Intervale Conservation Nursery Crew Member

Intervale Conservation Nursery Overview

The Intervale Conservation Nursery (ICN) is a program of the Intervale Center that grows native trees and shrubs for ecological restoration projects across Vermont. ICN works closely with conservation organizations, municipalities, farms, and private landowners to provide conservation-grade plant material, professional planting and stewardship services, and statewide seed collection efforts.

Summary of Position

The Intervale Conservation Nursery Crew Member supports the Intervale Center’s mission to strengthen community food systems that sustain farms, land, and people through hands-on field and nursery work. This position assists with ecological restoration projects across Vermont; including tree planting, stewardship maintenance, invasive species management, nursery production, and harvest operations.

This is a physically demanding, team-oriented position that takes place outdoors in all weather conditions. Crew members regularly work in riparian areas, forests, fields, and nursery production spaces while collaborating closely with coworkers and project partners. Due to the seasonal and time-sensitive nature of this work, punctuality, communication, and adaptability are essential. This position reports to the Intervale Conservation Nursery Manager.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Participate in large-scale ecological restoration and tree planting projects across Vermont.
• Carry trees, tools, and equipment over uneven terrain and long distances.
• Plant native trees and shrubs according to site-specific restoration plans and planting specifications.
• Perform stewardship and maintenance tasks, including string trimming, clearing vegetation around planted trees, removing tree tubes, and assessing planting sites.
• Assist with invasive species management using both manual and herbicide-based treatment methods.
• Remove woody invasive species using hand tools such as loppers, shovels, picks, and handsaws.
• Operate and maintain field equipment including chainsaws, string trimmers, and backpack sprayers.
• Apply herbicide safely and responsibly using backpack sprayers to manage invasive vegetation and reduce competition around planted trees and shrubs.
• Drive work trucks, trailers, and other vehicles to transport tools, equipment and plant material across varying terrain.
• Travel regularly to project sites throughout Vermont for planting, stewardship, invasive species management, and other restoration work.
• Assist with nursery operations including transplanting, weeding, propagation, irrigation, inventory, and harvest.
• Process trees for sale and distribution, including root pruning, sorting, bundling, and packing orders.
• Assist with greenhouse tasks and general nursery maintenance.
• Support volunteer days and partner work events as needed.
• Represent the Intervale Center and Intervale Conservation Nursery professionally while working with partners, landowners, volunteers, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ecological restoration, landscaping, forestry, farming, nursery production, or trail work.
• Knowledge of Vermont ecosystem communities.
• Expertise in identifying native and nonnative species common to Vermont landscapes.
• Experience operating equipment such as string trimmers, chainsaws, or brush cutters.
• Experience working as part of an outdoor labor crew.
• Experience operating heavy machinery such as tractors, mowers, and skid steers preferred.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outside for extended periods of time in various weather conditions.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed during peak field seasons and community events.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic work situation.
• Ability and desire to work with a team of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a good sense of humor.
• Ability to represent ICN to the public.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

This position is based in Burlington, Vermont. This position is seasonal and is 40 hours/week from June-October, with the potential to extend in certain circumstances. Compensation is $21/hour.

Intervale Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity of experience, background, and perspective to enrich our work. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to benr@intervale.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by June 16, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Work Location: In person