Native Plant Garden Intern
(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities
Start Date: May Compensation: $18.50/hour
Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is seeking a curious and enthusiastic individual to join our team for a seasonal Native Plant Garden Internship. This position offers the opportunity to learn about the benefits of ecological gardening with native plants and implement strategies for their success.
Who We Are
Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center is dedicated to practicing sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, community education, and the creation of access to healthy food systems. Hilltop is a 60-acre working farm and educational center operated by Westchester County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation that grows produce, flowers, and native seeds for a market-style CSA, on-site farm stand, and native plant nursery. The farm is open to the public year round free of charge and offers educational programming throughout the year.
The Native Plant Program focuses on strengthening and expanding local biodiversity by increasing the number of ecotype plants available to the community. Our native plant nursery specializes in seed-propagated, local ecotype species, consciously sourced from ecoregion 59 - the northeastern coastal zone. Starting with quality seed grown here at the farm, we produce healthy seedlings that foster biodiversity. Our plants and seeds are distributed to local restoration projects, community programs, and backyard gardens.
Internship Description
The Native Plant Garden Intern will work under the direct supervision of the Native Plants Program Manager to ensure that all native plantings on the farm are properly maintained and cared for. Applicants should be interested in learning the art of gardening with native plants and feel confident in their physical ability to work outdoors.
Position starts in May and will run through mid-November. Exact start and end dates are flexible depending on the applicant. Must fulfill, but not exceed, 700 total working hours. The default work schedule is 7:30AM to 3:30PM, with a half hour unpaid lunch.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Maintain existing gardens at Hilltop Hanover Farm with a focus on creating and implementing new native plant displays.
- Perform tasks including, but not limited to: planning, planting, transplanting, watering, weeding, mulching, edging, pruning, etc.
- Assist the Native Plant Team with nursery production and field work as needed.
- Join our professional native plant seed collector for at least one off site collection and/or scouting trip.
- Assist with educational programming and volunteer groups related to native plants.
- Perform other tasks around the farm (as needed) including, but not limited to, vegetable harvest, vegetable cultivation, supply organization, housekeeping, event help etc.
- Maintain clean tools and equipment in their proper storage locations.
- Produce a final article highlighting a project worked on as part of this internship.
Qualifications/Requirements
- Interest in ecological gardening, conservation, and native plants.
- At least one season of hands-on horticulture or gardening experience, or equivalent educational background preferred.
- Willing and able to work in various weather conditions.
- Responsible for maintaining self-awareness of personal needs and safety.
- Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Able to practice respectful communication to all staff and park patrons; open to receiving feedback.
- Able to comfortably lift 40lbs.
- Must be flexible with daily tasks.
- Self-motivated and detail oriented.
- Open to applicants 18 and older.
Additional Information
Compensation and Benefits
- $18.50 / hour
- Access to free farm produce during the growing season
- 30% off all products sold in the Farm Stand
- Access to educational & professional development opportunities such as, but not limited to: NYBG’s Hortie Hoopla event and one Westchester County Parks ‘Bio-Day.’
To Apply
Send your letter of interest in an email to melissa@hilltophanoverfarm.org answering the following questions: Why would you like to intern with the Native Plant Team at HHF? What makes you a good candidate for this position? How would working with us further your goals? Please include your resume and two references. The subject line should read: Native Plant Garden Intern 2025.
Westchester County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information
Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center (Westchester County Parks)
Email: melissa@hilltophanoverfarm.org