Jobs & Internships

Position Summary

Native Plant Trust seeks a dynamic and outgoing individual to fill a half-time (20 hours per week) administrative role in the Philanthropy department, based at our headquarters in Wayland, MA. This position requires exceptional customer service and a high attention to detail. Providing members and donors with outstanding events and other benefits and with prompt, courteous service are the top priorities. In addition to researching speakers, venues, catering, and responding to other external questions and requests, the Philanthropy Assistant will work with internal colleagues to produce invitations, run mailing lists, and help keep event logistics on track. The assistant will also support the administrative needs of the department with data processing, documentation, and other administrative functions. Some weekend / evening work and local travel are required for events, always with prior notice.

Desired Skills and Experience

Ideal candidates will have/be:

• Ability to work effectively in a busy environment with repeated interruptions.
• A professional, courteous manner to interact with a variety of people in person and on the phone.
• Detail-oriented, thorough, organized, but also flexible; able to prioritize responsibilities and meet a time-sensitive schedule.
• Comfortable handling money accurately and securely.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, experience with Google Docs and databases, comfortable learning new technology.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication and proofreading skills.
• At least a year of related experience preferred.

This is a nonexempt role. This position is eligible for some benefits, including retirement plan, free enrollment in our education programs, and discounts on plants and merchandise in our shop. We also offer a generous paid time off plan. This position is not eligible for health insurance.

Hours and Compensation: This is a part-time (20 hours/week) nonexempt position with a starting rate of $20/hour. The employee is eligible for most benefits currently offered by Native Plant Trust, including retirement plan, discounts on plants and merchandise, and free enrollment in education programs. This position is not eligible for health insurance coverage.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest and resume in MS Word or PDF format, with your last name as the first word in the file name, using the subject line “Philanthropy Assistant Application” to: development-hire@NativePlantTrust.org.

Application deadline is Friday, May 10, 2024.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.