Phenology Fellow

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our 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 to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ 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 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Hourly Rate: $21.66-$25.38/hour

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification: Limited Term, Full-time, non-exempt

Job Location Type: Onsite

Duration: February 2-November 30, 2026

Location: Statewide

What You’ll Do:

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 will establish the foundation for long-term phenological data collection across our public gardens—supporting future research, adaptive horticultural practices, and climate resilience planning.

By developing protocols, collecting and 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 Fellow, you’ll develop phenological data collection protocols and conduct field-based research across five of our public gardens, representing three climate zones—from the Berkshires to coastal Massachusetts. Working from February through November 2026, you’ll document seasonal changes in a curated selection of accessioned ornamental plants, collecting data across three growing seasons.

You’ll also 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 plant–pollinator relationships.

Gardens include:

• Long Hill (Beverly, Northeast): A 114-acre horticulturally rich landscape with over 2,500 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.

Specifically, you’ll be 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 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.

Archival & Historical Research

• 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.

Communication & Knowledge Sharing

• 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.

This is a limited term, full-time, non-exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Director of Public Gardens & Horticulture.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• 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).
• Experience with phenological monitoring, plant records, or field-based ecological research (preferred).
• Familiarity with citizen science platforms such as iNaturalist or 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 driver’s license and ability to travel between sites.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Don’t quite 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.

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org

Benefits

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 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.

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 organization’s 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 people@thetrustees.org.