Landscape Assistant (Paid)
Apply by April 2
This position will work to maintain new and existing landscapes and plantings in the core of campus and the Arboretum. Responsibilities will include weeding, planting, mulching, irrigating and operating light power tools. Applicants must be able to work 10-15 hours during spring quarter and up to 30 hours per week in summer. Submit an application by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2nd.
Arboretum Ambassador Newsletter Writer (Paid)
Apply by April 6
This position will be responsible for producing a biweekly student newsletter for our Learning by Leading™ program, as well as for planning and representing the Learning by Leading™ program at outreach events. The newsletter writer will be expected to work 5 to 12 hours a week, including weekends sometimes. In order to apply submit your resume, cover letter, a brief writing sample, and at least two references by 11:59pm on Sunday, April 6th.
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve Field Technician (Paid)
Apply by April 13
Help design and maintain habitat enhancement projects throughout the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve as a field technician. Technicians' responsibilities will include will collecting native plant seeds, revegetateingthe reserve and removing weeds, trash and debris. Technicians will be expected to work three 5-hour shifts a week on Monday through Wednesday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. To apply, please send a letter of interest and a copy of your resume to Miles DaPrato, madaprato@ucdavis.edu, by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday April 13th, 2025.
Learning by Leading™
We believe that students learn best by leading.
Leadership skills and real-world experience combine to help our students address the earth’s most important environmental issues. The Learning by Leading™ internship program offers quarter-long and school year-long internships in which students gain leadership experience addressing a variety of environmental sustainability, restoration and literacy issues by working in teams to solve real-world problems in the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. Internships correspond with the UC Davis academic schedule and are offered fall, winter and spring quarters. Summer internships are offered on an individual basis, in coordination with staff mentors.
Students in this program can graduate with . . .
- Central Valley gardening, drought-tolerant landscaping, habitat restoration and California native plant cultivation experience.
- Knowledge of horticultural best practices, plant propagation, landscaping, education, and community outreach experience.
- Highly transferable leadership, team-building, and 21st century professional skills.
- Strong mentor relationships with staff experts and earn recommendations to support future endeavors.
- Knowledge organizing events that engage volunteers, visitors and other community members.
- A new network of students engaged in improving our campus outdoor spaces and positively impacting our planet’s environment.
Internship Overviews
Arboretum Ambassadors
This program seeks to empower youth leaders to become effective advocates for the environment through public outreach, environmental and conservation education, and networking through many organizations.
CCUH SmartLandscape
In this program, students will be encouraged and mentored to approach landscape ecology from both humanistic and biological contexts with consideration for aesthetics, function, and ecological needs of the landscape and its wildlife. (This internship is a collaboration with the California Center for Urban Horticulture (CCUH).)
Ecological Land Management
Interns will gain experience in the management, stewardship, and restoration of natural lands on the UC Davis Putah Creek Riparian Reserve and other campus natural areas.
Habitat Horticulture
Habitat Horticulture interns will learn about species interactions and the ecological benefits of gardens in urban environments and be trained to actively engage with the community when they are on site.
Plant Propagation and Nursery Management
Work with professional Arboretum nursery and plant sales staff to gain hands-on experience working in a nursery. Interns will learn methods for propagating a great variety of plants, many of which are unusual in cultivation.
Sustainable Horticulture
Hands-on training includes irrigation design and installation, planting design, plant selection and installation, and long-term maintenance. Students will also be responsible for leading an independent project.
Urban Tree Stewardship
Interns will learn to understand climate adaptation in urban forestry and gain opportunities to explore and improve the surrounding tree canopy, while working with a virtual team and campus partners to support research, public education and campus planning.
Waterway Stewardship
Interns will become familiar with land and water management concepts of sustainable environmental design, storm water management, and native habitat restoration in an urban setting.