Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship Program
Morris Arboretum & Gardens is a historic public garden and research and educational institution. Through education, research, and horticultural display, it inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants, people, and place. The endowed apprenticeship program provides hands-on experience and an education that prepares individuals for careers in public gardens and related fields.
Our apprenticeship program offers hands-on experience across various departments, providing practical work in an arboretum/public garden setting. Apprentices receive training and develop valuable skills for careers in public gardens and related fields. Monthly cohort trips explore plant sciences, including botany, arboriculture, curation, and natural lands management. Candidates must have a high school diploma or higher. The program typically lasts 9 – 12 months, depending on the position and performance.
Open Positions
Applications for the following positions and detailed descriptions are currently open! All applications MUST be submitted through the online Careers@Penn system; we are unable to consider candidates who do not submit an online application.
The positions below run for 9 – 12 months, beginning March 2, 2026:
Horticulture Apprentice (4 positions)
Arborist Apprentice (2 positions)
Youth & Visitor Education Apprentice
Payment
Apprentices are temporary staff members of the University of Pennsylvania, working 40 hours a week at an hourly rate of $16.00+, paid weekly.
More Opportunities to Grow
Apprentices can enroll in Morris classes, some of which are free, and attend Morris-sponsored conferences and symposia to further their professional development.