Elizabeth Farnsworth Horticulture Internship

Job Description

Native Plant Trust is pleased to offer two 26-week internships in 2026, based at Garden in the Woods, our renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, MA. Interns assist in all aspects of botanic garden operations at Garden in the Woods, including instruction in ecological horticultural practices (such as planting, pruning, weed management, propagation, and seed collection), renovation and construction of new gardens, inventory and plant recordkeeping, and public education. They will gain hands-on experience identifying and cultivating native plants in a botanical garden. Interns are expected to undertake an independent study project and present the results to staff and garden members. There will be opportunities to take field trips and classes at Native Plant Trust. This is an exceptional learning opportunity to gain valuable career experience in caring for gardens and natural areas, planning and leading projects, and managing volunteers.

About Us

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities
Garden care and maintenance
Weeding, editing, path and trail maintenance
Planting, transplanting, plant propagation
Plant identification, ecology, field trips, hands-on skill building
Seed collection

Independent study, administration, and communication
Research and preparation of an independent study presentation
Detailed record keeping (plantings and moth project)
Assist with garden-wide events, public programs, and retail garden shop logistics
Interactions with colleagues, volunteers, staff, and public

Education and Experience

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

Additional Information

These are non-exempt, hourly, full-time, seasonal positions reporting to the Director of Horticulture. Compensation is $15.00/hour for 40 hours/week for 26 weeks (max 1,040 hours, max wages $15,600). The work schedule is Monday – Friday, with weekend days. 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.

Application Instructions

Please submit a letter of interest and resume (MS Word or PDF format, with your last name the first word of the file name), along with three references to Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture, ulorimer@nativeplanttrust.org, using the subject line “Horticulture Intern Application.”