Overview

Chester B. Allen, Jr. Native Plant Propagation & Horticulture Internships 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, 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. Please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

Intern Responsibilities

Native Plant Trust is offering two seasonal internships at our propagation nursery, Nasami Farm, which produces plants for habitat restoration, wildlife landscapes, garden displays, and sale to the public at both our retail establishments, which are located at Nasami Farm, Whately, MA, and Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA.

The interns will gain hands-on experience identifying, propagating, and cultivating New England native plants. As a member of our small, dedicated nursery team, the interns assist in many facets of nursery and greenhouse operations, including propagation and care of numerous species, 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 interns 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.

These are non-exempt, hourly, seasonal positions with the option of part- to full-time hours/week, including weekends, between 8 AM - 4 PM. Based at our propagation nursery, Nasami Farm, in Whatley, MA, they report to the Nursery Manager. Compensation is $15.00/hour (total maximum of 960 hours/total maximum wages of $14,400 – as divided between the two internships, determined by their individual schedules).

The position starts late May/early June 2026; end dates flexible, late August - October 2026.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate should have/be:

● some botanical understanding

● familiarity with horticultural practices

● an interest in native plants of New England

● excellent communication skills

● comfortable with physical labor

● a strong desire to learn

● the ability to work independently and within a small team is highly prioritized

● a working knowledge of Google Suite including Drive, Sheets, Docs and calendars is helpful

Physical Demands and Work Environment Factors

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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:

● assist with moving soil bags weighing at least 50 lbs.

● may stand or sit for long periods of time

● may use repetitive wrist and hand motions involved in plant propagation and care

● reach, with hands and arms

● use specific vision abilities (close vision and color vision)

● work in all types of weather, including heat and humidity. Staff take all necessary precautions to protect health and safety

Hours Per Week

20-40

Desired Outcomes

Propagation and plant care

● Seedling transplanting, soil mixing, tray and pot filling, potting

● Watering, scouting, and pest control

● Seed scouting, collecting, cleaning

Facilities and grounds

● Assist in greenhouse systems maintenance and functioning

● Mowing and garden bed maintenance

Research, administration, and communications

● Detailed record keeping

● Interaction with customers, volunteers, colleagues, other interns

● Plant identification, culture, trials (per personal interest)

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references (MS Word or PDF format, with your last name the first word of the file name) to Alexis Doshas, Nursery Manager, adoshas@nativeplanttrust.org, using the subject line “Allen Internship Application,” by March 9, 2026.

Must be eligible to work in the United States. In accordance with company policies and a commitment to a safe working environment, applicants will be subject to a pre-employment screening including a background check and reference checks.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Employment at Native Plant Trust is on an “employment-at-will” basis. An employee or the organization may terminate employment for any reason, at any time, with or without notice.

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.

Compensation

$15/hour