Horticulture Production Intern - Illinois

OBJECTIVE / ACCOUNTABILITY

The Horticulture Production Intern gains hands-on experience across multiple areas of our Illinois wholesale production nursery while contributing to the daily success of the operation. Through guided learning, meaningful projects, and cross-functional collaboration, the intern develops practical knowledge of the complete plant production cycle—from propagation through sales and distribution. This internship is designed to complement an accredited two- or four-year degree program while fostering professional growth, curiosity, continuous improvement, and a commitment to quality, safety, and exceptional customer service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Nursery Operations & Production

• Participate in daily operations across multiple nursery departments, including propagation, greenhouse production, growing, plant health, inventory, production, and shipping
• Assist with plant propagation, potting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, and general crop maintenance while maintaining high standards of plant quality
• Support greenhouse operations by gaining experience with environmental controls, production schedules, and seasonal workflows
• Assist with inventory management, plant transfers, production reporting, and documentation to help maintain accurate records and efficient operations
• Safely operate tools, equipment, and tractors under supervision while following established safety procedures and contributing to a safe work environment

Plant Health, Research & Continuous Improvement

• Assist with monitoring irrigation, nutrition, pH, EC levels, and fertilizer application while learning best horticultural practices
• Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) efforts by scouting for insects, diseases, weeds, and other plant health concerns
• Participate in research trials by organizing, maintaining, evaluating, and collecting data to support continuous improvement and innovation
• Assist with developing production resources, documentation, and process improvements that support operational excellence
• Demonstrate curiosity by asking questions, seeking feedback, and applying new knowledge throughout the internship

Professional Development & Team Collaboration

• Build positive working relationships by collaborating with growers, supervisors, and team members across multiple departments
• Support departmental and individual projects while demonstrating initiative, accountability, and attention to detail
• Adapt to changing business priorities and contribute wherever needed to support operational success
• Communicate openly, listen respectfully, and work collaboratively to solve problems and deliver results
• Represent Midwest Companies professionally by maintaining a positive attitude, honoring commitments, and contributing to an environment where people enjoy working together

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong interest in horticulture, agriculture, plant science, or a related field
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn, ask questions, and embrace new challenges
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office or similar software
• Commitment to working safely, acting with integrity, and supporting a collaborative team environment

EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCES

• Currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an accredited two- or four-year degree program in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, Landscape Management, Environmental Science, or a related field
• Internship satisfies the educational requirements of the student's academic program
• Previous nursery, greenhouse, landscaping, farming, or horticultural experience is preferred but not required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and quality
• Ability to perform physical work, including standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds
• Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse teams
• Strong observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and sound judgment while supporting customers, coworkers, and company goals

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

• $17.00/hour

BENEFITS

• Paid Holidays
• Employee Discount
• A collaborative, team-oriented workplace recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025

ABOUT THE COMPANY

For more than 50 years, Midwest Groundcovers has been a trusted leader in the Green Industry, growing and propagating more than 20 million premium wholesale plants each year. While groundcovers remain our specialty, our diverse product offering includes evergreens, broadleaves, deciduous shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, vines, and native prairie, wetland, and woodland species.

We proudly partner with landscape architects, landscape designers, contractors, municipalities, and other green industry professionals to provide innovative plant solutions that promote beauty, durability, and sustainability throughout the Midwest. Our commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service has made us one of the region's premier wholesale growers.

At Midwest Groundcovers, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We're proud to have been recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025, reflecting our commitment to fostering a collaborative, supportive, and purpose-driven work environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally.

If you're looking to build a meaningful career with a company that values teamwork, innovation, and a passion for horticulture, we'd love to have you join our team.