Horticulture Intern - Allen C. Haskell Public Garden

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Horticulture Intern
Allen C. Haskell Public Garden

Internship Overview

Further your studies and learning path while you assist the Haskell Horticulturist with the varied job of managing this 6-acre public garden. A wide variety of special projects, research, and hands-on experience is possible, including property maintenance, volunteer management, event outreach, photo documenting, social networking, photo and video management. Help people discover these special places and foster local land conservation efforts while you "learn by doing" to gain a deeper understanding of field operations at the cutting edge of land trust work. You will acquire marketable job skills for the horticulture field and complete measurably valuable projects.

NOTE:This is an unpaid internship.

Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities of the Intern will vary depending on current needs and the intern’s interests, skills, experience and abilities, but will be similar to tasks listed below.

FIELD / SHOP (~90%) Haskell Public Gardens New Bedford, MA

• Assist with maintenance duties such as:
• Morning watering duties - water containers, nursery, and annual plantings
• Maintenance of property grounds
• Trail maintenance, litter pickup, mowing paths, raking leaves, graffiti removal
• Literature re-stocking and educational materials development.
• Brush and invasive plant trimming, and control
• Weeding, planting, and pruning
• Projects: sign installation, garden building, plant sale preparations.
• Organize and maintain tools and equipment in the storage area, shop, and in vehicles.
• Serve as a Property Ambassador: welcoming visitors, assisting with membership, responding to visitor questions, promoting awareness of regulations.

OFFICE (~10%) Haskell Public Gardens New Bedford, MA

• Help with outreach efforts to partners and volunteers (incl. recordkeeping/data entry).
• Plant record keeping
• Basic research: information for property management plans, web listings, etc.
• Social media promotion and management.

Physical Demands of the Position And Requirements

• Must be able to handle the physical demands of the job, which includes a level of physical fitness adequate to enable them to, for example:
• Lift 50 lbs. to waist height
• Work outdoors for 4-6 hours on their feet in a variety of weather conditions
• Handle shovels, rakes, pruners, handsaws, hammers and other tools in a safe manner
• Transportation to begin work at the office, shop and/or field location each day.
• Commitment to remain in regular communication with internship supervisor regarding scheduling, work planning and the like. A smartphone is not required but is helpful.

Learning Opportunities & Other Benefits

• Training in horticulture and public gardens management and project-based work.
• Specific training and experience in tools and equipment used in field operations.
• Increased skill at managing and coordinating other volunteers.
• Augment familiarity with local natural areas.
• Exposure to a leading conservation organization: an on-the-inside look at operations.
• Improved time management, work planning and event management.
• Develop community contacts, supplementing your local contacts.
• You will likely perform tasks pertaining to the following careers (partial list):
  • Gardener
  • Carpenter
  • Landscaper
  • Arborist
  • Park Ranger
  • Photographer

About the Trustees

The Trustees is the oldest land trust in the world, founded in 1891. Dedicated to preserving for public use exceptional natural and historical properties throughout Massachusetts, we have over 117 "reservations," on more than 26,000 acres, visited by more than two million people annually. With more than 100,000 members, our remarkable properties range from meadows to mountains, farms to forests, to world-class beaches, and includes five National Historic Landmarks, five community-supported agriculture programs, 72 archaeology sites, a model archives center, and 54 historic buildings.

Together with our neighbors we preserve the distinct character of our community and inspire a commitment to special places across the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth that is thriving because of people’s commitment to creating healthy, active, and green communities. Our passion is to share with everyone the irreplaceable landscapes and landmarks that we care for - as we know how valuable they are to our everyday life.

About Allen C. Haskell Gardens

Allen C. Haskell, a well-known horticulturist, assembled a 6-acre property in New Bedford between the 1950’s and 1990’s. He operated a successful business at this location until his passing in 2004. His nursery, Allen C. Haskell and Son Horticulturists, was set among the early 18 th century house adorned with cobblestone walkways lined with rare trees. For over 50 years Allen Haskell attracted serious gardeners searching for rare plants and the knowledge Mr. Haskell possessed. In February of 2012, the City of New Bedford approached The Trustees of Reservations to explore a partnership with the City and the community to protect this unique piece of open space and cultural history. In July 2012, The Trustees entered into a purchase-and-sale agreement to acquire the property. Now, we are seeking your help to realize the community’s vision to transform these six acres into a thriving, active, and engaging urban public garden.

Contact Kristin McCullin, Horticulturist, Haskell Public Gardens kmccullin@thetrustees.org
send resume and cover letter Attn: internship

The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.