Elizabeth Farnsworth Horticulture Internship
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: March 30, 2026 Compensation: $15/hr
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.
Responsibilities/Duties
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
Qualifications/Requirements
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.
To Apply
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.”
Application deadline is February 15, 2026.
Contact Information
Native Plant Trust
Contact Name: Uli Lorimer
Email: ulorimer@nativeplanttrust.org
Phone: 9176766991