Therapeutic Horticulture Intern
Company: UNC-Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
Position Summary The Therapeutic Horticulture Intern position
will help support our expanding direct service offerings and
advance our long-term program goals. This position is ideal for a
graduate of a horticultural therapy certificate program seeking to
complete the American Horticultural Therapy Association ( AHTA )
requirement of 480 supervised internship hours. Primary
Responsibilities: * Assist with planning and facilitation of
ongoing therapeutic horticulture sessions and related program
activities. * Participate in program setup, documentation, and
evaluation. * Develop a comprehensive plan to implement a
therapeutic horticulture program group at the garden and conduct an
associated community needs assessment. * Identify potential funding
sources or partnerships to support programming. This position
requires driving; a driving record check will be required. Required
Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience Completion of a
certificate program in Horticultural Therapy from an American
Horticultural Therapy Association ( AHTA ) accredited institution.
Demonstrated foundational knowledge of therapeutic horticulture
principles, client-centered practice, and professional ethics.
Experience (classroom, practicum, or field-based) assisting with
planning and facilitating therapeutic horticulture activities.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to support program
preparation, documentation, and basic evaluation processes. Ability
to work collaboratively with staff, community partners, and
participants in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and
inclusive manner. Commitment to reflective practice, professional
development, and contributing to a positive learning environment.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage time
effectively within a part-time schedule. Experience working
respectfully, effectively, and without judgment with diverse
populations Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
Previous hands-on experience delivering therapeutic horticulture,
horticultural therapy, or nature-based wellness programming in a
community or healthcare setting. Experience working directly with
adults with mental health challenges, developmental or intellectual
disabilities, chronic illness, or other specialized populations.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care principles and their
application in group or nature-based program settings. Knowledge of
accessible garden design, including strategies for adapting
activities to support client participation and independence.
Experience conducting basic program evaluation, needs assessments,
or outcomes tracking. Strong interest in community engagement,
partnership development, or nonprofit program advancement.
Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and creative
problem-solving in program design and implementation. Experience
with grant writing, donor reporting, or identifying funding
opportunities to support programs or community initiatives.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar
platforms for documentation and reporting. Work Schedule Wednesdays
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesdays 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Keywords: UNC-Chapel Hill, Fayetteville , Therapeutic Horticulture Intern, Social Services , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
