• 1200 Perry Road, Apex, North Carolina
• 126 Stone Park Court, Durham, North Carolina

Guidelines

Interns will have a liaison assigned to them throughout their internship. The liaison will oversee the student’s progress and development within each department and branch of the company. Each intern will have the opportunity to be exposed to all facets of the work performed by Bland Landscaping Company Inc. The exposure will vary in length based on the respective relativity of the intern’s interests and the company’s make-up of work available when the internship is available. Unfortunately, with seasonality and scheduling such that they are, there is always the possibility that the student may not get to experience a specific desired opportunity. While this is not our intent, we prefer to be upfront with the fact that our schedule varies greatly from one season to the next, as is the nature of this industry.

All interns will undergo an orientation period with Human Resources at the beginning of their internship. As a participant in our internship program, we expect you to ask questions and communicate with those training you. They, as well as you, are going through a learning experience. Your input and participation within the department are welcomed. Our goal is to enhance your knowledge of our industry, and we ask that you develop our sense of commitment to excellence.

After completing a successful in-person interview, the internship schedule will be discussed and adjusted to accommodate each student's specific career goals. Listed below is a basic schedule structure. 

Total Schedule: 43 days / 8 weeks (40 scheduled days + 3 make-up days)

Week 1-2: CGM Production & Production Management (10 days)

• Learn basic commercial grounds maintenance techniques, including mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, and weeding.
• Assist Crew Leader with routine property maintenance tasks through hands-on experience with commercial landscaping equipment, including mowers, blowers, weed eaters, and hand pruners.
• Observe and learn about production planning and scheduling.
• Assist with crew assignments and equipment allocation.
• Understand all aspects of daily production operations and routing.

Week 3: CGM Lawncare Management (5 days)

•  Learn about lawn care practices and maintenance and understand their importance.

·        Assist with lawn care and IPM applications at the assigned technician's discretion.

Week 4: Estate Gardening (5 days)

• Learn about high-end residential horticulture practices and understand the challenges in EG.
• Assist with maintaining estate gardening properties through hands-on experience with landscaping equipment, including mowers, blowers, weed eaters, and hand pruners.

Week 5: CGM Account Management (7 days)

• Learn about client communication and relationship building.
• Assist with scheduled site visits and customer meetings, shadowing assigned Account Managers at their discretion.
• Understand the account management process and their role in providing excellent service.

Week 6: CGM Branch Management (3 days)

• Intended as one day with the assigned ABM and one day with the Branch Manager.
• Gain insight into branch operations and management.
• Understand the responsibilities of a branch manager.

Week 7: Irrigation Service (5 days)

• Learn about irrigation system maintenance, troubleshooting, and necessary repairs.
• Assist with troubleshooting and repairs.
• Daily tasks could include digging, shoveling, and raking, as well as other hands-on experiences. PPE will be assigned as needed.
• Understand the principles of efficient water management in landscaping.

Week 8: Commercial Landscape Enhancement (5 days)

• Learn about commercial landscape enhancement design and installation.
• Understand landscape enhancement design's role in creating and improving attractive, functional outdoor spaces.
• Assist the assigned Production Manager and team with job layout and implementation. Daily tasks include digging, shoveling, raking, and other hands-on experiences.
• Learn about job scheduling and all aspects of planning, including material sourcing and equipment/labor allocations.

Week 9: Internship Review and Presentation (3 days)

• Reflect on the internship experience and key takeaways.
• Prepare and present a final project or presentation required by the program.
• Discuss future career goals and opportunities with your supervisor.

Qualifications

1. Must be enrolled in a horticulture-related curriculum pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
2. G.P.A. of 2.5 or greater in the major.