Phenology Fellow

WhoWe Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts premier conservation and preservation organization. TheTrusteespreserves for public use and enjoyment properties of exceptional scenic historic and ecological value in properties are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations toenjoy inperpetuity and have helped protect more than50000 acres including 27000 acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors supporters volunteers and our 100000 Member encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website.

Posting Information:

Hourly Rate:$21.66-$25.38/hour

Hours per week:40

Job Classification:Limited TermFull-time non-exempt

JobLocationType:Onsite

Duration:February 2-November 30 2026

Location:Statewide

WhatYoullDo:

Your Impact:

As the Phenology Fellow you will play a key role in advancing The Trustees understanding of how climate change is affecting ornamental horticulture across Massachusetts. Your work willestablishthe foundation for long-term phenological data collection across our public gardenssupporting future research adaptive horticultural practices and climate resilience planning.

By developing protocolscollectingand analyzing data and sharing findings with staff volunteers and the public you will help translate scientific observation into actionable knowledge. Your work will also contribute to broader citizen science efforts expanding regional and national understanding of plant phenology and climate impacts.

The Role:

As the Phenology Fellowyoulldevelop phenological data collection protocols and conduct field-based research across five of our public gardensrepresentingthree climate zonesfrom the Berkshires to coastal Massachusetts. Working fromFebruary through November 2026youlldocument seasonal changes in a curatedselectionof accessioned ornamental plants collecting data across three growing seasons.

Youllalso collaborate closely with The Trustees horticulture team to refine data collection processes review historic archival materials and develop clear repeatable protocols that can be used by Trustees staff and volunteers in future years. Findings will be shared internally and externally to build awareness of phenology climate change and plantpollinator relationships.

Gardens include:

• Long Hill(Beverly Northeast): A 114-acre horticulturally rich landscape with over 2500 trees and shrubs arranged in distinct garden rooms.

• Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens(North Andover Northeast): A former farm estate featuring a diverse mix of formal gardens native plantings and production spaces.

• Castle Hill on the Crane Estate(Ipswich Northeast): A National Historic Landmark with formal perennial gardens and historic rose gardens overlooking the Atlantic.

• Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens(New Bedford Southeast): A six-acre urban garden with historic structures and greenhouse facilities.

• Naumkeag(Stockbridge West): A National Historic Landmark known for its iconic modern garden rooms designed by Fletcher Steele.

Specificallyyoullbe responsible for:

Research & Data Collection

• 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.

Collaboration & Process Development

• Work closely withthe Director of Public Gardens & Horticultureto 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.

Archival & Historical Research

• Review historic archival materials including dated notes photographs and records toidentifypast phenological events at participating gardens.

• Integrate historical observations with current findings whereappropriate.

Communication & Knowledge Sharing

• Share findings with the Trustees horticulture team throughreportsanddocumentation.

• Contribute to public-facing blog posts social media content and seasonal bloom reports that highlight phenology climate impacts and plantpollinator relationships.

• Share data with citizen science platforms such as Project Budburst andiNaturalistto support broader phenological research efforts.

This is alimited termfull-time non-exemptposition(40 hours/week)reporting directly tothe DirectorofPublicGardens &Horticulture.

WhatYoullNeed:

Skills and Experience:

• Background in horticulture plant science ecology environmental science ora relatedfield (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).

• Experience with phenological monitoring plant records or field-based ecological research (preferred).

• Familiarity with citizen science platforms such asiNaturalistor Project Budburst (preferred).

• Comfort working independently while collaborating with a geographically distributed team (preferred).

Eligibility Criteria:

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

• A valid drivers licenseand ability to travel between sites.

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Dontquite have all the skills and experience listed above We still want to hear from you!Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

QuestionsContact our People team at

Your 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 toparticipatein the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offersadditionalbenefits 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 forTrusteesStaffVolunteersand Interns.

• Discounts:Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties discount event tickets and discounted merchandise at our storesand onstays at our inns.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including but not limited to age race ethnicity sex gender sexual preferences nation of origin religion or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color persons with varying abilities women and LGBTQ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees commitment to advancing the organizations vision for this work may be found here:Diversity Belonging Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process please contact us at.