Job Description
Lauritzen Gardens, acclaimed as the Best Attraction in the 2025 Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards and voted #5 by USA Today for Top Botanical Gardens in the United States, is home to 100 acres of horticultural displays showcasing the diverse Nebraska landscape. Lauritzen Gardens is a non-profit organization that supports conservation efforts across the Great Plains, promotes thoughtful, ecologically minded horticulture, creates educational and inspirational experiences, and offers a year-round schedule of tours, programs, and workshops that explore, explain, and celebrate the world of plants. Lauritzen Gardens is dedicated to upholding its exceptional standards and providing joyful experiences for its visitors.
Job Summary
Summer Education Interns at Lauritzen Gardens have a unique opportunity to engage with children and guests of all ages while experiencing and learning in a non-profit botanic garden setting. Interns will spend the majority of their time leading our Summer Adventure Camps for children ages 5-12. Camp topics include nature-based themes that will allow staff and campers to enjoy an exciting indoor and outdoor camp experience, with all supplies, curriculum, and support from full-time staff provided. Interns will also engage with other education programming, including summer field trips, Sofia's Play Garden programming, and general garden experiences for visitors.
Interns must possess enthusiasm, flexibility, a love of the outdoors, and an interest in working with children. Interns will also have educational and networking opportunities, including time with garden leadership in other areas, behind-the-scenes experiences, and engagement with summer camp guest speakers representing other organizations throughout the metro.
Intern candidates must be available from May 18th to August 7th. Some hours may be available from August 10th to 14th for those who are interested. The hours for this position are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Candidates must be available for the majority of camp weeks, including the one-week training period in May before the start of camps. This is a full-time, seasonal, internship position with a 40-hour work week. Any time off requests, except in emergencies, must be submitted before May 18th.
Lauritzen Gardens will coordinate with interns seeking for-credit internship opportunities to ensure we can meet the needs through your institution.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews beginning the week of January 5, 2026, and continuing until all positions are filled.
Work Environment
The position will work both indoors and outdoors in Nebraska's climate, conducting tours and other programming.
Education & Experience
- High School diploma or GED (required)
- Bachelor's degree in progress or completed in a related field (preferred)
- Experience with elementary-age children in an informal or formal education setting (preferred)
Additional Qualifications
- Passion for working with youth and adults in an informal educational setting.
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude in times of large crowds and groups.
- Physically able to keep the space clean and organized, as well as play/engage with children in different garden spaces.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multi-faceted work environment.
- Excellent communication skills, including in presentation and tour settings.
- Attention to detail with a strong emphasis on excellent internal and external customer service.
- Understanding of general environmental concepts.
Housing
The opportunity for housing near Lauritzen Gardens at a rate of $35.00 per week may be available. Further information can be provided upon request.