Summer 2026 Arboretum/Horticulture Internship

The City of Urbandale is seeking a passionate Arboretum/Horticulture Intern to join our team this summer. Reporting to the Parks Supervisor, you’ll gain hands-on experience maintaining a beautiful arboretum and assisting with a variety of horticultural projects. This internship offers the opportunity to develop practical skills in public garden management, tackle real-world horticultural projects, and strengthen your creative problem-solving abilities.

This temporary internship is open to undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in horticulture or a closely related field and runs from mid-May to mid-August 2026. Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with occasional weekend opportunities. 

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of maintenance of the arboretum as directed by Parks staff.
• Designing, planting and maintenance of landscaping and flower beds.
• Work with staff and volunteers in gardening and landscaping.
• Provide design input for plantings, programs, and special events.
• Mowing and trimming grounds, weeding, watering, digging, raking, and using hand tools for a variety of landscaping duties.
• Assist with recordkeeping of work accomplished, landscape mapping and identification.
• Assist with occasional weekend responsibilities to provide necessary plant care.
• Operate small gas-powered engine tools.
• Ability to drive a small utility vehicle.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Other Parks related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in horticulture or a closely related field.
• Must be at least 18 years of age. 

• Must have a valid Driver's License.

• Ability to take initiative and work independently, safely and efficiently under general supervision. 
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods.

Supplemental Information

There is one (1) opening available for the 2026 internship. This opportunity will be posted until filled.

For more information, please contact Chad Millang, Parks Supervisor, at (515) 331-6759 or cmillang@urbandale.org.

Post-offer/pre-employment reference checks, background/motor vehicle report check, and drug screening are required. 

Candidates will receive notifications via email from www.governmentjobs.com (NEOGOV). Please apply using an active email address that you check often and consider enabling text alerts to stay informed.

The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.