Horticulture Intern

The Trustees of Reservations•Stockbridge, MA

21h•$16 - $17•Onsite

About The Position

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a person with a passion for horticulture, plants, and historic landscapes. Join our expert team in maintaining Naumkeag, one of the premier public gardens in Massachusetts. Naumkeag, a gilded-age estate with restored gardens by landscape architect Fletcher Steele, is a National Historic Landmark preserved by the Trustees of Reservations. The position will work in all areas of the property, including formal gardens, greenhouses, a cut-flower garden, orchard, meadow, and woodland. As a Horticultural Intern, you will experience an 8-month hands-on horticultural program that offers early career professionals valuable on-the-job experience and mentorship by Naumkeag horticultural staff. You will gain valuable experience conducting various landscape and garden maintenance tasks throughout the property while participating in several educational activities throughout your internship.

Requirements

Experience working in gardens preferred.
Basic knowledge or experience with garden maintenance, horticulture, ecology, forestry, environmental studies, education, landscape design, or another related field.
Strong passion for learning about plants, garden maintenance, and garden history.
Comfort speaking to and working with the public.
Willingness to work as part of a collaborative team and interact with diverse groups of people.
Ability to effectively work independently and unsupervised.
Comfort spending long amounts of time outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, rain, snow) and the ability to perform physically challenging work such as digging and lifting.
Ability to have an eye for detail and follow tasks through completion.
Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Responsibilities

Perform various landscape and garden maintenance tasks such as but not limited to fine gardening, pruning, weeding, planting, lawn care, mulching, watering, tree and shrub care, recording phenology and plant records, propagation, and other property maintenance as required.
Work independently or with a team to accomplish tasks.
Assist with educational programming, seasonal events, and workshops.
Act as an ambassador for the Trustees (along with other staff and volunteers) at public events and other outreach opportunities
Write a daily Plant-of-the-Day Report
Participate in guided plant identification walks and complete plant identification exams.
Attend field trips to local and regional public and private gardens

Benefits

Sick time: Prorated by length of service
Vacation time: Prorated by length of service
12 observed holidays, 3 floating
Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees’ health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.