Horticulture and Ecological Restoration Internship Program

Employment type: Internship
Application Due Date: April 15, 2026

The Windwood Estate is seeking an intern to help in the management of the natural areas, designed gardens and specimen trees in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Intern candidate would ideally be from the natural resources, landscape architecture, horticultural, environmental science or related field. Intern would be involved with restoration field work including invasive species control, seed collection, site monitoring, and botanical and biological inventory. Intern would also be involved with other projects such as helping monitor plant and animal species and stormwater runoff and capture. Intern would work with a professional ecologist, arborist and garden designers on management and monitoring of the site.

The Windwood Estate is a large, historic estate on the shores of Lake Geneva. The estate features remnant and restored woodlands, parkland, lakefront, tree specimens, prairie restoration, stormwater features, trails and formal and naturalized gardens.

Skills required:

· General knowledge of ecological restoration, natural resources, horticulture and the conservation field

· Plant ID / basic knowledge and a desire to learn more

· Knowledge of ecological restoration concepts and practices

· Ability to perform physical field work in adverse weather conditions

· Ability to obtain a herbicide applicator license

· General communication and correspondence skills

Skills desired:

· GIS

· Landscape Architecture graphics and design

· Ability to write text for interpretive signage, outreach materials, and/or publications

Practicalities:

· We welcome candidates at any level

· Four month paid internship. May-August.

· Full time, 35-40 hours per week. 4-5 days/week, Monday-Friday, weather depending.

· Internship is paid at $20/hour

· Housing in Lake Geneva provided by the estate at no cost. The intern will share housing with interns working at the estate.

Estimated Intern Task breakdown (approximate projection of the percentage of time intern would spend on tasks throughout the season):

· 70-80%: Field work in the prairie, woodland and landscape (invasive species control, planting, seed collection, landscaping work, tree care, site monitoring, working with contractors)

· 10-20%: special project relating to the other site aspects (i.e. public programs, wetland hydrology research, landscape/restoration design, etc.)

· 10%: field trips/working on projects necessary for academic requirements

Deadline for application is April 15, 2026. To apply, send a cover letter, your resume and three references to Sue and Brian Griffith familygriffith6@aol.com. Any questions about this opportunity – same email.