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How to Apply

All qualified individuals are welcome and encouraged to apply regardless of background and identity. A one-page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume in a single pdf file. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experiences that directly relate to it. 
 

Job Summary

The MBGNA summer internship takes place from Monday, May 4, to Thursday, August 20, 2026. To fully participate in team collaboration and project work, selected candidates are expected to complete all dates of the internship. The MBG Trail Intern will work to improve and maintain the MBG Hiking Biking Trail, which runs from Geddes Avenue to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, as well as other paths and trails at MBGNA. The internship program runs from May through late August and includes some evening and weekend hours. 
 

Who We Are

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) is a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the waters and lands we steward.

We turn this commitment into action by:
 

Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entailsAdvancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze access and impact in a radically changing worldEmerging as the University of Michigans premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversityPromoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world.

For more information about MBGNA and the summer internship program, please visit: https://mbgna.umich.edu/summer-internships

For questions about the internship application, please contact: [email protected] 
 

Responsibilities*

This internship position is part of the Natural Areas team at MBGNA.  This internship is focused on Woody Plant Collections and Trails. As part of the Natural Areas team, this position will regularly interact with visitors, volunteers, and other MBGNA departments during the course of a workday.  

This internship position will support the goals of the Natural Areas team through the following: 

Maintenance of the MBG Hiking Biking trail and related stormwater features using a variety of tools and equipment. Mowing and clearing brush, cutting and chipping, fallen trees and branchesPruning, labeling, and GIS mapping of important trees and shrubs along the trail
 Required Qualifications*Applicants must have one year of experience enrolled in a college or university by the internship start date. Recent college graduates who earned a degree in December 2025 or are planning to earn a degree by May 2026 are eligible to apply. Hands-on experience with trail work and/or landscaping tools and equipment Tree and shrub identification, planting, and care GIS data collection and managementThese positions may require a valid driver's license and a motor vehicle record check to operate MBGNA vehicles.:This position may require frequent travel between MBGNA site locations. Willingness to do physical work outdoors in all weather conditions.How You'll Grow

The MBGNA summer internship provides university-level students with opportunities to:
 

Participate in experiential learning in a nature-based organizationDirectly contribute to strategic operations of a mission-driven organizationHelp unify and catalyze access and impact across lands, waters, and dynamic systems
 

As part of a learning community, interns will be expected to:
 

Attend a group orientation at the beginning of the summerParticipate in professional development sessions offered throughout the summerEngage in opportunities for assessment and reflectionAttend a final celebration at the end of the summer 
 Work Locations

MBGNA comprises 841 total acres, spanning across four sites, including the gardens, arboretum, a bog, and natural areas. This internship will take place at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens location. 

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Application Deadline

The MBGNA internship application will be open from Wednesday, January 6, to Sunday, March 1, 2026.  Applications will be reviewed after the internship application closes.  Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews beginning Monday, March 9, 2026.  Final candidates will be notified by March 27, 2026. 

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.