Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) Arboriculture Intern

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library encompasses an unrivaled museum of American decorative arts in its mansion and galleries and a magnificent 60-acre naturalistic garden—all set on 1,000 gorgeous acres.

Winterthur employs a wide array of positions in the areas of curatorial, horticulture, education, conservation, library, maintenance, marketing, development, technology, and administration.

Winterthur offers a unique and rewarding experience that is rich in culture and natural beauty. Winterthur considers its employees and volunteers to be among its greatest assets and welcomes applications from candidates who will contribute their specific skills to its mission “to inspire, enlighten, and delight all of its visitors while preserving and enhancing [Winterthur]” and also uphold its core values of agility, excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusion, and transparency.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Beach Leaf Disease (BLD) Arboriculture Intern acquires, develops and applies fundamental arboricultural concepts and skills through their active participation with the Winterthur Arborist staff in various aspects of tree care and arboricultural practices throughout the Winterthur Estate, e.g., pruning, climbing and proper equipment usage. This Arboriculture Intern will primarily focus on the identification and impacts of Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) through active participation with Winterthur’s arborists in the application and monitoring of novel BLD treatment methods across the estate. The Arborist internship is an outstanding learning and growth opportunity for a student considering or intending on entering the Arboriculture profession.

Compensation: $15.45/hour

Benefits:  Including, but not limited to, 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family. Limited free housing available on site.

Work Schedule:  This is a seasonal position expected to last from May 5 – August 14, 2026. Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 2:30 pm (35 hours/week plus optional 5 extra hours). Start and end dates are flexible.

Responsibilities:

  1. Tree Disease Treatment: Participate in Winterthur’s estate management strategy for Beech Leaf Disease via the application and monitoring of various treatment methods.
  2. Tree Evaluation/Inventory: Document relevant tree information in a computerized database and GIS map (e.g., treatment data, tree hazard assessments and tree condition information).
  3. Tree Maintenance - Work with trees to ensure their health, safety, and overall appearance within the Winterthur Estate (e.g., tree pruning, storm cleanup, and ground support for climbers). Use appropriate equipment and methods to perform work on trees.
  4. Continuing Education: Participate in a variety of trainings, plant walks, and field trips to gain a comprehensive understanding of the wider field of public horticulture.
  5. Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Learn proper operation, maintenance, and storage of job-related equipment (e.g., chainsaws, chipper, and climbing and rigging gear).
  6. Land Stewardship: Develop an awareness of the principles of conservation, environmental management, and land stewardship and how they shape Winterthur’s philosophy towards arboricultural practices.

Minimum Experience: Enrolled student or recent graduate of an accredited college or university with one semester of completed coursework in horticulture or a related field. Minimum of three months of practical, hands-on experience in horticulture or a related field.

Preferred Experience: One year of practical, hands-on experience in horticulture, with some time devoted to tree care, preferred. One year of practical, hands-on experience in horticulture, with some time devoted to tree care, preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

  1. Ability to operate arboricultural hand and power equipment safely.
  2. Basic knowledge of arboricultural terminology & practices.
  3. Ability to execute oral and written directions.
  4. Ability to express ideas clearly, orally and in writing.
  5. Basic knowledge of I.P.M. and plant taxonomy, and anatomy. 
  6. Basic computer knowledge.

Essential Functions:

  1. Exposure to pesticides.
  2. Safe operation of hand-tools and motorized garden equipment.
  3. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
  4. Exposure to insect bites and poison ivy.
  5. May be asked to work in inclement weather or emergency situations.
  6. Have adequate hearing and sight in order to be aware of nearby guests and staff when the employee is using or is around equipment such as mowers, weed-eaters, blowers and sprayers.
  7. Ability to walk over rough terrain. 
  8. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license in order to operate Winterthur vehicles

*At the time of application, you will be required to submit a cover letter and resume. Should you advance in the interview process, we will require a copy of your most recent transcript and two letters of recommendation.

The deadline for applications is March 21, 2026. Searches may close once a suitable candidate has been identified or may continue beyond the deadline if suitable candidates have not been identified. Please note: Winterthur is currently unable to consider applicants from countries outside the United States.