Learning by Leading Students

Learning by Leading

Arboretum Ambassador Newsletter Writer (Paid)

Apply by April 6

This position will be responsible for producing a biweekly student newsletter for our Learning by Leading™ program, as well as for planning and representing the Learning by Leading™ program at outreach events. The newsletter writer will be expected to work 5 to 12 hours a week, including weekends sometimes. In order to apply submit your resume, cover letter, a brief writing sample, and at least two references by 11:59pm on Sunday, April 6.

Landscape Engagement Coordinator (Paid)

Apply by April 7

Join our team to help maintain and enhance the UC Davis campus landscape! This hands-on role involves weeding, mulching, pruning, raking, and maintaining paths and irrigation. You’ll also collaborate with the Arboretum and Public Garden and the Design Department to support outdoor exhibits, events, and engagement in the Savageau Courtyard at Cruess Hall. If you love working outdoors and being part of a creative, hard-working team, we’d love to have you! Apply by 11:59pm on Monday, April 7.

See the full job description   Submit an application

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve Field Technician (Paid)

Apply by April 13

Help design and maintain habitat enhancement projects throughout the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve as a field technician. Technicians' responsibilities will include will collecting native plant seeds, revegetateingthe reserve and removing weeds, trash and debris. Technicians will be expected to work three 5-hour shifts a week on Monday through Wednesday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. To apply, please send a letter of interest and a copy of your resume to Miles DaPrato, madaprato@ucdavis.edu, by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 13.

See the full job description

Urban Tree Stewardship Positions (multiple opportunities, paid)

Apply by April 20

Plant and steward the next generation of campus trees and work with a dynamic team of expert staff, student employees, and interns. These three types of year-long, paid student positions will involve a variety of hands-on field, project management, and leadership coordination tasks. Students will be expected to commit 10 to 15 hours a week during the school year and 20 to 25 hours per during the summer through June 2026. To apply upload your cover letter, resume, references and complete the online form by April 20.

Apply by April 20

Learning by Leading™

We believe that students learn best by leading.

Leadership skills and real-world experience combine to help our students address the earth’s most important environmental issues. The Learning by Leading™ internship program offers quarter-long and school year-long internships in which students gain leadership experience addressing a variety of environmental sustainability, restoration and literacy issues by working in teams to solve real-world problems in the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. Internships correspond with the UC Davis academic schedule and are offered fall, winter and spring quarters. Summer internships are offered on an individual basis, in coordination with staff mentors.

Students in this program can graduate with . . .

  • Central Valley gardening, drought-tolerant landscaping, habitat restoration and California native plant cultivation experience.
  • Knowledge of horticultural best practices, plant propagation, landscaping, education, and community outreach experience.
  • Highly transferable leadership, team-building, and 21st century professional skills.
  • Strong mentor relationships with staff experts and earn recommendations to support future endeavors.
  • Knowledge organizing events that engage volunteers, visitors and other community members.
  • A new network of students engaged in improving our campus outdoor spaces and positively impacting our planet’s environment.

Internship Overviews