Jobs & Internships

Position Summary

The Director of Conservation leads and shapes one of the nation’s most unique and influential plant conservation programs with a growing emphasis on applied conservation that leverages the organization’s resources–a rare plant seed bank, herbarium, 30 years of rare plant demographic data, plant sanctuaries, and skilled staff–and networks of volunteers, conservation practitioners, and nonprofit partner to restore habitats, reintroduce rare species, develop species management and protection plans, update extinction risk assessments, and inspire the next generation of plant conservation practitioners.

The Director of Conservation, in partnership with a team of five conservation staff, lead signature regional initiatives including the New England Plant Conservation Program–a six-state consortium of conservation practitioners who collectively monitor and report on the status of rare species in New England, our dedicated Plant Conservation Volunteers who monitor hundreds of populations of rare plants each year, and a seed bank of globally and regionally rare species. Native Plant Trust’s conservation staff members have contributed to the restoration of hurricane-ravaged coastlines, restored the top of Cadillac Mountain, and facilitated the de-listing of a federally endangered species through restoration and reintroduction work.

The Director of Conservation will also be joining an organization focused on innovation and steady growth, and thus will have the opportunity to develop new strategic initiatives to fulfill the organization’s mission with a focus on:

• Creating more partnerships with land trusts, state and federal partners, and conservation-focused nonprofits engaging in rare plant research, conservation, and habitat restoration;
• Accelerating the work of the New England Plant Conservation Program and Plant Conservation Volunteers to expedite reporting on the extinction risk of rare plants in the region;
• Leveraging monitoring data and institutional knowledge to improve the plight of rare plants, develop and implement conservation strategies, guide regional land conservation, and facilitate reintroduction and restoration work;
• Evolving the core programs and the tools we use to fulfill our mission; and
• Ensuring conservation best practices inform our approach to ecological horticulture, contract grows for restoration projects, and retail sales and marketing

Primary Responsibilities

Program development, strategy, and assessment (50%)

• Evolve, assess, and implement strategies that accelerate rare plant monitoring throughout New England. Work with New England Plant Conservation Program, Plant Conservation Volunteers, Natural Heritage programs, and other partners to increase the number of rare plant populations monitored each year, expedite reporting and synchronization of partner data, and ultimately accelerate the publication of Flora Conservanda.
• Develop, guide, grow, and disseminate Native Plant Trust’s research, which may include studies of seed storage, rare plant propagation, taxonomy and systematics (e.g., Flora Novae-Angliae and Go Botany), population biology, pollination biology, and/or ecology. Undertake and encourage the publication of research findings and documents that enrich the profession, enhance scientific dialogue, and provide vital information for public and private landowners. Actively recruit research partnerships that utilize Native Plant Trust’s sanctuaries, floras, seed banks, data, and networks.
• Develop priorities and secure funding that supports conservation action to find, protect, save, and/or restore rare plant species and their habitats. Oversee the collection, preservation, and testing of seeds of rare and common species for permanent storage in the seed bank. Oversee the ecological management and conservation of rare plants on the Society’s sanctuaries.

Program Management and Administration (20%)

• Manage the department’s 5 regular staff and daily operations of the department to ensure timely and efficient delivery of services.
• Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to develop and execute annual departmental budgets, develop multi-year budget projections, and assess opportunities for increased profitability and capacity-building investments.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, onboarding, management, and review of staff and interns. Assist with volunteer management. Manage contractors and the grant-funded seed collection team.
• Secure and manage state, federal, and private grants and contracts. Assist with grant management by preparing progress reports and tracking expenses while ensuring projects are satisfactorily completed.

Organizational Leadership (30%)

• Serve as a senior member of the leadership team, shaping the strategic growth of the organization and serving as a representative with board, supporters, partners, and government officials.
• Participate and take a leadership role in regional and national initiatives related to the conservation of native plants and in landscape-scale conservation initiatives addressing climate change. Participate in formulating policies at the state and federal level that enhance protection for native plants.
• Work closely with the Director of Horticulture in developing guidelines and policies and on the seed collecting and restoration programs.
• Aid the Director of Philanthropy with donor stewardship, grant writing, and grant management.
• Shape the culture of Native Plant Trust by modeling exceptional leadership and instilling in all staff a sense of autonomy, mastery, and purpose.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated significant history of work experience in plant science and conservation, with at least three years in a supervisory role required.
• Master’s degree in botany, plant conservation, environmental science, environmental horticulture, or a related field required. Peer-reviewed publication record preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing people, projects, partnerships, strategy, and budgets.
• Excellent knowledge of the flora of New England, experience with field-based research and applied conservation tactics, and a versed knowledge in current research in plant science and conservation in both the academic and botanic garden communities.
• Familiarity with regional, national, and international conservation initiatives, organizations, best management practices, and protocols for plant conservation.
• Excellent writing and public presentation skills.
• Demonstrated success in grant writing, grant management including state and federal grants, and experience assisting philanthropy staff with fundraising.

This is a full-time, exempt, benefitted, year-round position based at headquarters in Wayland, MA. The starting salary will be $85,000 - $105,000.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest and resume (MS Word or PDF format, with your last name as the first word of the file names) by January 31, 2025, to hello@NativePlantTrust.org using the subject line "Director of Conservation Application.”

Application review will begin January 31st with interviews anticipated to begin in early February.

Position Summary
Native Plant Trust seeks a dynamic, outgoing individual with high emotional intelligence to fill a new full-time (40 hours per week) administrative role in the philanthropy department at our headquarters in Wayland, MA, due to growth in our fundraising program. This position requires exceptional customer service and a strong attention to detail. The philanthropy assistant will join a 6 person team and will play a key part in supporting all fundraising activities of the organization’s $5M+ annual operating budget, planned giving program, capital projects, and endowment funds. Core duties include data processing, phone and email correspondence, record keeping, event logistics, mailing list management, and other database and paper-based administrative functions. Some weekend/evening work and local travel are required for events, always with prior notice. The position reports to the Philanthropy Manager.

Primary Responsibilities
Data management (30%)

• Creating and updating constituent records within a CRM database (currently Altru by Blackbaud).
• Maintaining data integrity--such as merging duplicate records and linking files.
• Maintaining records in accordance with professional business and fundraising standards.
• Collating data for internal and external reports.
• Entering volunteers’ contact reports into CRM.

Gift processing and donor stewardship (70%)

• Processing donations and dues received from a variety of financial sources--such as checks, credit cards, stock, and electronic fund transfers.
• Drafting accurate gift acknowledgements and pledge forms.
• Preparing large and small mailing lists in differing formats for electronic and paper communications, in addition to sending small to mid-sized mailings in-house.
• Proofreading fundraising materials--such as event invitations and electronic newsletters.
• Assisting donors across the region, and country, with a comprehensive array of benefits
• Assisting with event preparations and logistics; including recording registrations, creating name badges and handout materials, meeting and greeting guests, and helping with event set-up and break-down.
• Efficient and effective internal and external communication via phone, email, and letter.
• Adhering to ethical standards and confidentiality regarding personal and financial information.

Qualifications

• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, Google suite, and databases, and comfortable learning new technology.
• Professional, courteous manner to interact with a variety of people in person, by phone, and in written communications.
• Ability to work effectively in a consistently fast-paced environment with repeated interruptions.
• Detail-oriented, thorough, organized, yet also flexible and able to prioritize responsibilities to meet time-sensitive schedules and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• At least a year of related experience preferred.

Hours and Compensation
This is a full-time year-round (40 hours/week) nonexempt position with a starting rate of $21.75/hour. The employee is eligible for employment benefits currently offered by Native Plant Trust, including retirement plan, discounts on plants and merchandise, and free enrollment in education programs. We also offer a paid time off plan and 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 by the application deadline of Friday, February 14.

Job Summary

Job Title: Horticulturist

Reports to: Director of Horticulture

Shift/Hours: 7 a.m.–3 p.m., Monday–Friday. Weekends required when the Garden is open (mid-April through mid-October).

Department: Horticulture

FLSA Status: Exempt

Direct reports: None

Salary range: $48,000-$51,000

Application deadline: February 12, 2025

Position Purpose

The horticulturist position at Garden in the Woods supports the daily and seasonal operations needs of the Horticulture Department through dedicated work in the gardens with interns and volunteers to continue the high standard of ecological horticulture that Garden in the Woods is recognized for. This position collaborates closely with the members of the Horticulture Department to realize seasonal and long-term goals for the organization. Work with other departments to support the mission of the organization is encouraged.

Essential Job Functions

Horticulture and Garden Management (70%)

• Ensure garden displays are maintained to the highest ecological horticultural standards, including aesthetics, ecological horticulture, plant health, and educational value.
• Work with the Director of Horticulture and Senior Horticulturist to recommend and implement garden renovation and maintenance projects.
• Execute the daily and weekly maintenance goals as set by the Senior Horticulturist, which includes weeding/editing, planting, caring for pathways and trails, seasonal tasks, and pruning.
• Maintains records of changes and proposed ideas within the garden based on bed locations.
• Works closely with seasonal interns and volunteers to instruct and inspire best practices of ecological horticulture.
• Generates project ideas for interns and volunteers to complete
• Generates ideas for Hort staff field trips and assists Senior Horticulturist with planning and logistics
• Works with Production Horticulturist to collect target species seed from Garden in the Woods and wild spaces

Facilities Management and General Operations (30%)

• Assists with the timely maintenance of garden vehicles and equipment
• Assists with implementing facilities projects
• Performs annual inventory of garden tools, hand tools, and equipment
• Assists department colleagues with group projects throughout the garden
• Collaborates with other departments to support event and retail logistics
• Collaborates with the Conservation Department to achieve ex-situ goals at Garden in the Woods
• Supports Public Programs through teaching classes and leading garden tours
• Contributes to the overall visitor experience by sharing knowledge and enthusiasm about plants
• To perform other duties as assigned.

Skills, Experience, Education, and Certifications

• Working knowledge of the flora of the Northeast and a passion to learn more
• Excellent record-keeping skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Enthusiasm for working with others
• Ability to work in all weather and to perform the manual labor associated with gardening
• Associate degree or equivalent certificate in a relevant field with 2 years experience. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Proficiency with computer platforms and written communication including the use of Google Suite (Gmail, Google Meet, Google Calendar), Powerpoint, Excel, and IrisBG or similar collection management databases.

Physical Demands and Work Environment Factors

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Lift objects of at least 20 lbs.
• Perform manual labor for long periods of time, and may use repetitive wrist and hand motions involved in raking, shoveling, planting, weeding, and pruning.
• Reach with hands and arms, and bend over to work with plants on the ground.
• Engage in work that requires close vision and color vision.
• Have close visual contact with a computer monitor
• Work outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions as long as their safety is not compromised.
• Walk, stand, kneel, crawl, and bend while standing on uneven ground.

How to Apply
Please email or mail a resume, cover letter, and list of three references by February 12, 2025, to:
Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture
ulorimer@NativePlantTrust.org
Or:
Uli Lorimer
Director of Horticulture
Garden in the Woods
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, MA 01701

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 2025 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 outline internship goals, 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 will also have the option of participating in botanically interesting field trips and our seasonal field work, which may include the implementation of 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 7, 2025, but can be flexible

Location: Based at our headquarters in Wayland, MA (~15 min drive from Garden in the Woods in Framingham), but can be flexible.

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

To Apply

We are no longer accepting applications for 2025. Please visit us again in 2026.

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 2025 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 7, 2025, but can be flexible.

Location: Based at our headquarters in Wayland, MA (~15-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, both as needed and as available.

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

To Apply

We are no longer accepting applications for 2025. Please visit us again in 2026.

Description

Native Plant Trust is offering a 6-month 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.

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 and care 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, no housing available

Application Deadline: Jan. 27, 2025

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

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

To Apply

Email resume, cover letter, and a list of three references by January 27, 2025, to:

Alexis Doshas, Nursery Manager

adoshas@NativePlantTrust.org

Number available: 2 Horticulture

Application deadline: February 1, 2025

Duration: 6 months (26 weeks), starting in March or April (flexibility in start date available on case-by-case basis)

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@NatvePlantTrust.org

Interns assist in all aspects of botanic garden operations for Garden in the Woods, including instruction on ecological horticulture practices (such as planting, pruning, weed management, propagation, and seed collection), 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. Interns are expected to undertake a 3-month independent study project and present the results to staff and garden members. There will be opportunities to go on field trips and take classes at Native Plant Trust. 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 can rent a room for the internship in a shared house, a 5-minute walk away from the Garden, for $300/month. This includes all utilities except the internet and phone.

Worker’s compensation covers interns, who will receive paid sick time per Massachusetts law. Native Plant Trust does not provide seasonal interns health insurance or vacation benefits.

The ideal candidate is passionate about ecology and eager to learn about ecological horticulture and native plants. Strenuous manual labor, consistent with outdoor work in all types of weather, is expected.

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

Application deadline: February 1, 2025