Learning by Leading Students

Learning by Leading

Internship Openings

Ecological Land Management Field Technician (paid)

Open until filled

Field technicians will support habitat restoration and natural resource stewardship efforts across the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve and Campus Naturalized Lands, performing tasks such as native plant installation, invasive species control, and trail maintenance. Learn more about the position. Send a cover letter and resume to Miles DaPrato at madaprato@ucdavis.edu to apply.

Habitat Horticulture

Apply by Aug. 27

Habitat Horticulture interns will gain hands-on experience in garden maintenance, plant and wildlife identification, landscape design and species monitoring, with a focus on climate-ready gardens that support biodiversity. Learn more and apply by Aug. 27.

Nursery Management

Apply by Sept. 5, 2025

Nursery Management interns will gain hands-on experience in plant propagation, irrigation maintenance, pruning, pest and weed management, and more, with a focus on California natives and other climate-resilient plants. Learn more and apply by Sept. 5.

Urban Tree Stewardship

Apply by Sept. 5, 2025

Urban Tree Stewardship interns will gain hands-on experience in urban forestry and nursery management while working directly on campus climate adaptation. Learn more and apply by Sept. 5.

Sustainable Horticulture 

Apply by Sept. 12, 2025

Sustainable horticulture interns will learn to design and install drought-resilient gardens, plant and prune trees, build irrigation systems and more. Learn more and apply by Sept. 12.

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