Children's Garden Education Intern

WCROC horticulture manages the 4-acre Horticulture Display Garden as well as research. The department hires a Spring Intern to assist with education and outreach related to the Children's Garden.

Position Details

• 10 hours per week
• Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Hours are flexible with class schedule
• Expected start date: January 15, 2026 (negotiable)
• Expected end date: May 3, 2026 (negotiable)

Location

West Central Research and Outreach Center
46352 State Hwy 329
Morris, MN 56267

Primary Duties

• Develop curriculum for the WCROC Children's Garden. Topic areas may include, but are not limited to: growing seeds, pollinators, birds in the landscape, growing food, soil health, and plant growth
• Host and lead field trips for elementary students in 2nd 5th grade during the months of April and May (subject to change)
• Create self-guided activities to have available in the Children's Garden during the spring and summer (i.e. Scavenger Hunt)
• Develop and create an educational display for inside the Backpack Shack for display during the spring and summer
• Assist in planning the Sensory Garden. Research appropriate plant materials and develop educational interpretation for each plant
• The student may be given added responsibilities with project leadership provided by WCROC staff
• The student must submit a written report about their experience at the end of the internship

Required Qualifications

• College student with interest in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, and/or environmental science
• Current driver's license
• Background Check

Preferred Qualifications

• Open to elementary education, biological sciences or environmental studies majors. Other major areas considered with demonstrated interest in working with young people
  in outdoor education programs.
• Experience working with elementary school-aged students

The West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is part of the University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. The WCROC conducts applied research in the areas of agronomy, dairy, horticulture, renewable energy, and swine.

The Horticulture Display Garden spans nearly 4 acres and showcases thousands of annual flowers during the growing season. The vision for the Garden is to provide horticultural research, offer educational experiences, and inspiration to those who visit.

Pay Range: $15.25 - $15.75 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

For more information or to apply:

Contact Emily Moore at the U of MN WCROC
46352 State Hwy 329, Morris, MN 56267
kolbe046@umn.edu or 320-589-1711 ext. 2121

Closing date for application: January 1, 2026

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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