How to Apply
Applications are welcomed and encouraged from all qualified individuals regardless of background and identity. A one-page cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume in a single pdf file. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experiences that directly relate to it.
Job Summary
The MBGNA summer internship takes place Monday, May 5 to Friday, August 15, 2025. In order to fully participate in team collaboration and project work, selected candidates are expected to complete all dates of the internship.
Learning Objectives
The MBGNA summer internship provides university-level students with opportunities to:
- Participate in experiential learning in a nature-based organization
- Directly contribute to strategic operations of a mission-driven organization
- Help unify and catalyze equity and justice across lands, waters, and dynamic systems
Who We Are
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) is a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the waters and lands we steward.
We turn this commitment into action by:
- Positioning humans as active participants within the natural world and compelling the university community and our publics to negotiate the full complexity that entails
- Advancing partnerships, programs, user experience, and all that we steward to catalyze equity and justice in a radically changing world
- Emerging as the University of Michigan's premier partner for research, teaching, and public impact in sustainability, climate-forward practices, and biocultural diversity
- Promoting healthier communities, cultures, and ecosystems through active care and cultivation of the gardens, fields, natural habitats, and dynamic systems that sustain our world.
MBGNA seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan and sustain the excellence of the University of Michigan.
For more information about MBGNA and the summer internship program, please visit: https://mbgna.umich.edu/summer-internships
For questions about the internship application, please contact:
[email protected]
Responsibilities*
This internship position is part of the Marketing and Communications (MarCom) team at MBGNA. This internship is focused on social media. As part of the MarCom team, this position will regularly interact with visitors, volunteers, and other MBGNA departments during a workday. This role involves spending time on trails and in outdoor spaces to capture content and engage with MBGNA's natural environment.
This internship position will support the goals of the MarCom through the following:
- Capturing and editing short-form video content to tell compelling stories and highlight visitor experiences, volunteer contributions, and behind-the-scenes moments.
- Taking and editing photos to share across social media platforms.
- Telling compelling stories through creative and engaging content that connects audiences to MBGNAs mission and programs.
- Collaborating with team members and departments to identify trending topics and opportunities for visual storytelling.
- Attending weekly team meetings
Required Qualifications*
- Applicants must have one year of experience enrolled in a college or university by the internship start date. Recent college graduates who earned a degree in December 2024 or are planning to earn a degree by May 2025 are eligible to apply.
- Experience with social media content creation
- This position may require a valid driver"s license and a motor vehicle record check in order to operate MBGNA vehicles.
- This position may require a background check in order to work with minors according to Children on Campus policy.
- This position may require frequent travel between MBGNA site locations.
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Willingness to do physical work.
- Must have a flexible schedule with weekend and evening availability.
Work Schedule
Hours Per Week / Days Per Week
15
Work Locations
MBGNA comprises 841 total acres, spanning across four sites, including the gardens, arboretum, a bog, and natural areas. This internship will take place at rotating MBGNA sites and locations - reliable transportation is required.
Modes of Work
In Person
Hybrid work may be considered.
Additional Information
Compensation: $15.00/hour
Application Deadline
The MBGNA internship application will be open Wednesday, January 15 - Sunday, March 2, 2025. Applications will be reviewed after the internship application closes. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews beginning Monday, March 10, 2025. Final candidates will be notified by March 31, 2025
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.