Native Plant Trust

Jobs & Internships

Join a Great Team, Work for a Great Cause

Passionate about native plant conservation, horticulture, or botanical education?

Native Plant Trust welcomes your skills and enthusiasm! We provide a collaborative, congenial atmosphere for our employees at our headquarters and botanic garden, Garden in the Woods, in Framingham, MA, and at our native plant nursery, Nasami Farm, in Whately, MA. See the green boxes below for descriptions of open positions.

We also provide rewarding internships in our Conservation, Horticulture, and Public Programs departments. Our internships offer opportunities to get your hands dirty (literally) while gaining valuable experience. Scroll down the page to learn about the internships available for the next year.

Want to volunteer with us? Volunteers fill crucial roles in all aspects of our work. Read about our Plant Conservation Volunteer program and our other volunteer opportunities.

About Native Plant Trust

Native Plant Trust is the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants. We save native plants in the wild, grow them for gardens and restorations, and educate others on their value and use. From our base in Massachusetts, staff and trained volunteers work throughout New England each year to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of educational programs.

We welcome visitors from all over the world to Garden in the Woods, our renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham. We also operate a nursery at Nasami Farm in western Massachusetts and manage six sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that are open to the public. Native Plant Trust is among the first organizations worldwide to receive Advanced Conservation Practitioner accreditation by London-based Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), which included an endorsement by an International Advisory Council representing six continents.

Native Plant Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access and to being a welcoming and safe place for all who engage with us. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

  • Director of Finance and Operations

    POSITION SUMMARY

    The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) is a new position created to support strategic growth. As Native Plant Trust approaches its 125th anniversary, it has a strong vision and a commitment to investing in the core operational areas that ensure success. The DFO will join an organization with a $5.5 million operating budget and 30 year-round staff plus 20 seasonal staff based at three locations—headquarters in Wayland, MA; Garden in the Woods (Framingham, MA); and Nasami Farm (Whately, MA). While many of the DFO’s job responsibilities must happen in the Wayland, MA office, the DFO will have the opportunity to shape the virtual, hybrid, and flexible work policies.

    The DFO oversees and ensures the integrity and efficiency of Native Plant Trust’s financial, human resources, infrastructure, and IT functions; supports the CEO and department heads on financial and personnel matters; and supports the Board of Trustees in the effective execution of its fiduciary duties. To accomplish this, the DFO is supported by three full time staff and external consultants, including:

    • an accounting firm that provides general ledger, bill processing, payroll, and financial reporting services and that maintains the fixed asset inventory;
    • an audit firm that conducts the annual financial audit and prepares audited financial statements and tax returns for local, state, and federal entities;
    • an investment firm that manages assets such as endowments, charitable remainder unitrusts, and temporarily restricted accounts;
    • an HR firm that provides updates to the employee guidelines document and professional advice to the CEO and DFO;
    • a benefit broker for health, life, and disability insurance and Flexible Spending plans;
    • a financial manager and a third-party administrator of the 403(b) retirement plan;
    • an insurance firm for Workers’ Comp; property, auto, and liability insurance; Directors and Officers insurance; and the ERISA bond for the retirement plan.

    PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

    Financial (60%)

    • Work with the external accounting firm and business office staff to refine or establish internal financial policies and processes to ensure robust financial controls, appropriate segregation of duties, and efficient work flow.
    • Review, and revise as needed, policies, processes, and systems for initiating, authorizing, and tracking purchase orders and contracts.
    • With help from directors, create annual operating and capital budgets, conduct long-term budget planning, and ensure effective managerial and board oversight of the budget.
    • Track restricted fund and grant expenditures, manage and report the release of temporary restricted funds, and ensure compliance with grant terms and donor restrictions.
    • Provide CEO and Board of Trustees with financial reports and forecasts as needed.
    • Approve purchase orders and contracts, oversee accounts payable and receivable, and pay invoices. Ensure payment of quarterly Massachusetts sales tax generated by sales of plants and merchandise.
    • Ensure compliance with several states regarding their annual requirements for being a business in good standing.
    • Monitor cash flow and, with appropriate reporting to Finance and Investment committees, undertake limited transactions in professionally managed investment accounts and in brokerage accounts. Manage and serve as primary contact for beneficiaries of Charitable Remainder Unitrusts.
    • Manage the annual audit and tax preparation, review statements and forms, convene Audit Committee, and ensure local, state, and federal documents are submitted as required. On a regular basis, evaluate accounting and audit services, change services contracted as needed, or search for new firms if appropriate.

    HR & Benefits (10%)

    • Work with external HR firm, and legal counsel as needed, to ensure employee guidelines are updated and comply with all state and federal regulations; ensure that all required notices are posted. Ensure all staff understand employment policies and benefits; answer questions and work with external HR firm to resolve personnel matters.
    • Conduct salary, benefit, and staff policy benchmarking and recommend changes to CEO, Compensation Committee, and Finance Committee to ensure compensation is competitive and equitable. Work with external benefits brokers and administrators to review insurance and retirement plans, make changes as needed, and ensure compliance with all regulations.
    • Counsel staff preparing onboarding, termination, and bi-weekly payroll documents, and ensure compliance with all regulations. Support department heads and managers conducting performance reviews, salary planning, and effective, legally compliant search and hiring processes.
    • Develop and adjust remote, hybrid, and flexible work policies and strategies to maximize staff effectiveness, cohesion, and work-life balance.

    General Operations, IT & Facilities (20%)

    • Work with insurance agent to acquire and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage. On a regular basis, evaluate insurance company services, change services or agents as needed, or search for a new firm if appropriate.
    • Oversee development of emergency response plans, and lead crisis/emergency response. Oversee development of safety procedures and manuals appropriate for all properties and field activities, and ensure staff are properly trained in safety and accident-reporting procedures.
    • Supervise IT staff and IT consultants who ensure hardware, software, databases, websites, conferencing, and payment processing are secure and meet operational needs. Oversee selection of vendors for information and telecommunications hardware and systems; execute and manage contracts.
    • Oversee leases for property and equipment, and ensure assets are properly recorded and tagged. Ensure buildings and public water system are properly inspected and permitted via contracted work.
    • Working with relevant department heads or onsite managers, identify and hire contractors for facilities maintenance or capital improvements; execute and manage contracts.

    Working Relationships (10%)

    • Reports, and provides counsel, to the CEO.
    • Serves with other department heads on the senior leadership team and supports their operational needs in finance, HR, and infrastructure.
    • Supervises the Business Office Manager, Administrative Assistant, and IT Manager.
    • Serves as primary staff liaison for the Finance, Investment, and Audit committees of the Board of Trustees; provides financial reports, analysis, recommendations, and logistical support.
    • Hires and supervises professional service providers, including accountant, auditors, HR advisors, insurance brokers, and legal counsel.

    SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

    Qualified candidates will have:

    • A relevant bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience, or a comparable combination of education and experience. MBA preferred.
    • Experience with state and federal grants and contracts, and familiarity with the regulations pertaining to those.
    • Excellent management skills and judgment, with a proven record of empowering a team by setting priorities, developing strategies and tactics, and motivating staff performance.
    • Demonstrated understanding of nonprofit finances, accounting, and reporting; ability to present financial concepts and information clearly to colleagues and board members without financial backgrounds.
    • Demonstrated understanding of HR principles and state and federal policies.
    • Experience overseeing operations and making strategic process improvements, including leveraging technology to improve efficiency and outcomes.
    • Strong communications and interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate with and manage partners and vendors and to work productively with colleagues.
    • Strong computer skills and ability to quickly master software and online platforms specific to the organization’s operations. Software and online platforms currently used by the organization include Paylocity, Bill.com, Lightspeed, and Altru.

    COMPENSATION

    Starting salary will be $95,000 - $130,000 plus benefits.

    To Apply

    Please submit a letter of interest and resume (MS Word or PDF formatted files, with your last name at the beginning of the file name) to businessoffice@NativePlantTrust.org using the subject line “DFO Application.” For full consideration, applications should be received by March 22, 2024.

  • Seasonal Propagation Assistant

    Position Overview

    Seasonal, part-time position, 20-32 hours/week for maximum of 700 hours, beginning late March; $18/hour

    Native Plant Trust seeks a seasonal, part-time propagation assistant to work as part of a small, dedicated team that propagates approximately 50,000 seed-grown New England native plants per year for retail sale, ecological restoration, and display at Garden in the Woods, its botanic garden in Framingham, MA. The position is based at Nasami Farm, located in Whately, MA, which is a 75-acre property with a Native Plant Center, six greenhouses, and related support structures. Maintenance of the grounds and facilities is shared by all nursery staff.

    Propagation and Nursery Duties and Responsibilities

    ● Assists with seedling propagation and plant maintenance for horticultural- and restoration-grade native plants of known ecotype.

    ● Assists nursery volunteers in production tasks.

    ● Assists with care and maintenance of nursery and retail plant inventory, including best practices for watering, weeding, and IPM.

    ● Adheres to an intensive IPM program, scouting for pests and diseases. Assists with corrective and preventative measures as necessary, with required documentation.

    ● Helps maintain detailed source and production records on all species. Adheres to the highest standards of uniformity and efficiency.

    ● Follows propagation facilities maintenance and safety protocols as set out by nursery staff.

    ● May help update the database with accurate information about seed acquisition, propagation, and inventory.

    Seed Collection and Seed Inventory Responsibilities

    ● May participate in seed collection within a 50-mile radius of Nasami Farm, under direction of Nursery Manager and Nursery Coordinator. Adheres to Native Plant Trust’s seed collection policies.

    ● Assists with seed processing, cleaning, storage, and inventory.

    Operations Duties and Responsibilities

    ● Operates farm equipment and maintains access areas around greenhouses and facilities.

    ● Assists with regular maintenance and light repairs of equipment and facilities.

    Work Environment

    Position entails exposure to outdoors and greenhouse production facilities and at times working in inclement weather. Includes heavy lifting and physically demanding tasks. We foster a respectful, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

    To Apply

    Please submit a letter of interest and resume (MS Word or PDF format, with your last name as part of the file name) to Alexis Doshas, Nursery Manager, adoshas@NativePlantTrust.org, using the subject line “Seasonal Propagation Assistant Application.” Deadline for applications is March 11, 2024.

  • Community Science Coordinator

    We seek a Community Science Coordinator to work with two of Native Plant Trust’s core initiatives—the New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP) and the Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV) program—which engage professional and community volunteers in rare species monitoring, habitat management, reintroduction and augmentation projects, and long-term conservation planning. We work closely with Natural Heritage programs and conservation organizations in all six New England states.

    Position Summary

    The Community Science Coordinator is responsible for developing and administering the Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV) program and managing data on the conservation of plants in New England.

    Responsibilities include:

    • Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers in all six New England states in surveying rare plant occurrences, managing rare and common plant sites, collecting seed, controlling invasive plant species, and performing general botanical surveys. Applicants must be willing to travel throughout New England and work weekends as required for volunteer training sessions and outings.
    • Oversee the Species Rare Occurrence Utility (SPROUT) database and website. Prioritize bugs and task requests through communication with software development team.
    • Work closely with public and private environmental organizations, especially each state’s Natural Heritage Program (or its equivalent), in the administration of the PCV program.
    • Manage rare plant occurrence data and associated GIS layers on rare and common plants of New England and data on Native Plant Trust’s conservation activities. Create reports and maps integral to the program.
    • Perform botanical surveys of rare and common plant species and their associated plant communities.
    • Supervise support personnel, including interns and office volunteers.
    • Research and contact landowners to secure permission for rare plant monitoring work, including drafting and submitting permits.
    • Coordinate with professional botanists and conservation department staff to plan botanical field trips and invasive species management days for volunteers.
    • Write grants and pursue funding opportunities to support conservation programs.

    Skills and Experience

    The ideal applicant has at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field and the following:

    • Experience working with and training volunteers.
    • Ability to communicate clearly (written and orally), interact well with the public, and feel comfortable conducting public education and outreach.
    • Experience with data, database, and website management.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, ArcGIS, and other standard computer operating programs.
    • A working knowledge of the flora and habitats of New England.
    • Familiarity with Natural Heritage methodology.
    • Demonstrated competence in conducting ecological or botanical field work.
    • Strong organizational and management skills, and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while remaining detail and deadline oriented.
    • Ability to work in various and sometimes difficult terrain in inclement weather.
    • A valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a pesticide license are required.

    This is a full-time exempt position eligible for all the benefits currently offered to Native Plant Trust employees, including health insurance, flexible spending, and retirement plans. Salary range: $55K-60K commensurate with experience.

    To Apply

    Please submit a letter of interest and resume (MS Word or PDF format, with your last name as part of the file name) to Michael Piantedosi (mpiantedosi@NativePlantTrust.org), using the subject line “Community Science Coordinator Application.” Applications are due by March 1st, 2024. Anticipated start date is April 1st, 2024.

  • Teacher Naturalist

    Position Summary

    Native Plant Trust is seeking capable, organized, patient, and enthusiastic educators to lead school programs focused on plant life, habitats, and weather and climate at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA.

    About Our School Programs

    Native Plant Trust offers school programs that promote awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the botanical and natural world through experiential and inquiry-based learning. Our programs meet the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering curriculum standards. We currently offer several programs for schools, including Plant Survival and Adaptation for grade 3 and The Life of a Plant for grades 3-4. Each school visit to the Garden is one hour long and has pre- and post-classroom activities. Programs take place on weekdays between May and October.

    Responsibilities

    • Lead school programs on weekdays from May through October 2024
    • Participate in a training session in mid-late April 2024
    • Learn and deliver the school program curriculum creatively, energetically, and skillfully to groups of approximately 10-14 students
    • Monitor your group in all types of outdoor environments, and listen for key safety concerns and alerts
    • Appropriately and skillfully communicate with other Teacher-Naturalists and the Public Programs team at Native Plant Trust
    • Assume additional related duties as requested

    Qualifications

    The successful candidate will:

    • Be available to work 1.5-hour tour shifts, as needed, between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., 1-3 days a week (preferably 3) on weekdays from May through October 2024
    • Have BA or BS or working toward one, preferably in education, environmental studies, environmental science, botany, conservation, natural resources, biology, or earth science
    • Have previous experience as an educator, preferably with ages 4-10, plus familiarity with inquiry-based learning
    • Be proficient in Spanish or Portuguese (preferred, but not required)
    • Be able to deliver curricula aligned with state standards
    • Be creative and able to adapt the curriculum to engage students as necessary
    • Have excellent communication skills, demonstrated interpersonal skills, and ability to work cooperatively and independently
    • Be flexible, dependable, responsible, and organized
    • Have demonstrated ability to promote, embrace, and respect ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity and to accommodate physical and intellectual disabilities
    • Pass a criminal background check (e.g., CORI)
    • Be able to lift 30 pounds and lead walks on trails
    • Have a valid driver’s license and the ability to learn to drive a golf cart

    Compensation

    Rate of Pay: $100/tour (tours are 1-1.5 hours)

    Training Stipend: $75

    Job Type: consultant

    Important Dates

    • Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2024
    • Training takes place in mid- to late April. Teacher-naturalists are required to attend the training session.
    • School programs begin in May.

    Application Instructions

    To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to Bess Paupeck, Director of Public Programs, at bpaupeck@NativePlantTrust.org


    About Public Programs

    Native Plant Trust is a national leader in native plant education and offers many opportunities around New England to explore the world of native plants via in person and online courses, workshops, lectures, and field trips. Through the large and varied offerings, you can learn the basics, explore hotspots of plant diversity, be inspired by gardens, and design your own landscapes. At Garden in the Woods, we provide adult group tours and school programs for grades 3 and 4.

    We also offer basic and advanced certificates in Field Botany and Native Plant Horticulture & Design, both appropriate for all lifelong learners. Graduates of the certificate program apply their knowledge and skills to fields ranging from conservation to landscape design, management, and planning.

    Our online classes serve as a resource for plant lovers throughout the region and the country. The interactive website Go Botany enables everyone from beginners to professionals to discover and identify thousands of plant species in the New England flora and to learn botanical skills applicable to the flora of any region.

  • Seasonal Native Plant Sales - Nasami Farm Nursery

    Native Plant Trust seeks seasonal Native Plant Sales Associates for our retail sales area at Nasami Farm Nursery in Whately, MA. Responsibilities include selling and caring for plants and merchandise, answering customer inquiries, receiving plant shipments, managing plant orders, and providing excellent customer service. This position offers the additional opportunity to learn about native plant propagation, participate in educational classes, and gain practical gardening experience.

    Skills

    Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills, enjoy a busy work pace, work well independently, have a strong desire to learn, and enjoy working with customers. The candidate must have botanical interest and understanding and a basic familiarity with horticultural practices. Knowledge of New England native plants is a strong plus.

    Details

    This is a full-to-part time position that starts in early April 2024 and ends in mid-October 2024. Weekend work is required. By its nature this is a physically active job, including moving plants, standing, and lifting. This associate reports to the Retail Manager.

    Responsibilities include:

    ● Assist customers, complete sales, answer plant questions, assist pre-arranged sales appointments

    ● Work collaboratively with coworkers and coordinate volunteer help

    ● Manage plant pre-orders

    ● Water/groom/maintain retail plants

    ● Receive plant shipments, restock plants, set up and refresh plant displays

    ● Help with initial retail setup in spring, breakdown in fall, and inventory

    ● Maintain labeling/signage and keep track of inventory

    ● Maintain plant displays

    ● Act as an ambassador for Native Plant Trust

    ● Occasionally help with driving a truck to make plant deliveries and pickups

    To apply

    Email a resume, cover letter, and list of three references to:

    Noni Macon, Retail Manager

    Native Plant Trust

    nmacon@nativeplanttrust.org

  • Seasonal Native Plant Sales Associate – Garden in the Woods

    Native Plant Trust seeks a seasonal Native Plant Sales Associate for our retail sales area at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA. Responsibilities include selling and caring for plants and merchandise, answering customer inquiries, receiving plant shipments, managing plant orders, and providing excellent customer service. This position offers the additional opportunity to learn about native plant propagation, participate in educational classes, and gain practical gardening experience.

    Skills

    The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills, enjoy a busy work pace, work well independently, have a strong desire to learn, and enjoy working with customers. The candidate must have botanical interest and understanding and a basic familiarity with horticultural practices. Knowledge of New England native plants is a strong plus.

    Details

    This is a full-to-part time position that starts immediately and ends in mid-October 2024. Weekend work is required. By its nature this is a physically active job, including moving plants, standing, and lifting. This associate reports to the Retail Manager.

    Responsibilities include:

    ● Assist customers, complete sales, answer plant questions, assist pre-arranged sales appointments

    ● Work collaboratively with coworkers and coordinate volunteer help

    ● Manage plant pre-orders

    ● Water/groom/maintain retail plants

    ● Receive plant shipments, restock plants, set up and refresh plant displays

    ● Help with initial retail setup in spring, breakdown in fall, and inventory

    ● Maintain labeling/signage and keep track of inventory, update plant lists

    ● Maintain plant displays

    ● Act as an ambassador for Native Plant Trust

    ● Occasionally help with driving a truck to make plant deliveries and pickups

    To apply

    Email a resume, cover letter, and list of three references to:

    Noni Macon, Retail Manager

    Native Plant Trust

    nmacon@nativeplanttrust.org

  • Seasonal Visitor Center/Garden Shop Associate – Garden in the Woods

    Native Plant Trust seeks seasonal associates for our Garden Shop and Visitor Center at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA. Responsibilities include welcoming and orienting members and visitors; processing admissions, memberships, and tours; selling plants and merchandise; maintaining Shop appearance; and providing excellent customer service. This position offers the additional opportunity to learn about native plants and participate in educational classes.

    Skills

    The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills, have a strong desire to learn, have the ability to work well independently and enjoy a busy pace. Successful candidates are comfortable working on a point-of-sale system and handling cash. In addition, they enjoy working with customers and are committed to providing outstanding customer service. Botanical interest and knowledge of New England native plants are a plus.

    Details

    This is a part-to-full-time position that starts in early April 2024 and ends in late October 2024. Shifts are normally 6 hours. Weekend work is required. This associate reports to the Retail Manager.

    Responsibilities include:

    ● Assisting Garden visitors, customers, members, and; processing sales; answering questions; selling memberships

    ● Coordinating visitors with tour guides

    ● Performing opening and closing point-of-sale procedures

    ● Maintaining store appearance and replenishing merchandise, food, and beverages as needed

    ● Receiving merchandise shipments; pricing and placing merchandise

    ● Assisting in plant sales area as needed

    ● Helping with initial retail setup in spring and with inventory in the fall

    ● Acting as an ambassador for Native Plant Trust

    To apply

    Email a resume, cover letter, and list of three references to:

    Noni Macon, Retail Manager

    Native Plant Trust

    nmacon@nativeplanttrust.org

Annual Internships

Native Plant Trust offers the following annual internships in conservation, horticulture, and marketing (Public Programs).

  • Herbert J. and Esther M. Atkinson Conservation Internship; Lovejoy Conservation Internship (2024 application period is closed)

    Two of Native Plant Trust’s core initiatives—the New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP) and the Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV) program—engage professional and community volunteers in rare species monitoring, habitat management, reintroduction and augmentation projects, and long-term conservation planning. We work closely with Natural Heritage programs and with conservation organizations in all six New England states.

    Description

    Native Plant Trust is offering two 25-week internships for the 2024 field season. The two conservation internships offer a range of learning opportunities in areas that are integral to NEPCoP and the PCV programs, from coordinating with landowners and volunteers to conducting botanical surveys and processing data. Interns will work with conservation staff to create a personal education plan, have the opportunity to take Native Plant Trust’s educational programs and courses at no cost, and participate in seminars and an informal reading and discussion group in the conservation department.

    In addition, the intern will complete an independent project on a topic of interest in botany, ecology, and/or conservation. Interns based in New England will also have the option of participating in botanically-interesting field trips and our seasonal contract work, which may include the planning and implementation of habitat restoration and management activities, invasive species initiatives, and seed collection.

    Desired Skills

    Candidates should be passionate about plant conservation, have some familiarity with the flora of New England and associated ecological systems, excellent speaking and writing skills, a willingness to call landowners to secure access to their property, and a sense of humor. Experience with volunteers and data management is preferred. Interns must respect and maintain the confidentiality of rare species locations and sensitive data. Access to a personal vehicle is strongly recommended.

    Details

    Starting date: April 8, 2024, but can be flexible.

    Location: Based at our headquarters in Wayland, MA (~10 min drive from Garden in the Woods in Framingham). Interns have the option of renting a room for the duration of the internship, in a house steps away from Garden in the Woods, for $300/month. This includes all utilities except internet and phone.

    Hours and Compensation: 40 hours/week at $15.00/hour.

    To Apply

    Submit cover letter, resume, and list of three references by February 9, 2024, by email to:

    Frederick (Erik) Sechler

    Ecological Programs Coordinator

    fsechler@NativePlantTrust.org

    Please note that Native Plant Trust is not able to support the visa process for international applicants.

  • Marylee Everett Internship (2024 application period is closed)

    Two of Native Plant Trust’s core initiatives – the New England Plant Conservation Program (NEPCoP) and the Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV) program – engage professional and community volunteers in rare species monitoring, habitat management, reintroduction and augmentation projects, and long-term conservation planning. We work closely with Natural Heritage programs and with conservation organizations in all six New England states.

    Description

    Native Plant Trust is offering one 13-week conservation internship for the 2024 field season. The internship offers a range of learning opportunities in areas that are integral to the NEPCoP and the PCV programs, from coordinating with landowners and volunteers to conducting botanical surveys and processing data. The intern will work with conservation staff to create a personal education plan, have the opportunity to take Native Plant Trust’s educational programs and courses at no cost, and participate in seminars and an informal reading and discussion group in the conservation department.

    In addition, the intern will complete an independent project on a topic of interest in botany, ecology, and/or conservation. Interns based in New England will also have the option of participating in botanically-interesting field trips and our seasonal contract work, which may include the planning and implementation of habitat restoration and management activities, invasive species initiatives, and seed collection.

    Desired Skills

    Candidates should be passionate about plant conservation, have some familiarity with the flora of New England and associated ecological systems, excellent speaking and writing skills, a willingness to call landowners to secure access to their property, and a sense of humor. Experience with volunteers and data management is preferred. Interns must respect and maintain the confidentiality of rare species locations and sensitive data. Access to a personal vehicle is strongly recommended.

    Details

    Starting date: April 8, 2024, but can be flexible.

    Location: Based at our headquarters in Wayland, MA (~10 min drive from Garden in the Woods in Framingham). Interns have the option of renting a room for the duration of the internship, in a house steps away from Garden in the Woods, for $300/month. This includes all utilities except internet and phone.

    Hours and Compensation: 40 hours/week at $15.00/hour.

    To Apply

    Submit cover letter, resume, and list of three references by February 9, 2024, by email to:

    Frederick (Erik) Sechler

    Ecological Programs Coordinator

    fsechler@NativePlantTrust.org

    Please note that Native Plant Trust is not able to support the visa process for international applicants.

  • Chester B. Allen, Jr., Native Plant Propagation and Horticulture Internship (2024 application period is closed)

    Description

    Native Plant Trust is offering a 28-week propagation internship at our nursery at Nasami Farm, which produces plants for habitat restoration, wildlife landscapes, garden displays, and sale to the public at both the nursery and Garden in the Woods. For more information, please visit

    www.NativePlantTrust.org.

    The intern will gain hands-on experience identifying, propagating, and cultivating New England native plants. As a member of our small, dedicated nursery team, the intern assists in many facets of nursery operations, including propagation of numerous species, retail plant sales, seed collection and processing, record keeping, and public information duties. This is an opportunity to gain valuable skills by learning from staff, coordinating volunteers, leading projects, and participating in the development of an expanding nursery. The intern will also complete a special project of their interest, participate in educational activities, network with professionals, and attend field trips. The internship provides entry into both native plant studies and nursery management.

    Desired Skills

    Candidates should possess some botanical understanding, familiarity with horticultural practices, an interest in native plants of New England, excellent communication skills, and a strong desire to learn.

    Details

    Location: Nasami Farm, Whately, MA

    Application Deadline: Jan. 29, 2024

    Duration and Start Date: 6 months (28 weeks), starting late March/early April

    Hours and Compensation: 40 hours/week at $15.00/hour. One weekend day is required; schedule is typically Tuesday-Saturday.

    Native Plant Trust is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

    To Apply

    Submit via email or mail a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references by January 29, 2024, to:

    Alexis Doshas, Nursery Manager

    Native Plant Trust at Nasami Farm

    128 North Street

    Whately, MA 01373

    adoshas@NativePlantTrust.org

  • Native Plant Horticulture Internships, Garden in the Woods (2024 application period is closed)

    Native Plant Horticulture Internship

    Number Available: 2 Horticulture

    Application Deadline: February 16, 2024

    Duration: 6 months (26 weeks), starting in March or April

    Hours and Compensation: 40 hours/week at $15.00/hour

    Contact: Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture

    Telephone: 508-877-7630 ext 3401

    Fax: 508-877-3658

    Email: ulorimer@NativePlantTrust.org

    Interns assist in all aspects of botanic garden operations for Garden in the Woods, including the use of proper horticultural practices (such as planting, pruning, weed management, and irrigation), renovation and construction of new gardens, inventory and plant record keeping, and public education. They will gain hands-on experience identifying and cultivating native plants in a botanical garden setting. Interns can take advantage of classes held at the Garden and are expected to undertake an independent research project. This is an exceptional learning opportunity aimed at gaining valuable career experience caring for gardens and natural areas, planning and leading projects , and managing volunteers.

    Horticulture interns working at Garden in the Woods have the option of renting a room for the duration of the internship, in a newly renovated house steps away from the Garden, for $300/month. This includes all utilities except the internet and phone.

    Interns are covered by worker’s compensation and receive paid sick time per Massachusetts law. Native Plant Trust does not provide health insurance or vacation benefits to seasonal interns. Benefits include a wide range of optional education classes and field trips.

    The ideal candidate should possess strong plant identification skills and a specific interest in native plants of the Northeast. Priority is given to applicants with an interest in pursuing a career in public horticulture and botanic garden management.

    Native Plant Trust is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

    To apply, please email or mail a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to:

    Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture Native Plant Trust

    180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA 01701

    ulorimer@NativePlantTrust.org

    Applications are due February 16, 2024.