Grow With Us!

Site Consultations, Design Work, and Tree Pruning & Grafting are ongoing, with larger installations starting soon!

Are you motivated, hard-working, and interested in joining an award-winning landscaping company?

About Us:

Abundant Design, a growing permaculture-based landscape design and installation company in central Iowa, specializes in resilient landscapes, edible gardens, wildlife habitats, and conservation projects. We create spaces where nature and communities thrive together.

Join Our Team

We're looking for motivated team members to bring these projects to life. If you enjoy outdoor work, building landscapes, and have an interest in sustainability, explore our open positions below:

Responsibilities

• Assisting with native plant installation & site preparation.
• Supporting design projects through plant layout and site analysis.
• Learning to identify and manage invasive species and establishing native plant habitats.
• May include educational events and team-building activities to deepen your understanding of sustainable landscaping practices.

What You'll Gain

• Real-world experience in sustainable landscape design and build practices.
• Hands-on learning with native plants, ecological systems, and practical horticulture skills.
• Mentorship and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
• The chance to contribute to projects that promote healthier ecosystems and community resilience.

Requirements

• Current or recent enrollment in a relevant degree program (landscape design, horticulture, ecology, etc.).
• Passion for native plants, permaculture, sustainable practices, and ecological restoration.
• Ability to perform physical tasks outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Familiarity with design software (AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar) is a plus.

Details

• Duration: 3 months (May–August, flexible start/end dates).
• Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday–Friday.
• Compensation: $15/hour.
• Location: Des Moines Metro. Interns must have the ability to commute to facilities and/or job sites. 

Great summer experience for students in conservation, natural resources, agriculture, and sustainability fields.

How to Apply

To apply, please email info@abundantdesign.com with the subject line “2025 Internship Application” by April 15. 

Include:

• Your resume.
• Reference and contact details.

Responsibilities

• Perform landscaping and light construction on various properties
• Tasks include shoveling rock, sand, mulch, moving boulders, trenching, and grading
• Planting native and edible plants, shrubs, and trees, from large B&B trees to delicate transplants

Requirements

• Physically able to work outdoors in diverse conditions
• Clear communication and instruction-following skills
• Respectful of customers and their properties
• Reliable transportation to job sites
• Minimum age of 16
• Gardening, landscaping, or horticulture knowledge is a plus
• Experience with power tools and small machinery is a plus

Great summer experience for students in conservation, natural resources, agriculture, and sustainability fields.

Pay: $15-20/hr, depending on experience

Responsibilities

• Perform and lead landscape and light construction tasks, including moving materials, trenching, grading, and operating machinery
• Planting native and edible plants, shrubs, and trees
• Training and working alongside our lead in early Spring, transitioning to independent or crew leader role during peak season

Requirements

• Physically capable of outdoor work in various conditions
• Clear communication and ability to lead and follow instructions
• Respectful of customers and their property
• Knowledge of permaculture, gardening, horticulture, biology/ecology, and local ecosystems
• Experience with power tools and small machinery
• Interest or experience in permaculture, conservation, regenerative agriculture, and native plants (Preferred)
• Preferred qualifications: BS/BA/AA in natural sciences, Permaculture Design Certificate, or Stormwater Management Training

Compensation: Based on experience

Email your resume/CV and references to Abundant Design.