Internship - Sustainable Landscapes


COMPANY OVERVIEW

Located in Groveland Florida, Cherrylake is one of the largest ornamental production and landscape companies in the Southeast.  The company is vertically integrated - producing trees, palms and shrubs on over 1,800 acres of farmland, and providing commercial landscape contracting and landscape maintenance services throughout the region.

Cherrylake is a subsidiary of IMG Enterprises, a 90 million dollar Florida agri-business with diversified operations in citrus, ornamental landscape, ecosystem restoration and real estate.  Ranked the 22nd Largest Privately Owned Company in Central Florida (OBJ 2023), and one of Central Florida’s Best Places to Work (OBJ 2019), IMG Enterprises is committed to building sustainable and innovative businesses that contribute to the health and wellbeing of people, nature and society.  

JOB SUMMARY 

We are seeking a Sustainable Landscape Intern to take point in creating a new and holistic landscape library of Florida native plants that work best in urban soils and new construction.  The purpose of this is to further identify and document plants so that architects, designers and landscapers can fully understand the right plant for the right place. It will also be used for educating maintenance staff for the proper care and trimming/cutting back of each species. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES 

• Take pictures of plants through their seasonal changes. 
• Research and write up fact sheets and articulate proper maintenance and care of plants.
• Work with others in the Sustainability team to document proper plant spacing at time of installation for specific looks and desires.
• Help with time study trials on more efficient planting and maintenance methods.
• Learn about our watering program and write up detailed irrigation schedules for different types of plant materials through hydro-zoning.
• Be a part of a creative team to design community news letters to educate about the native plants in their care and explain their benefits.
• Be an active observer of the landscapes you’re part of and collaborate ideas for better ways to utilize plants in spaces and locations. 
• Participate in making educational videos concerning the care, maintenance and beauty of native plants.
• Participate in and lead garden walks to visitors at our farms native demo gardens.
• To understand and be able to speak to the front yard and backyard approach of native plant landscaping design and care.

 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Knowledge of or ability to learn Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc)
• Knowledge of or ability to learn iMovie
• Knowledge or ability to take pictures
• Knowledge of or ability to learn native plant names (Common and Scientific)
• Knowledge of or ability to identify native plants
• Knowledge of or ability to learn proper plant maintenance practices
• Effective at collaborating and learning from others.
• Ability to carry out instructions to complete projects, and seek guidance from a member of leadership when needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and orally
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to grow in position with continual learning of plants, and development of skills in the technical areas of the job.

REQUIRED LICENSES / HOURS OF WORK 

Valid driver's license and clean driving record.

This is a 10 week internship that will directly report to the Cherrylake farm in Groveland Fl. Days and hours of work will be Monday thru Friday, 40 hours per work week, occasional overtime may be required.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather (heat or cold), and moving mechanical equipment. In addition, job sites are located on both residential and commercial property. Manual dexterity and fine motor skills to effectively use small hand tools, equipment.  Requires sitting, standing, bending and walking for long periods of time during the day and night. Repetitive lifting of up to 50 lbs.

 

NOTICE 

CHERRYLAKE, INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR REQUIRE ADDITIONAL DUTIES AT ITS DISCRETION.

DFWP, EOE & EVERIFY