Horticultural Soil Science Intern
Boost your chances before you apply.
Midwest Groundcovers LLC
Maple Park, IL, US
Summary
The intern will assist with laboratory testing, field sampling, and data collection to support quality control and product development. They will also conduct an independent research project and provide technical support for growing media and soil science initiatives.
Job Description
OBJECTIVE / ACCOUNTABILITY
The Horticultural Soil Science Intern is a hands-on learning opportunity for students interested in horticulture, soil science, environmental science, or agriculture. Working alongside our Quality and Technical Services teams, you'll gain practical experience in laboratory testing, field sampling, product development, and applied research while helping ensure the quality and performance of the growing media products our customers rely on. This internship is designed to build technical knowledge, strengthen scientific skills, and provide meaningful, real-world experience through collaboration, continuous learning, and hands-on projects.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Laboratory
- Assist with laboratory testing of raw materials and growing media
- Learn and apply laboratory procedures and testing techniques
- Prepare, organize, and manage samples for testing and analysis
- Accurately collect, record, and maintain laboratory data
- Support quality control activities by ensuring accurate and timely testing
Research
- Conduct an internship research project under the guidance of the Quality team
- Research a topic aligned with business priorities and educational interests
- Analyze findings and present project results at the conclusion of the internship
Field Work
- Collect samples from production facilities and customer sites
- Gather and document field data to support product evaluation and quality initiatives
- Assist with field observations and data collection as assigned
Technical Support
- Develop an understanding of:
- Growing media and soil science
- Raw material characteristics and performance
- Urban soils
- Green roof systems
- Assist with technical projects that support product quality, innovation, and customer success
Team & Business Support
- Prepare product samples for customers and internal testing
- Participate in team meetings, training, and company events
- Support additional projects and responsibilities as assigned
- Demonstrate safe work practices while contributing to a collaborative, value-driven team environment
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others
EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCES
- High school diploma or GED required
- Currently in pursuit of, or recently graduated with, an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Soil Science, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Biology, or a related field
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to work safely in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions as job responsibilities require
- Ability to safely lift 25 pounds as job responsibilities require
- Demonstrates curiosity and a desire to continuously learn
- Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments
- Works collaboratively while contributing ideas and solutions
- Adapts to changing priorities and work environments
- Maintains a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement
- Comfortable working in both laboratory and outdoor environments, including varying weather conditions
- Ability to safely lift and carry samples and climb mulch or compost piles during field sampling
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
- $17.00/hour
BENEFITS
- Paid Holidays
- Employee Discount
- A collaborative, team-oriented workplace recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025
ABOUT THE COMPANY
For more than 40 years, Midwest Trading has been a trusted wholesale supplier serving the Green Industry throughout the Chicagoland area. Guided by our motto, "Great Plants Start with Great Soil™," we are committed to providing innovative, sustainable products that help our customers succeed.
Our expertise includes premium greenhouse and nursery growing media, custom-engineered soils for green roofs, bioswales, and rain gardens, as well as landscape mulches, soil amendments, and a wide range of horticultural supplies. With two convenient material pick-up yards and a dedication to quality, reliability, and exceptional customer service, Midwest Trading has become a valued partner to landscape professionals, growers, municipalities, and contractors.
At Midwest Trading, we believe our success begins with our people. We are proud to have been recognized as a Top Workplace in 2024 and 2025, reflecting our commitment to creating a positive, collaborative, and rewarding work environment where employees are empowered to learn, contribute, and grow their careers.
If you're looking to join a company that values teamwork, innovation, sustainability, and making a lasting impact on the Green Industry, we'd love to welcome you to the Midwest Trading team.
7:30am to 4:00pm
40 hours a week
Although Groundcovers are our specialty, Midwest Groundcovers' plant offerings include Evergreens and Broadleaves, Deciduous Shrubs, Perennials, Ornamental Grasses, Vines and Native Prairie, Wetland and Woodland species. We are leaders in the Green Industry in partnering with landscape architects, landscape designers, green roof and plant professionals to create inspiring planting combination solutions. Experts in plants for Midwestern durability and sustainability for over four decades.
Our Mission is to provide quality plants and services which meet the expectations of our customers in the landscaping and green environment by continuing to build a quality company where employees and owners can achieve their professional and personal goals through the company.
Our Value Statements
Relationships: We create and maintain mutually beneficial, long term relationships with customers, suppliers and team members that are based upon honesty and trust.
People: We are self-motivated people who take responsibility to develop ourselves, our teams and the company. We celebrate our achievements and seek to inspire each other.
Teamwork: We all work together in an ethical, practical, reliable and safety conscious manner to serve our customers and each other. We all pitch in and no job is beneath any team member.
Improvement: We innovate to produce efficiencies, cost savings and smarter work solutions in order to maintain a fair and reasonable profit while adding value for our customers. We are committed to improve all we touch within our industry and our community.
Products and Services: We develop and produce consistent products to meet the quality expectations of our customers. We bring value by understanding our customers’ businesses and build solutions through our products and services.
Sustainability: We positively and thoughtfully impact our region’s land, considering economic vitality, environmental responsibility and the well-being of our people and community.
Founded
1969
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Wholesale
Org type
Privately Held
Headquarters
St. Charles, Illinois
Although Groundcovers are our specialty, Midwest Groundcovers' plant offerings include Evergreens and Broadleaves, Deciduous Shrubs, Perennials, Ornamental Grasses, Vines and Native Prairie, Wetland and Woodland species. We are leaders in the Green Industry in partnering with landscape architects, landscape designers, green roof and plant professionals to create inspiring planting combination solutions. Experts in plants for Midwestern durability and sustainability for over four decades.
Our Mission is to provide quality plants and services which meet the expectations of our customers in the landscaping and green environment by continuing to build a quality company where employees and owners can achieve their professional and personal goals through the company.
Our Value Statements
Relationships: We create and maintain mutually beneficial, long term relationships with customers, suppliers and team members that are based upon honesty and trust.
People: We are self-motivated people who take responsibility to develop ourselves, our teams and the company. We celebrate our achievements and seek to inspire each other.
Teamwork: We all work together in an ethical, practical, reliable and safety conscious manner to serve our customers and each other. We all pitch in and no job is beneath any team member.
Improvement: We innovate to produce efficiencies, cost savings and smarter work solutions in order to maintain a fair and reasonable profit while adding value for our customers. We are committed to improve all we touch within our industry and our community.
Products and Services: We develop and produce consistent products to meet the quality expectations of our customers. We bring value by understanding our customers’ businesses and build solutions through our products and services.
Sustainability: We positively and thoughtfully impact our region’s land, considering economic vitality, environmental responsibility and the well-being of our people and community.
Founded
1969
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Wholesale
Org type
Privately Held
Headquarters
St. Charles, Illinois
