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.

Native Plant Trust is pleased to offer two 25-week internships in 2026. These positions with the New England Plant Conservation Program and Plant Conservation Volunteers program offer a range of hands-on learning opportunities. Interns work closely with Conservation Department staff, supporting these programs by communicating with landowners and volunteers to enable surveys of rare plants on public and private lands, using GIS and databases to gather and share information, and conducting field work including rare plant surveys, habitat management, and seed collection. Interns focus on an area of interest by working on an active botany, ecology, or conservation project, and are invited to join educational botanical field trips. Training is provided, and interns may also enroll in Native Plant Trust’s educational programs and courses.

These are non-exempt, hourly, full-time, seasonal positions based at our headquarters in Wayland, MA. Compensation is $15.00/hour for 40 hours/week for 25 weeks (max wages $15,000). The work schedule is 9am - 5pm, Monday - Friday, with occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours. Shared housing may be available at $300 per month. These positions report to the Community Science Coordinator and work collaboratively within the Conservation Department and with other Native Plant Trust Departments.

The ideal start date is Monday, February 23, 2026, with some flexibility.

Primary Responsibilities

● Communicate professionally with landowners, volunteers, and staff to enable surveys of rare plants on public and private lands both by phone and in writing

● Support volunteer surveys of rare plants and seed collection efforts by providing materials, timely information, and answers to questions

● Use GIS, databases, and other technology to map, and communicate information about rare plants

● Enter data and ensure the quality of observational and spatial data collected by volunteers

● Perform botanical surveys of rare plant species and their associated plant communities

● Participate in habitat management, seed collection, and other Departmental and organizational efforts

● Contribute to the advancement of an active botany, ecology, or conservation project and present results

Skills, Experience, Attributes, Education, and Certifications

● Demonstrated interest in conducting botanical field work

● Ability to communicate clearly (in writing and orally) and interact well with the public

● Strong organizational skills, and the ability to work on multiple projects while remaining detail and deadline oriented

● Willing to travel throughout New England

● Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and other standard computer operating programs. Ability to perform basic spatial analysis and map making in ArcGIS Pro is preferred

● Some knowledge of the flora and habitats of New England is preferred.

● Personal transportation to regular work locations is required. Transportation will be provided to field sites.

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:

● Sit or stand in an office while conducting computer work.

● Walk, stand, kneel, crouch, and crawl for extended periods of time in field sites with uneven terrain.

● Conduct field work during inclement weather.

● Engage with a computer screen, speakers, and video camera.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest and resume in a single PDF to CommunityScience@NativePlantTrust.org, using the subject line “Conservation Intern Application” and your last name as the first word of the file name. Review of applications will begin Monday, January 5, 2026.