Hike 3-5 miles once or twice a week  
  • Ability to ascend and descend stairs                                       

Apply: 

Would YOU like to join us and play an integral part at this exciting time for HF&G and add a competitive edge to your resume and experience? Applications are due February 9, 2026.

Qualified applicants should submit a resume, letter of interest discussing the value of connecting people to nature and how developing skills in public programming at an educational, mission-driven institution like HF&G could contribute to their future career goals, and contact information for at least two references through this link. 

Holden Forests & Gardens is an equal opportunity employer and values and authentic sense of belonging at all levels of the organization, including staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and visitors. HF&G believes that working toward an equitable culture that values all perspectives enriches the work environment, helping achieve our goal to build a greener and healthier Northeast Ohio. We are working to create and sustain a supportive environment and sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds. HF&G promotes an equitable approach in its hiring, retention, and promotion; in Board recruitment efforts; and in community partnerships and programming.