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.
Annual Internships
Native Plant Trust offers the following annual internships in conservation, horticulture, and marketing (Public Programs).
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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
Please note that Native Plant Trust is not able to support the visa process for international applicants.
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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
Please note that Native Plant Trust is not able to support the visa process for international applicants.
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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
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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
Applications are due February 16, 2024.
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.
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Northeast Seed Network - Seed Collection Coordinator
Seed Collection Coordinator
Wayland, MA
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 seed collection coordinator will manage wild seed collections for habitat restoration projects in collaboration with partners US Fish & Wildlife Service. The seed collection coordinator will be responsible for planning and implementing visits to scout for and collect seed and for adherence to protocols for sustainability in collecting. The coordinator will supervise a team of up to four seasonal (6-month) seed collection technicians.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee the wild seed collection of plant species native to the region
- Ensure consistent standards and protocols for seed collection, handling, and distribution
- Manage up to four seasonal staff (seed collection technicians), including weekly planning meetings, training and implementation in seed collection protocols, and plant identification in the field
- Apply for and document permission for all wild seed collections
- Ensure adherence to safety protocols by field staff when conducting seed collections
- Maintain detailed documentation and data tracking of seed collections
- Ship seed for seed cleaning and processing; receive seed for storage at Native Plant Trust
- Trial and document mechanical seed cleaning methodologies.
- Communicate with Conservation and Horticulture departments on status and planning around seed collections
Desired Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate will possess a working knowledge of the flora of New England and experience facilitating meetings at field sites with partners and landowners. The candidate will be versed in ecological field work and will follow protocols for seed collection. Well-developed communication skills are essential. In addition, the position requires:
- Understanding of field safety and protocols for wild seed collection (training available)
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally, and being comfortable conducting outreach for permits and permissions for conducting field collections
- 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
Hours and Compensation: This is a full-time (40 hours/week), six-month position seasonal position at an hourly rate of $25/hr. Seasonal employees receive sick days and are covered by Workers’ Compensation, but are not eligible for health insurance or retirement benefits.
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 hello@NativePlantTrust.org using the subject line “Seed Collection Coordinator Application.”
Application deadline is August 1st, 2024.
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Northeast Seed Network - Two Seed Collection Technicians (Seasonal)
Northeast Seed Network - Two Seed Collection Technicians (Seasonal)
Wayland, MA
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 seed collection technicians will assist in all aspects of wild seed collections for habitat restoration projects in collaboration with partners US Fish & Wildlife Service. The seed collection technicians will be responsible for conducting visits to scout for and collect seed, and for adherence to protocols for sustainability in collecting. The technicians will work as a team of two seasonal (6-month) positions, and will report to the seed collection coordinator. The field season runs from August 1, 2024 to February 1, 2025.
Primary Responsibilities
- Conduct wild seed collection of plant species native to the region
- Ensure consistent standards and protocols for seed collection, handling, and distribution
- Attend weekly planning meetings, training and implementation in seed collection protocols, and workshops on plant identification in the field
- Collect herbarium voucher specimens per seed collection
- Assist Seed Collection Coordinator in applying for permission for all wild seed collections
- Adhere to safety protocols by field staff when conducting seed collections
- Maintain detailed documentation and data tracking of seed collections
Desired Skills and Experience
The ideal candidates will possess a working knowledge of the flora of New England and experience in ecological field work and data entry. The candidates will be versed in field safety, and will follow protocols for seed collection. Well-developed communication skills are essential. In addition, the position requires:
- Understanding of field safety and protocols for wild seed collection (training available)
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally, and being comfortable conducting outreach for permits and permissions (necessary before conducting field collections)
- 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
Hours and Compensation: These are full-time (40 hours/week), six-month seasonal positions (August 1, 2024 to February 1, 2025) paid at an hourly rate of $19/hr. Seasonal employees receive sick days and are covered by Workers’ Compensation, but are not eligible for health insurance or retirement benefits.
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 hello@NativePlantTrust.org using the subject line “Seed Collection Technician Application.”
Application deadline August 1st, 2024.