Garden Intern

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 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 2026.

Internship Activities and Mentorship

Internship responsibilities are intentionally broad and experiential, providing exposure to multiple aspects of Garden operations while allowing space for individual interests and learning goals. Working alongside staff mentors, interns will typically engage in the following activities:

• Public Education & Interpretation
  Assist with hands-on education programs, guided tours, community days, and informal visitor engagement, including staffing education carts and supporting interpretive activities for families and school groups.
• Site Renovation & Garden Projects
  Support ongoing site improvements and seasonal garden projects, which may include planting, maintenance, habitat enhancement, and assisting with small-scale renovation efforts that improve visitor access and learning spaces.
• Interpretive Signage & Visitor Experience
  Help research, design, install, and evaluate temporary interpretive signage that communicates ecological, horticultural, and cultural stories throughout the Garden.
• Special Project Development
  Research, develop, and implement a focused special project aligned with the intern’s academic interests and Garden priorities. Projects may support education, interpretation, horticulture, or community outreach and will be completed with guidance from staff supervisors.

Throughout the internship, students receive mentorship from staff across departments, gaining insight into nonprofit operations, collaborative project planning, and public-facing work in a botanical garden environment.

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.