Join – Volunteer – Give
Santa Fe Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer committed to the community and is committed to serve as an educational resource that connects people with nature and fosters respect and enjoyment of plants and conservation. We actively seek to recruit, hire, promote, and retain a diverse workforce that welcomes and engages people from varied backgrounds.
Through exploration of our public garden, fun and innovative programs, volunteerism, and education, we provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to be inspired by and learn from nature.
Employment Opportunities
To apply for the current open positions:
Please send your resume and cover letter as attachments via email to [email protected] and include the job title in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed immediately until the positions are filled.
Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden (SFBG – Garden) seeks an Executive Director (ED) to lead the next phase of the Garden’s development. After three years as ED, Dr. David A. Young will be stepping down and returning to Garden’s Board of Directors.
The ED reports to the Board through the Chair of the Board and is responsible for providing leadership and direction to achieve the Garden’s mission and vision to become a nationally recognized botanical garden with a strong science and conservation focus. The ED leads all fundraising activities of the Garden, including capital campaigns, leadership gifts, special fundraising events, sponsorships, membership development, as well as marketing and communication. The ED supervises the senior staff and encourages a culture of collaboration and teamwork that promotes responsibility and accountability. The ED, in partnership with the senior staff, is responsible for the management of all aspects of the Garden, including budgeting, strategic planning, operations, horticulture, visitor services, education and interpretation, and develops strategies to maintain and grow the Garden’s programs and profile while increasing audience participation and financial support for the Garden. The ED is the primary face of the Garden with respect to donors, community partners, the State Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Santa Fe, and the general public.
The Garden is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. It is our policy to encourage and support equal employment opportunity for all associates and applicants without regard to gender, age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity, spousal affiliation, marital status, military/veteran status, handicap or disability or membership in any other protected group.
Internship Opportunities
Linda Milbourn College Internship Program
Internship Summary
Linda Milbourn was the executive director of the Santa Fe Botanical Garden from 2003 to 2014. She passed away in 2019 after a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. The dream of our botanical garden was realized not only because of Linda’s determination, but also her admirable collaborative spirit, integrity, kindness, and humor. The Linda Milbourn College Internship honors her love of gardens and lifelong learning through on-site education of a future generation of environmental leaders. The internship was made possible by an anonymous donor in the hope that it will attract additional funding for many years to come. This eight-week hands-on experience will occur in and around the Santa Fe Botanical Garden (SFBG), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with facilities located at 715 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87505.
Applicant Eligibility
The Linda Milbourn College Internship is open both locally, regionally and nationally to students presently or recently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical school. Applicants interested in horticulture, garden design and management, environmental studies, science education, or community outreach will be preferred. Spanish language proficiency is also be desirable.
Admission Requirements
Applicants will be considered for the internship based on the following:
- A one-page resume listing their grade point average, relevant academic activities, and recent employment.
- A one-page essay highlighting their specific interest in the internship, their idea for a special project during the experience, and how this opportunity will serve their career aspirations.
- A written reference from two of the applicant’s professors, supervisors, and/or employers.
Length of Internship
Eight (8) weeks, beginning in June 2025.
Intern Activities and Supervision
Depending on the priorities for their experience, which will be jointly determined during the selection process, the intern will work with numerous staff members, volunteers, and others in the SFBG community. Through mentorship, interns will be exposed to the horticultural operation, visitor services, education and volunteer programs, events and community outreach, as well as nonprofit administration.
Internship Stipend and Program Benefits
The intern will earn $5,000 for eight (8) weeks of employment (paid per bi-monthly by direct deposit). Additionally, work-related travel expenses (e.g., trips to other botanical gardens or environmental education sites) will be covered. The intern must have their own vehicle with proof of insurance, a driver’s license, as well as housing.
Requirements for Completion of Internship
The intern must complete at least 320 hours of work, with guidance and support from staff supervisors. Their work must incorporate researching, developing, and implementing a special project covering a topic of interest (mutually agreed upon). A written report and oral presentation of the work completed during the internship are required.
To Apply
Applicants should submit the documents described in the section “Admission Requirements” to [email protected] no later than May 15, 2025. Online and/or in-person interviews will be conducted in April-May, with an anticipated start date of June 1 or June 16. Questions about the internship can be sent to [email protected].
Thank you for your interest!
The Jill and Stanley Jankowski Science and Conservation Internship
Internship summary
Since its inception in 1987, SFBG’s board, staff, and volunteers have focused on conserving and protecting biodiversity. The Garden demonstrates a commitment to educate on climate change, water conservation, importance of native plants and protection of their pollinators, conservation of biodiversity, and community science. This internship provides a unique opportunity to learn about the biodiversity of New Mexico from a variety of experiences including field-based data collection and monitoring, seed collection and storage practices, public engagement and outreach, and collections care and management of the newly established SFBG herbarium. The internship will include projects with the Rare and Endangered Plant Program within the New Mexico Forestry Division, providing hands-on experience in conservation efforts. Interns will collaborate on projects related to research, management, and protection of rare and endangered plant species. SFBG’s work aims to significantly support and enhance the region’s botanical research and conservation efforts.
Applicant Eligibility
Open to currently enrolled students (undergraduate or graduate) in an accredited college, university, or technical school who have completed 60 semester hours of course work with a 3.0 GPA in the major. Intended for students majoring in an appropriate field related to the mission of the SFBG, such as: biology, botany/plant science, zoology/animal science, ecology (including restoration ecology), horticulture/landscape architecture, environmental science, natural resource management, wildlife-conservation biology, environmental education, sustainability, and business (marketing, communications, non-profit management, tourism).
The internship requires the ability to work outdoors and hike on uneven terrain. Strong attention to detail is essential, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Admission Requirements
Applicants will be considered for the internship based on the following:
- A one-page resume (or transcript) listing their grade point average, relevant academic activities, and recent employment.
- An essay highlighting their specific interest in the internship and how this opportunity will serve their career aspirations.
- A project proposal to be completed during the internship (guidance and guidelines provided).
- A letter of support from a faculty member familiar with the student.
Length of Internship
40 hours a week for 8 weeks between the months of June through August (flexible starting date).
Intern Activities and Supervision
The intern will assist the Director of Science and Conservation with the summer field season, conservation horticulture in the living collection, the horticulture and botanical library, and the herbarium. Work will include botanical field trips throughout natural areas of New Mexico to monitor and document native plants, and managing data and collections on-site at the Garden. Work may also include ecological restoration projects on-site at the Garden and seed collection.
Internship Stipend and Program Benefits
The intern will receive $5,000 for eight (8) weeks of work. The intern must have their own vehicle with proof of insurance and a driver’s license.
Interns are expected to be based in the Santa Fe area and may apply for a housing stipend of up to $5,000. Please indicate in your application that you will apply for the housing stipend.
Requirements for Completion of Internship
The intern must complete at least 320 hours of work, with guidance and support from the Director of Science and Conservation. A written report and oral presentation of the work completed during the internship are required.
To Apply
Applicants should submit the documents described in the section “Admission Requirements” to [email protected] no later than March 1, 2025. Application review begins immediately. Online and/or in-person interviews will be conducted in March. Final decisions will be communicated by early April with an anticipated start date in May-June. Questions about the internship can be sent to [email protected].
Thank you for your interest!
Other Resources
American Public Gardens Association
Available positions at gardens all over North America are posted and updated. Begin your search.
APGA’s Career Development Center is the most comprehensive resource of its kind for the public horticulture industry—providing position openings in botanic gardens, arboreta, zoos, horticultural societies, and even museums, along with a number of other career-oriented resources for experienced and new public horticulture professionals, as well as those just beginning to explore the industry.
American Horticultural Society Internships
AHS offers a variety of internships throughout the year at River Farm in Alexandria, VA.
Communication/Editorial internships with the American Horticultural Society are open to any college-level student of journalism, English, horticulture or related fields, and to adults with relevant experience who are making a career change or seeking additional training.
Horticultural internships with the American Horticultural Society are open to anyone interested in a career in horticulture, with preference given to those pursuing a degree or who have completed a degree in horticulture, or a related field. Member Programs internships with the American Horticultural Society are open to individuals interested in nonprofit and program management.
The Garden Club of America Scholarships
The Garden Club of America offers a wide range of excellent scholarships and fellowships. Check their website at www.gcamerica.org for a complete updated list, detailed information, applications, and deadlines.
Areas of study include:
- Landscape Architecture
- Horticulture
- Medicinal Botany
- Ecological Restoration
- Coastal Wetlands
- Garden History and Design
- Tropical Botany
- Endangered Bird Habitat
- Field Botany
- Urban Forestry
- Desert Studies
- Environmental Science
- National Parks
