Design Team Intern

POSITION SUMMARY

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society seeks a Design Team Intern to help bring the 2027 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show to life. This is an exciting, hands-on opportunity to gain professional development and valuable experience in design and event production—with a front-row seat to how one of the country's largest and most celebrated events comes together. Working alongside industry professionals, the intern will assist the Design Team in planning and executing the Flower Show, with a real hand in translating design documentation into on-site reality. It's a role for someone who's equal parts design-minded and logistically sharp, and who likes seeing an idea become something real.

The successful candidate manages graphic production and on-site logistical support in a busy special events environment, and can anticipate project needs, prioritize, and meet deadlines with little supervision. They should have a love for design and hands-on problem-solving, be a strong communicator, and be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends during peak Show periods.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reporting to the Director of Planning & Design of the Flower Show, the Design Team Intern will help translate the team’s design drawings into a fully realized physical show, supporting the planning and design process from documentation through on-site execution, including:

• Graphic & print production: Prepare design files for print, coordinate with print shops, and manage the printing of drawing sets, signage, plant labels, and other graphic materials.
• Measurement & layout: Take accurate field measurements against construction drawings and help lay out elements throughout the show floor.
• On-site coordination: Coordinate with labor crews or other teams to assist with accurate organization and placement of elements on site based on planning documents. This may include bulk materials, furniture, signage, and fixturing.
• Errands & logistics: Run supply and print errands (print shops, hardware stores) using a shared team vehicle.
• Cross-team support: Jump in with the design, production and site-operations teams on documentation, materials organization, event support, and day-of tasks as they come up.
• Data > Design: Process and interpret data in Excel and translate spreadsheet information into design outputs (such as diagrams or detail drawings).

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud programs (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to create graphic decks in Google Slides.
• Comfort preparing print and graphic documents.
• Comfortable using measuring tools (e.g., tape measure) to take accurate measurements.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to drive a shared vehicle (minivan).
• Strong, proactive communicator who is comfortable coordinating with a wide range of people.
• Possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A willingness to iterate and jump in to help the team wherever needed.
• Bonus: Proficiency in a 3D modeling program—SketchUp and Layout (Trimble) preferred; CAD, Rhino, or similar also welcome.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS/STIPEND

• January 11, 2027 – April 23, 2027. Full time at 40 hours/week preferred. Increased hours during the build of the Flower Show as well as during actual show days of the Flower Show. (see below)
• Must be fully available for all hours of the Flower Show period, from set-up to tear-down
  • Set-Up: 3/2/2027 – 3/11/2027
  • Open to Public: 3/12/2027 – 3/21/2027
  • Tear-Down: 3/21/2027 – 3/24/2027
• Occasional workdays with long hours.
• Occasional evenings and weekends.
• Must be able to endure extended periods of walking and/or standing.
• Must be able to lift 20lbs.
• Provided a stipend of $5,000 for the duration of their internship.

To learn more about us, visit www.phsonline.org.

Please no telephone or walk-in inquiries. EOE. Only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

EEO NOTICE: 

At PHS, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.