Position Title
Intern - Greenhouse Production (Horticulture) (Hourly)
REQUISITION #:
req8299
Department
Cultural Services
LOCATION:
GARDENS ON SPRING CREEK
Benefit Category
Variable Hourly
View Hourly Benefit Highlights
Employment Type
Part-Time Hourly
Flsa Status
Non-Exempt
Hourly Rate
$15.50 per hour
Selection Process
Application deadline is
3:00 p.m. MT on 2/13/2026
The City of Fort Collins is a bias-conscious employer. We ask that you please avoid the use of photos when submitting a resume and/or an application for employment. You will receive an email acknowledgment when you have successfully submitted an application. Your completed application will be forwarded to the hiring manager. You will be notified if you are selected for further testing or interviews. Please keep your contact information up-to-date. The status of your application will be updated in your applicant profile.
Post-offer Background Check Required
• (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)
While the City of Fort Collins offers many remote and/or hybrid positions, all remote or hybrid work must be performed in the state of Colorado.
At the City, we are focused on finding the strongest candidate for the role, and we recognize that excellence can come from a wide variety of experiences and paths. When reviewing applications, we consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and lived experiences that align with the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to view your background broadly and highlight the skills and experiences that best prepare you for the role.
To learn more about The City of Fort Collins and Our Community, please read Our Community and Our Organization Brochure
SUMMARY: The Gardens on Spring Creek, the community botanical garden of Fort Collins, Colorado, is seeking a Greenhouse Production Horticulture Intern to support and learn from their horticulture team. The primary responsibilities will be in supporting the propagation and care of over 30,000 vegetable, annual and perennial crops.
This position offers a positive and engaging environment, training, and professional growth opportunities in the green industry. It seeks a candidate that is willing and able to work independently and proactively, is comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment, and is looking for professional experience and training in all aspects of greenhouse production and conservatory upkeep from propagation, watering, weeding, fertilizing, and monitoring and controlling various diseases and pests.
The position is a non-benefited, seasonal hourly position working a maximum of 20 hours per week for up to 480 hours and may include weekends and holidays. Work hours are flexible based on school schedule and school requirements. Positions will follow the local university schedule and will begin in early March and end in early August.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Gardens on Spring Creek is one of Fort Collins' premier cultural organizations. This 12-acre botanical oasis features carefully curated spaces that provide an escape for healing and retreat, rich educational opportunities, an annual concert series, and family-friendly public events. Our mission is to enrich the lives of people and foster environmental stewardship through horticulture.
A detailed description of the Gardens on Spring Creek and its programs can be found at www.fortcollins.gov/gardens.
Essential Duties
• Assist with the propagation of various plants including annuals, perennials, vegetables, and herbs
• Monitoring and maintaining plant health, including watering, fertilizing, and pest management
• Preparing plants for sale, including potting, labeling and pricing
• Leading and supporting volunteer groups
• Maintaining a clean and organized work area, including the plant nursery
• Off-site work at CSU Greenhouses may occur
• Other duties may include Butterfly House and garden maintenance such as weeding, dead heading, pruning, watering, planting, and plant identification
• May assist with Gardens events
• Respond to the needs of visitors at the Gardens on Spring Creek
City Competencies
• Demonstrated cultural competence to effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse identities, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds.
• Strong learning orientation. Leverages all resources and is creative in ways of learning for self to continue adapting to changing issues and trends.
• A desire and ability to understand the diverse needs of internal and external customers, and to create experiences and deliver services that exceed their expectations.
• A desire and ability to utilize digital tools for organizational information, individual, and teamwork.
Qualifications
• At least 18 years old
• Basic knowledge of plant care and propagation techniques
• Physical ability to perform tasks such as lifting, bending and standing for extended periods in variable weather
• Occasional weekend shifts will be required
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including both written and verbal
• Self-directed, responsible, and uses good judgment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Presents positive, professional image while working in public setting
• Ability to provide support and direction to volunteers
Successful Internship
• Set personal goals for what they would like to accomplish during their internship
• Have regular information meetings with staff
• Tackle all tasks with enthusiasm, humility, and a positive attitude
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn more about the organization
• Gain exposure to new ideas and people through networking
• Be willing to learn and ask questions
• Take initiative
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: No degree required. A desire to learn about and engage in public horticulture is required. Bachelor’s or Associate degree in progress in horticulture or related field is appreciated.
WORKING HOURS: Some schedule flexibility during the up to 20-hour work week (Monday through Sunday), work hours completed within the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. time frame. Occasional weekend duty may be required across the term.
Working Environment
• This position will be working inside a greenhouse, Butterfly House and outdoors in varying weather conditions which may include extreme heat, humidity, rain, and other inclement weather
• During office hours, this position may need to show flexibility in limited space work environment; ability to move workstations based on available space
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, kneel, dig, and use hands, arms and legs to operate gardening tools and equipment. The employee is regularly required to lift and carry 20-40 pounds; and occasionally lift objects up to 50-60 lbs.
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call (970) 221-6535 for assistance.
Notice Regarding Medical And/or Recreational Marijuana Use
Because the possession and use of marijuana, whether for medical use or otherwise, constitutes a federal offense and because the City is a drug free workplace, the City will not accommodate the medical use of marijuana and enforces written policy prohibiting working for the City while marijuana is in the body. The fact that state law recognizes medical marijuana as a prescribed, or otherwise permitted, medication does not alter or otherwise change this policy.
The City is committed to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. The City does not tolerate behavior that results in the terms and conditions of employment being adversely impacted based on an employee’s protected status, or any behavior that violates this policy.
Consistent with the City’s respect for the rights and dignity of each employee, the City is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The City prohibits discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age 40 years or older, pregnancy or related condition, military, veteran status or uniformed service member status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.
The City is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment. In addition to the City’s commitment to equal opportunity employment, the City strictly prohibits discrimination or retaliation against an employee who raises any reasonable concern about workplace violations of government health or safety rules or a significant threat to the health or safety of City employees or the public, if the City controls the workplace conditions giving rise to the threat or violation.
POST OFFER BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED. (Background checks are considered in relation to the responsibilities and requirements of the position)
Note: Some information in your application may be public information under the Colorado Open Records Act.
