Position Summary

The Horticulture Intern collaborates on the design, installation, and maintenance of decorative landscaping for all Metro Waste Authority Facilities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assist with planting, watering, pruning, and general maintenance of trees, shrubs, grasses, and pollinator-friendly plants. 
• Assist with designing, planting and maintenance of landscaping and flower beds
• Provide design input to entrances of facilities of MWA
• Support soil management efforts including erosion prevention, mulching, and compost application.
• Monitor plant health, identify invasive species, and assist with removal/ control strategies. 
• Collect and record field data (grown rates, survival rates, soil conditions). 
• Participate in habitat restoration and conservation projects on-site.  
• Collaborate with site staff on landscape improvements that enhance both environmental sustainability and community image. 
• Capstone Project 2026 – Include maintain and plan landscaping at all Metro Waste Authority Facilities with the help of landscapers and employees of Metro Waste Authority. 
• Performs other special projects, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

MWA Values

Demonstrates an understanding of Metro Waste Authority’s values and applies them to the position, and assigned responsibilities, as well as to all interactions with customers and co-workers.

• Leadership – Set the example because everyone is a leader!
• Integrity – Always do what is right!
• Positivity – Bring our best to every task, every day and bring out the best in your colleagues!
• Teamwork – Collaborate because we know that together we will address opportunities and challenges!
• Innovation – Forge a new path and evolve!

Behavioral Competencies

• Displaying Creativity – Produces a wide range of ideas and suggestions when presented with a problem or challenge; comes up with creative, new ways of doing things
• Learning Quickly – Quickly comprehends new problems and situations; needs very little time to learn and master new processes or tools; able to figure things out as he/she goes along
• Safety – Demonstrates “Safety First” in every activity; reports hazards and incidents promptly; fosters a culture of Safety, Service, Schedule with team interactions
• Sharing Information – Readily shares knowledge and experience with others; actively participates in discussions and exchanges of ideas

Travel

This position requires frequent travel in and around the Des Moines metro area to support all Metro Waste Authority facilities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, or a related field. 
• Interest in sustainable landscaping, native plants, and environmental stewardship. 
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain. 
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

Preferred Education & Experience

Basic knowledge of plant identification, soil science, or horticultural practices preferred (not required)

Physical Demands

Maximum occasional floor to waist lift, 75 lbs.; Maximum occasional above shoulder lifting , 75 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral or preferred carry, 75 lbs..; Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull, 125 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional vertical push/pull, 125 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional right/left grip, 85 lbs. of force; Maximum frequent right/left 2-point/3-point/lateral pinch, 10/15/25 lbs. of force; Constant forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Frequent sitting; Occasional to frequent standing; Occasional to frequent walking; Occasional stair climbing; Occasional ladder/equipment climbing; Occasional to frequent squatting; Occasional to frequent crouching; Occasional to Frequent kneeling; Occasional to frequent bending; Occasional to frequent stooping; Occasional to frequent twisting.  

Work Environment

Work is performed in an environment with undesirable conditions: exposure to extreme heat and cold, odors, noise, dust, fumes, moving parts, electrical shock, burns and toxic agents. Occupational hazards such as those generally associated with ongoing exposure to moving machinery/equipment leading to cuts, bruises, burns, strains, back injuries, and potentially more serious injuries.