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The Trustees of Reservations · 1 week ago

Phenology Fellow

Boston, MA

Full-time

Onsite

New Grad, Entry Level

$21.66/hr - $25.38/hr

The Trustees of Reservations is Massachusetts' premier conservation and preservation organization, seeking a Phenology Fellow to advance their understanding of how climate change affects ornamental horticulture. The role involves developing data collection protocols, conducting field research, and collaborating with the horticulture team to document and analyze plant phenology across multiple public gardens.

Communities

Responsibilities

Develop and refine phenological data collection protocols for accessioned ornamental plants across multiple garden settings

Collect data on plant phenological stages (e.g., bud break, leaf-out, bloom, fruit set) across three seasons and climate zones

Document environmental variables including soil conditions, air temperature, microclimate, growing degree days (GDD), and rainfall

Analyze how these variables influence plant development, pollination timing, pest emergence, and growth cycles

Work closely with the Director of Public Gardens & Horticulture to adapt protocols as the growing season evolves

Collaborate with the Plant Records Manager to align data collection with existing plant records systems

Develop clear guidelines and documentation to support future phenology monitoring by staff and volunteers

Review historic archival materials, including dated notes, photographs, and records, to identify past phenological events at participating gardens

Integrate historical observations with current findings where appropriate

Share findings with the Trustees' horticulture team through reports and documentation

Contribute to public-facing blog posts, social media content, and seasonal bloom reports that highlight phenology, climate impacts, and plant-pollinator relationships

Share data with citizen science platforms such as Project Budburst and iNaturalist to support broader phenological research efforts

Qualification

HorticulturePlant ScienceEcologyPhenological MonitoringField-based ResearchData CollectionPublic Science CommunicationAttention to DetailOrganizational Skills

Required

Background in horticulture, plant science, ecology, environmental science, or a related field (through education or experience)

Strong interest in phenology, climate change impacts, and public garden research

Ability to conduct consistent, detailed field observations across multiple sites and seasons

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in data collection and documentation

Clear written communication skills and interest in public science communication

Access to reliable transportation to travel between properties (mileage is reimbursable)

Current authorization to work in the United States - a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment

A valid driver's license and ability to travel between sites

A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check

Preferred

Experience with phenological monitoring, plant records, or field-based ecological research

Familiarity with citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist or Project Budburst

Comfort working independently while collaborating with a geographically distributed team

Benefits

Sick time: Prorated by length of service

Vacation time: Prorated by length of service

12 observed holidays, 3 floating (prorated by length of service)

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: Enjoy access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions for Trustees Staff, Volunteers and Interns.

Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.

Company

The Trustees of Reservations

Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts.

Founded in 1891