Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture Extension Internship: Job Description

Job Title:

Horticulture Extension Intern - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture (HLA)

Duties:

Work alongside HLA Extension Specialists and Educators to update, develop, and provide research-based educational materials and programs.

Contact:

Send email with cover letter & resume to Karen Mitchell, mitcheka@purdue.edu

Phone: 

765-494-1311

State Date:

Flexible; Spring Semester 2027

Experience Req:

Experience preferred

Skills:

Microsoft Office, Social Media Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube)
Preferred skills: Creative Cloud Suite (Adobe InDesign), Website Design (Cascade, WordPress)

Semester Hours:

10 to 15 hours per week (flexible with academic schedules)

Summer Hours:

Potential summer work of 30 to 40 hours per week

Duration:

One semester with potential to continue up to one year

Start Pay:

$14.00 per hour

IS THIS JOB:

Community Service: No

On Campus: Yes

Position Summary:

The Purdue Horticulture Extension Internship Program allows students to enhance their career skills through practical, hands-on experience. Utilizing a shared-services model, the intern will report to a primary campus-based Specialist while providing project-based assistance to other Extension Specialists and regional Educators. This program is designed to help students:

  • Develop communication skills while managing public education challenges.
  • Gain experience creating professional Extension products, including publications, multimedia content, and community presentations.
  • Advance their understanding of project management, strategic communications, and public outreach.
  • Participate in professional development and networking opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of an HLA Extension Specialist, interns will focus their work on one or more program areas. Duties include:

  • Communication & Promotion: Develop promotional materials, including graphics, flyers, and social media content, to publicize HLA-Ext programs. Assist in newsletter creation.
  • Extension Product Development: Assist in drafting, reviewing, and updating publications, videos, and outreach materials. Communicate with faculty and specialists for verification of technical information and translate research into accessible content.
  • Program & Event Operations: Support the end-to-end planning and execution of statewide workshops, field days, and webinars. Manage day-of logistical operations, including registration, materials distribution, and venue coordination.
  • Administrative & Materials Management: Coordinate the production of physical educational resources (printing, copying, and binding training manuals).

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently enrolled in horticulture, plant science, agricultural education, communication, landscape architecture, or related discipline.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.
  • Keen attention to detail, organized, and ability to work well in teams.
  • A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within Indiana to support off-campus programs and site visits.
  • Preferred coursework or practical experience in multimedia production.

Professional Benefits:

  • Direct Mentorship: Dedicated opportunities to work with Extension specialists.
  • Measurable Portfolio Pieces: Opportunity to finish the internship with named contributions to publications, marketing campaigns, and large-scale event coordination.
  • Field Consultation Experience: Opportunity to accompany Extension specialists on site visits with growers to observe diagnostic processes and client consultation framework.
  • Academic Flexibility: Work schedules are structured collaboratively each semester to ensure academic loads and exam schedules take priority.

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following materials via email to Karen Mitchell at mitcheka@purdue.edu with Subject: HLA-Ext Internship Application:

  1. Resume: Detail relevant academic and practical experience.
  2. Cover Letter: Explain your interest in horticulture extension.
  3. Work Sample [Optional but Recommended]: A brief design, writing, or social media sample demonstrating communication skills.