Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Arnold Arboretum located?
The Arboretum is located at 125 Arborway within the city of Boston, in the neighborhoods of Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. It can be reached by public transportation via the Orange Line train to Forest Hills Station or via the #39 bus to Jamaica Plain. Other local buses also stop nearby. See directions.
What hours are interns expected to work?
Interns work a forty-hour week, Monday through Friday. Hours of operation vary from department to department. The horticulture and landscape maintenance department begins the day at 7:00am and ends at 3:30pm. Plant production and curatorial operations begin at 7:30am and end at 4:00pm. Occasionally, interns are required to start earlier or end later during the program.
Is this a paid internship?
Yes. Interns will be paid a stipend of $20.00 per hour for the summer of 2024.
Does the Arboretum provide housing?
We do not provide or locate housing for interns. We recommend visiting the website Craig’s List and searching under the “housing” heading. Many interns have had success with this site. Explore the resources on Best of the Web-Boston for more information on visiting or relocating to the Boston area.
Can the Arnold Arboretum accept international candidates?
On a limited basis, we do accept qualified international candidates. However, we are greatly limited in our ability to acquire visas due to increased homeland security and rising costs. International candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Are interns charged tuition for the classes offered during the program? Can credits be obtained from taking these classes?
Classes offered through the internship are not formal Harvard University courses. Classes are free and offer no credit. They are required instructional sessions teaching horticultural technique, landscape management, and the management of the Arnold Arboretum’s historic landscape and scientific collections. Interns will be released from daily duties to attend these sessions, though they are counted as part of the paid work day. Colleges or universities may offer credit or a grade for the entire internship experience. Interns should pursue this directly through their educational institutions.
Should interns bring their own tools to work with?
The Arboretum provides interns with all of the tools required. Steel-toe work boots are required. We offer a $100 boot stipend (details and restrictions apply; ask the intern coordinator before purchase). Interns should supply their own foul weather gear and a sturdy water bottle.
Further questions can be emailed to rbrinkman@fas.harvard.edu for quick answers.
Hunnewell Intern Code of Conduct
Interns selected for the Isabella Welles Hunnewell Internship Program are expected to act in a professional manner. Intern conduct should fully reflect the work-life of the institution by adhering to rules outlined below:
- Do not conduct personal business during work hours (e.g., emails, cellphone calls, internet, etc.).
- Be fair, considerate, honest, trustworthy, and cooperative when dealing with co-workers.
- Abide by the Workplace Harassment Policy of Harvard University and immediately contact your supervisor or Human Resources if you feel victimized by a work-related incident.
- Be familiar with and follow the policies and procedures of the Arnold Arboretum.
- Commit to best practices for ensuring workplace safety.
- Understand what constitutes a permissible work absence and know who to notify if absent.
- Be on time to work and be prompt in completing assignments.
- Dress appropriately for the work setting.
- Keep a positive attitude.
- Keep an open mind, avoid jumping to conclusions and make informed judgments.
- Request feedback from supervisors, accept constructive criticism, and continually strive to improve performance.
- Seek to enhance professional effectiveness by improving skills and acquiring new knowledge.
- Remain drug and alcohol free and avoid the use of controlled substances.