Jobs & Internships

Position Summary

Native Plant Trust has an exciting opportunity for a creative, talented graphic designer adept at print, digital, web, and e-communications. The designer will step into an organization that changed its name and graphic identity in 2019 and is still exploring the full possibilities of the visual branding, from sub-brands to photographic style. The position encompasses a full array of print projects, for which the designer also serves as production manager. In addition, the designer is part of the web team and produces several e-newsletters written by program staff.

The graphic designer works closely with an in-house writer/editor, an external PR consultant, and core staff in all major departments. The designer has access to a large library of high-quality images and will supervise the part-time person running the digital image management system. The graphic designer reports to the Executive Director. 

Primary Responsibilities   

• Ensures all designs follow branding standards
• Designs and oversees production of all printed material, including the course catalogue, members’ magazine, brochures, invitations, stationery, and signage for properties and the retail shops
• Develops the budget for all printed materials and ensures they are produced to specified quality, within budget, and on time
• Designs electronic publications, such as e-newsletters, and implements and maintains design standards on website
• Designs branded merchandise for the retail shops and logo clothing for horticulture and retail staff
• Designs print and digital advertisements
• Manages the digital image specialist and ensures that only high-quality images are accessioned into the digital asset management system
• Hires and oversees freelance photographers 
• As part of the communications team, supplies images for use in PR, social media, and articles in the press.

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of design experience in a marketing communications, studio, or agency environment, or equivalent, and be able to present a digital portfolio that demonstrates creative design ideas and skilled implementation of those ideas. Photography and video experience would be valuable. The position requires:

• Expert skills with Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience preparing files for print production and checking proofs at all stages of production
• Experience with CSS and digital image management systems
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines
• Strong and effective communication skills and ability to work with colleagues to achieve the best creative result

Hours and Compensation

This is a full-time salaried (exempt) position with a starting salary of $60,000-$64,000. The employee is eligible for all benefits currently offered by Native Plant Trust, including health insurance, Flexible Spending plans, and retirement plan.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, links to your digital portfolio (website, Instagram, etc.) and references in MS Word or PDF format, with your last name as the first word in the file name, to hello@NativePlantTrust.org using the subject line “Graphic Designer Application.”

Application deadline is April 22, 2023.

Position Summary

The Northeast Seed Network is a new initiative by Native Plant Trust and partners to increase the availability of locally adapted seed from sustainably managed sources. The goal is to develop a network of growers interested in producing seed for use in restoration projects and by nurseries to grow plants for sale. The Northeast Seed Network aims to establish regional standards and protocols along with best practices for seed increase, collection, and storage. Native Plant Trust will manage the network and serve as the regional seed bank.

The Northeast Seed Network coordinator is a new position, reporting to the nursery manager at Nasami Farm, our native plant nursery in Whately, MA. The coordinator, in collaboration with other Native Plant Trust staff and partners, will develop the seed-increase program; will oversee the initial seed collection to start seed increase plots; and will coordinate the bulk cleaning, storage, and distribution of seeds received from network growers. Maintenance and harvest of seed-increase plots at Nasami Farm, operation of seed-cleaning equipment, and creation of clear  documentation will be the responsibility of a new network seed technician, who also reports to the nursery manager.

Primary Seed Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the seed-increase program
• Ensure consistent standards and protocols for seed collection, storage and handling, and distribution
• Provide oversight for seed processing, documentation, and data tracking and other duties as performed by the network seed technician

• Broker the distribution of seed between collectors, producers, and end users

• Serve as point of contact for network members and partners to ensure smooth facilitation of projects and consistent, accurate, and transparent communication
• Facilitate quarterly meetings of the network’s steering committee and actively participate on the committee and its subcommittees
• Identify and engage new partners to build the network and its capacity
• Build relationships with federal, state and local, and nonprofit entities whose work overlaps with the seed network
• Maintain awareness of subworking group dependencies with network-wide initiatives and proactively coordinates processes and resources accordingly.
• Coordinate educational workshops and trainings for seed network partners
• Conduct site visits with seed-increase partners
• Maintain directory of network member/partner resources
• Produce monthly summary reports of network subcommittee meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a working knowledge of the flora of New England and experience with native plant supply chains. The candidate will be versed in the demand for native plant materials and committed to building a supply chain. Well-developed communication skills are essential. In addition, the position requires:

• Solid understanding of network dynamics and how to build/sustain a network
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally and being comfortable conducting public education and outreach
• Experience with facilitating meetings involving multiple stakeholders
• Ability to work well with network members, partners, volunteers, and others
• Creative and solutions-based problem solving
• Ability to work in various and sometimes difficult conditions in all types of weather.
• Ability to be flexible in terms of daily tasks.
• Positive outlook and willingness to learn and grow

Note that employees of Native Plant Trust must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters.

Hours and Compensation 

This is a full-time salaried (exempt) position grant funded for two years (with opportunity for renewal) with a starting salary of $50,000. The employee is eligible for all benefits currently offered by Native Plant Trust, including health insurance, Flexible Spending plans, and retirement plan.

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), along with references to ulorimer@NativePlantTrust.org and

adoshas@NativePlantTrust.org, using the subject line “Network Seed Coordinator Application.”

Application deadline is May 1, 2023.

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 2023 and ends in late October 2023. 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

Native Plant Trust seeks a seasonal Native Plant Sales Coordinator 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 2023. 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

This part-time, paid internship is open to a college student interested in communications, environmental education, community engagement, and public program production. The applicant should have well-developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work independently.  Creativity, a passion for the environment, and the ability to comfortably interact with the public are also important aspects of this position. The intern will have the opportunity to develop an educational  project that supports goals within the Public Programs department. This internship assists in using social media and other tools to keep our students and the public aware of ways in which they can learn about, conserve, and garden with New England’s native plants. 

The position offers a creative work environment and learning opportunities. This internship opportunity is located at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, MA. Candidates with the ability to work on site are preferred; however, we will consider highly motivated and self-disciplined candidates for remote work for this position.

Under the supervision of the Director of Public Programs, the intern performs tasks that may include but are not limited to the following:

• Support production of a wide range of public programs and courses 
• Collaborate with staff on new ideas, directions, and tools for the department
• Promote public programs by contacting key media and influencers
• Help to write and disseminate press releases
• Assist in the creation and distribution of flyers, posters, and other marketing material for programs and major events
• Assist in planning, writing, and managing e-blasts and monthly e-newsletters
• Write social media posts 

Schedule

This position begins in May 2023, ideally with the intern working the equivalent of two days per week, either weekdays or weekends. Scheduling is flexible. 

Compensation

$15.00/hr

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least two academic/professional references no later than April 17, 2023. Please include your full name in the file name of each document. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and should be submitted to education@NativePlantTrust.org.

Our internships for the 2023 field season have been filled. Please check back in January 2024 for information about the 2024 internships.

Our internship for the 2023 field season has been filled. Please check back in January 2024 for information about the 2024 internship.

Our internship for the 2023 season has been filled. Please check back in January 2024 for information about the 2024 internship.

Native Plant Horticulture Internship

Number Available:       2 Horticulture 

Application Deadline:   February 1, 2023

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.

Interns must provide proof of Covid vaccination and booster shot if eligible to be considered for the position.

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 1, 2023.