Grey Towers National Historic Site

Elisabeth S. Mortimer Garden Internship

The Elisabeth S. Mortimer Internship was created in 1994 when Elisabeth and Charles Mortimer made a generous donation to the Pinchot Institute for Conservation to set up an internship at Grey Towers National Historic Site. The focus is on gardening, one of Mrs. Mortimer's greatest passions. Because of the generosity of the Mortimers the chosen intern will receive a $2,500.00 stipend for the 12 week program.

Grey Towers is a French-style mansion designed by Richard Morris Hunt and built in 1886. The 101-acre site, administered by the USDA Forest Service, consists of formal, landscaped and wooded grounds. The Elisabeth S. Mortimer Internship will provide a valuable, practical experience for the motivated undergraduate college student who has attained at least sophomore status. This internship provides the student hands-on experience to challenge and broaden the student's knowledge of practical applications of horticultural theory learned in the classroom.

Fields of Study

Elisabeth S. Mortimer Garden Internship is available to undergraduate students in a variety of fields of study. In the past, students enrolled in the following disciplines have benefited from this intern program

Ornamental Horticulture
Forestry
Landscape Architecture
Environmental Disciplines

Expectations

As an intern, you will:

• Assist the Horticulturist in the management, maintenance, and phased restoration of the historic landscape and gardens. Duties include: panting, preparing, and maintaining annual and perennial flower beds, maintaining woody ornamentals and tress, and maintenance of groomed lawns.
• Assist with the development and presentation of horticulture exhibits and interpretive programs on landscape history, plant identification, and garden design for public events.
• Help implement and broaden the Horticultural Garden Volunteer Team.
• Research and review historic documents and photographs, as related to garden restoration and maintenance.

Work Schedule will be 40 hours weekly, Monday- Friday.

Skills and Knowledge

Ability to operate equipment including lawn mowers and string trimmers. Applicant must have a valid drivers license.

Ability to identify both native and ornamental woody and herbaceous plant species. Applicant should have the ability to read landscape plans and drawings.

Practical knowledge of the appropriate methods and techniques of horticultural science, plant nutrition, and plant growth. Sensitivity to historic values as they apply to maintaining and restoring historic gardens and landscapes

Location

Grey Towers, at the foot of the Pocono Mountains, overlooks the town of Milford, Pennsylvania and the Delaware River Valley. Near the Tri-State region of NY-NJ-PA, it is in close proximity to New York City. Government on-site housing is provided. Living quarters will be shared with other seasonal volunteers. A vehicle is not required, but recommended for those interested in personal sightseeing and convenience.

How To Apply

A resume and cover letter which also indicates your field of study and expected graduation date maybe forwarded via fax, e-mail, or postage mail to:

Elizabeth Hawke, Horticulturist
Grey Towers National Historic Site
151 Grey Towers Drive
PO Box 188
Milford, PA 18337
Phone: 570-296-6061 ext. 162
Fax: 570-296-9675
E-Mail: ehawke@fs.fed.us

Resumes should be received by April 29, 2013 to ensure the selected intern will have adequate time to make the transition.

Grey Towers, The Pinchot Institute and the Mortimer Family appreciate your interest in our internship and wish you success in your career!

USDA Forest Service - Grey Towers National Historic Site
Last Modified: Wednesday, 02 January 2013 at 16:12:18 EST