At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our horticulture team to develop and execute plant trials while gathering data for better crops.
- Company: Costa Farms, a leading horticultural grower with a mission to enrich lives through plants.
- Benefits: Earn $20/hr, enjoy health benefits, and access growth opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Paid internship with potential full-time offer upon graduation; work outdoors and in a dynamic office.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable agriculture while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Rising seniors with a 3.0 GPA, teamwork skills, and adaptability are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Company Overview
We’re one of the world’s largest horticultural growers—but without an ego to match our acreage. Our headquarters are in Miami, Florida, where we were founded in 1961. Costa Farms started on just 30 acres, and over the last 60 years, we’ve grown to more than 5,000 acres around the world. We have farms in North and South Carolina, Central and South Florida, and the Dominican Republic, plus an office in China. Costa Farms now employs nearly 6,000 people: engineers, marketers, accountants/analysts, human resources professionals, and of course, growers and plant scientists! The team rallies to the mission of being a lean, green, growing machine dedicated to enriching the world by bringing plants into everyone’s life.
Description
Here at Costa Farms, we live by the values of H3: being Humble, staying Hungry, and always Hustling. True to that mission, we grow more than 1,500 plant varieties, continuously testing different ways of growing our plants to increase quality and improve their ecological footprint as part of our sustainability efforts. You’ll collaborate with driven, determined people who keep Costa Farms an industry leader, and you’ll be supported by a team that cares about each other, our customers, our consumers, and our community. We’re proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, military status, marital status or veteran status, or any other group status protected by federal, state, or local law.
The internship as a Grower will allow you to work alongside one of the best horticulture/agriculture teams and, if you successfully complete the program, you may receive a contingent offer of employment to return as a full‑time employee upon graduation.
Responsibilities
- Work with the growing team on developing and executing trials on several plant varieties, gathering empirical data to find solutions to produce better crops.
- Document growing protocols and develop specification sheets to ensure a standardized process.
- Assist the growing teams with tasks such as inspecting and documenting all incoming young plants, scouting for insects and diseases, monitoring moisture management, keeping track of finished weeks of crops, and working daily with the grower plant maintenance crew.
Qualifications
- Rising Senior (graduating by the summer of the following year).
- Ability to attend in‑person for 9 weeks at our farm in Leicester, NC.
- Include a resume and cover letter with your application.
- Be a resourceful team player who manages ambiguity and can adapt to different situations and people.
- Demonstrates our humble, hungry, and hustle culture.
Academic Requirements
- 3.0 GPA.
- Knowledge or courses taken in the area of discipline.
- Member of school club(s).
- Comfortable with public speaking.
- Ability to quickly learn new technologies.
Physical Demands
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Primarily involves sitting, with occasional requirements to stand, walk, or lift objects to a certain weight. Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Work Environment
- Indoor office environment: The role is primarily office-based, includes open spaces with background noise from conversations, office equipment, and phone calls. Occasionally, tasks may require working outdoors.
- Outdoor work environment: Ability to work outdoors in fluctuating weather conditions, including exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, and temperature changes (hot, cold, rainy, windy). Tasks often involve manual labor or physical effort.
Competencies
- Ensures Accountability.
- Action Oriented.
- Collaborates.
- Communicates Effectively.
Internship Details
Paid Internship - $20.00/hr. No housing provided. All applicants must be work‑authorized. Costa Farms will not sponsor any visa for this position.
Benefits
- 401(k) Plan
- Company 401(k) Matching Contributions
- Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Dependent Care
- Telemedicine / Mental Health Services
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance (Aflac)
- Growth Opportunities
- Challenging and exciting work environment
- Costa Farms Scholarship
- Employee discounts on plants
Headquarters Amenities
- On‑site gym with showers
- Subsidized on‑site cafeteria, a quiet room, and indoor games
- Love Where You Work activities throughout the year
2026 Summer Internship - Growers in Leicester employer: Costa Farms
At Costa Farms, we pride ourselves on being a humble yet ambitious employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. Our internship program offers hands-on experience in horticulture, with opportunities for growth and potential full-time employment upon graduation. Located in Leicester, NC, our facilities include an on-site gym and cafeteria, ensuring a comfortable and engaging environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Summer Internship - Growers in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns at Costa Farms on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any insider tips they might have. This can give you a leg up when it comes to understanding the company culture and what they really value.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the latest trends in horticulture and sustainability. Show that you're not just passionate about plants but also informed about the industry. Bring some ideas to the table on how you could contribute to their mission of being a lean, green, growing machine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your public speaking skills! Since the role mentions comfort with public speaking, consider joining a local Toastmasters club or practising with friends. Being able to communicate your ideas clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your resume and cover letter highlight your teamwork skills and adaptability—qualities that Costa Farms values highly.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Summer Internship - Growers in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Plants:When writing your application, let your love for horticulture shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for plants and growing. We want to see how you connect with our mission of enriching lives through greenery.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your resume and cover letter for this internship. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We appreciate when applicants take the time to show us why they’re a perfect fit!
Be Humble, Hungry, and Hustle:Remember to reflect our core values in your application. Show us how you embody being humble, staying hungry for knowledge, and hustling to achieve your goals. This will help us see that you’re not just looking for any internship, but one with Costa Farms!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Costa Farms. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Farms
✨Know Your Plants
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of different plant varieties and growing techniques. Costa Farms is all about horticulture, so being able to discuss specific plants or recent trends in sustainable agriculture will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Embrace the H3 Values
Costa Farms values being Humble, Hungry, and Hustling. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these qualities. Whether it’s a group project where you took the lead or a time you overcame a challenge, showing how you embody these values will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the internship, the team dynamics, or the company’s sustainability efforts. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Grower intern, collaboration is key. Be ready to share experiences where you worked effectively in a team. Highlight your adaptability and resourcefulness, especially in situations where you had to manage ambiguity or work with diverse groups of people.
