Apply for the Beal Scholars Program
The Beal Scholars Internship Program is a mentored experience for MSU undergraduate students from any discipline. Scholars work with mentors, garden staff, and partners across campus and the community to implement a chosen project that aims to benefit the garden by contributing to our mission and annual goals.
Mission: Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum illuminates the interconnectedness of people, plants, and place through learning, research, and stewardship.
Schedule: May 11 – August 14, 2026
Primary Location: Beal Botanical Garden
Hours: M-F, 7:00am - 3:30pm with some weekend and evening hours. Positions could start as early as March with part-time hours. Continued employment into the fall semester is determined on an individual basis.
Pay: $15/hour
Job Posting: February 1, 2026
Application Closes: February 15, 2026 at 12:00am (midnight)
Eligibility: Applicants must be current MSU undergraduate students graduating in August 2026 or later.
For questions: Bethany Troy, Botanical Lead and Head Horticulturist, at troybeth@msu.edu
Project Description:
Garden Scholars
Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum is looking for students to assist in maintaining our 7-acre garden located along the north banks of the Red Cedar River. Beal Botanical Garden is over 150 years old and is cherished for its natural setting and impressive number of plant species. This is a great opportunity to learn about maintaining public garden spaces, living collections, and connecting with the flora that surrounds us.
Daily tasks focus on maintaining the plant collections and garden. This includes planting, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, invasive species removal, event setup, structure maintenance, and working both independently and with a team. This position requires working outdoors in a range of weather conditions and temperatures.
As part of this position, students will join the Beal Scholars team, which includes paid opportunities for professional development, resume writing, interview workshops, field trips both on and off campus, and team building. Prior horticulture or gardening experience is not required.
Beal Botanical Garden seeks multiple candidates who:
- Are interested in getting hands-on experience maintaing a garden.
- Are excited to learn and work with plants.
- Can follow directions and ask questions.
- Are punctual and timely.
- Communicate well.
- Are self-starting and self-motivating.
- Are willing to collaborate and contribute positively to a team.