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Adult Learning Engagement Intern

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Posted on Apr 15, 2026
Position: Adult Learning Engagement Intern
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Job Id: 801
# of Openings: 1
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come.
Department: Learning Engagement
Supervisor: Senior Learning Engagement Manager
This is a paid internship, paid bi-weekly.
Schedule and Duration:
This position averages approximately 32 hours per week.
Dates of Employment: May 13 – August 16
Shifts: Primarily weekdays, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Weekend Expectation: Two weekend shifts per month (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Required Weekend Dates:
May: 16–17, 23
June: 14, 20–21
July: 11–12, 18–19
August: 8–9, 15–16
All interns must be available for a minimum of 10 weeks between June and August and participate in the required internship program sessions. These sessions are held every Wednesday for 3 hours and are included as part of your weekly schedule.
Position Summary: The Adult Learning Engagement Intern will support the preparation and coordination of Adult Programs while gaining experience in program development within a museum and garden setting. Over the course of the summer, the intern will assist with materials preparation and logistical coordination for Adult Classes, Plant Shows, and Japanese Tea Ceremonies/Open Teahouse Weekends. In addition to supporting existing programs, the intern will research and develop a proposal for a new Adult Learning Engagement Program (paid class or public program) aligned with the organization’s mission and adult audience interests.
Essential Functions
  • Assist with program preparation, setup, and coordination for Adult Learning Engagement Programs throughout the summer.
  • Support Adult Classes, Plant Shows, and Japanese Tea Ceremonies/Open Teahouse Weekends while observing program structure, audience engagement, and logistical coordination.
  • Help prepare and organize materials, supplies, and instructional kits for programs.
  • Assist in assembling participant materials, handouts, and kits in advance of programs.
  • Support program setup and breakdown, including arranging tables, tools, and instructional materials.
  • Help maintain and organize supply inventories; assist with restocking materials as needed.
  • Assist in staging materials and spaces for plant shows and other special events.
  • Provide support to instructors and Learning Engagement staff during programs.
  • Assist with preparing and maintaining program spaces, including the teahouse area for Japanese Tea Ceremonies and Open Teahouse Weekends.
  • Help ensure program spaces are clean, organized, and ready for guests before and after programs.
  • Support scheduling coordination and other behind-the-scenes tasks to help programs run smoothly.
  • Interact with staff, volunteers, and guests in a friendly, professional manner while representing the Learning Engagement team.
  • Take initiative in learning about program development by asking questions and observing staff practices.
Learning Outcomes:
  • Gain hands-on experience supporting program operations and development within a museum and garden setting.
  • Build organizational skills by assisting with preparing materials, managing supplies, and maintaining program spaces.
  • Learn logistical and operational support techniques for educational programs and special events.
  • Develop teamwork and communication skills by assisting and observing instructors, staff, and volunteers.
  • Understand the workflow and coordination required to support successful public programs and events.
  • Gain experience in program research, proposal development, and aligning programs with audience needs and organizational mission.
  • Develop professional skills, including initiative, observation, and guest engagement, through hands-on support.
  • Strengthen presentation and communication skills by contributing to the program proposal and final presentation.
Requirements:
  • Enrolled in a trade, degree, or certificate program at an accredited institution.
  • Available for a minimum of 10 weeks of in-person intern programming in Grand Rapids, MI
  • Ability to commit to scheduled work hours and program requirements.
  • Strong interest in learning and professional development.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse audiences.
  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Education, Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Horticulture/Plant Sciences, Public History, or a related field.
  • Students from other fields with a strong interest in program support, adult learning, and museum or garden education are also encouraged to apply.
Organizational Expectations
  • Welcoming: Fostering joy and an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone.
  • Excellence: Approaching all we do with world-class intentionalism.
  • Innovation: Embracing the future to create unique and engaging experiences in art, culture and nature with a commitment to creativity.
  • Integrity: Operating with honesty, transparency and accountability throughout the organization.
  • Stewardship: Preserving and enhancing our community, physical, cultural, and financial resources for current and future generations.
Working Conditions: Basic mobility is expected in offices, grounds, and exhibition areas. Ability to observe details at close range and communicate information accurately with others. Engage in occasional object manipulation with or without assistance, and efficiently navigate the workspace to access essential resources. Ability to regularly move up to 20 pounds and frequently up to 50 pounds (i.e., load, unload, and move supplies, medium to heavy weight tools, and equipment). Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. This job operates in a professional indoor office environment, across grounds, and exhibition areas. Occasionally, may be required to work outdoors under inclement weather conditions.
As part of our onboarding process, all new hires are required to complete our background check.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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