Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation Landscape Internships (2 positions available)
Fallingwater, the architectural masterwork designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, seeks applications for two (2) Interns for the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation 2026 summer landscape internship opportunity.
Job Description
The landscape internship will consist of outdoor work for the Fallingwater grounds and the completion of a project that combines design work and hands-on work. The interns will work independently and alongside the Fallingwater Horticulturist to complete their projects and implement improvements to the landscape.
Job Duties
Duties and responsibilities will include weeding, planting, monitoring and removal of invasive plant species, and pruning. The interns will work under the direct supervision of the Horticulturist and the Senior Director of Operations and Sustainability. Interns will additionally be advised by an outside landscape architecture professional. Several educational field trips are part of the internship. The intern will increase their skills and knowledge in plant identification, plant care, and design of the landscape.
Physical Requirements
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to perform strenuous, hands-on outdoor landscaping and gardening tasks in a variety of weather conditions.
- Requires stooping, kneeling, crawling, bending, turning, and reaching. (Full range of body motion for extended periods of time.
Qualifications
Enrollment in a master’s program or undergraduate program in Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related fields of study is required. Experience with Adobe Photoshop and CAD or other drafting software or hand drafting experience is preferred but not required. Applicants must have the ability to perform hands-on outdoor landscaping and gardening tasks in a variety of weather conditions. Some experience working outdoors or plant care experience is a plus.
Location
This position's primary location is Fallingwater
Fallingwater is located in rural Mill Run, Pennsylvania, 15464, and is approximately 90 miles southeast from the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT). Having a motor vehicle is strongly recommended as there are no stores or amenities within walking distance of onsite housing.
Position Duration
Ten weeks, beginning June 1, 2026 to August 7, 2026. The Interns will be expected to work during normal business hours (typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), forty hours per week. June 19 and July 4 are unpaid holidays.
Pay
This internship pays an hourly wage of $17.00 and includes free, on-site, co-ed, shared housing on the Fallingwater campus. Interns are responsible for providing their own food, linens, laundry supplies, toiletries, and incidentals.
Application Process
To apply, email the following items as PDF files to wpcjobs@paconserve.org and list Landscape Intern in the subject line.
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation (employer or professor)
Application Deadline
March 15, 2026The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is fully committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek contributors from all backgrounds to join our team. Read our equal opportunity employer statement.