Engineering Intern

Job Title: Engineering Intern

Department: Learning and Public Engagement

Supervisor: Light Engineer and Design Manager

Supervises: Volunteers

FLSA Salary Classification: Non-Exempt

Revision Update: March 24, 2025

Availability: Flexible scheduling is available. The ability to work 15- hours per week and some evenings is required. Schedules vary per employee and are approved by the Light Engineer and Design Manager. This internship lasts no longer than 8 months, starting early June 2025. 

Position Summary:

The Engineering Intern assists with new innovative lighting technology and complex methods to help test and implement immersive lighting experiences for both Galaxy of Lights and Visitor Program events.

Essential Functions:

• Test, assemble, and install lighting technology and equipment. Support integration of lighting technology into current garden infrastructure and programs.  
• Work alongside the Light Engineer and Design Manger to test different lighting design elements and locations. Complete in-depth measuring of different garden spaces for lighting and exhibits.
• Utilize engineering techniques to build 3D design models and schematics of assigned design areas.
• Provide guidance to Event Lighting Technicians and volunteers through install, deinstall, production, and maintenance as set by the Light Engineer and Design Manager.
• Assists in the maintenance of all exhibit technology and lighting based upon the guidelines set by the Light Engineer and Design Manager.
• Understand controller testing, simple programming, and advanced networking of the lighted experiences for supporting both Galaxy of Lights and Visitor Program events.
• Repair and replace GFCIs throughout the garden collaborating with Facilities to accomplish various fixes.
• Soldering components onto controller boards and other electrical components as needed.
• Obtain troubleshooting training on light experiences and safety protocols.
• Perform nightly light maintenance for garden events, such as Galaxy of Lights.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be at least a sophomore in college with a mechanical, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science degree focus. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in both daytime and evening hours. Must be comfortable working independently and in team settings. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.

Success Factors:

• A commitment to, and ability to effectively convey, the Garden’s mission of connecting people with plants with genuine passion that also embraces and exemplifies the Garden’s core values. 
• The ability to follow schedules and direction is crucial to the success of this position. 
• Must have a willingness to learn, showing interest in lighting equipment and technological displays.

Preferred Qualifications:

At least 1 year of experience working with RGB lighting is preferred. Understanding of basic power requirements with a desire to learn or already have a knowledgebase in E1:31, DMX, ArtNet, or other lighting protocols.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Physical demands: Hand dexterity to work with electrical supplies safely and efficiently following OSHA standards. Sense of vision in the normal range with or without correction. Sense of touch and the ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment required. Limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 lbs.). Must be able to move between widely separated work sites, many outdoors and on uneven terrain.
• Work Environment: Primarily outdoor conditions on uneven terrain and can include working in inclement weather, heat, cold, and humidity. Equipment used includes two-way radios, Cushman carts, electrical components, lighting equipment and rigging, hand tools, and electrical testing devices.

Job descriptions are guidelines that attempt to characterize major duties and responsibilities of employees and are subject to change as needs and programs change. At Huntsville Botanical Garden they are considered neither inclusive nor exclusive. It is expected that up to 20% of your duties may change annually.

Employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Huntsville Botanical Garden supports a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Garden is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.