Seasonal Park and Conservation Steward

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: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour Hours per week: 40 hours per week Job Classification: Nonexempt, Full-Time, Seasonal Job Type: Onsite Duration: May – September Location: Powisset Farm, Dover, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

As a Seasonal Park and Conservation Steward, you and the regional stewardship team will maintain the landscapes at Powisset Farm and other properties in the MetroWest region and support the Trustee’s mission to elevate stewardship of our special places.

The Role:

As a Seasonal Park and Conservation Steward, you will be based out of Powisset Farm in Dover, MA with duties assigned at properties throughout the Charles River Valley including the towns of Dover, Medfield, Millis, Sherborn, Natick, Needham, Southborough, Uxbridge, Waltham, and Watertown. You will perform routine maintenance on these properties by caring for the fields, trails, gardens, structures, and other natural and cultural features. The day-to-day operations will include mowing, cleaning facilities, trimming brush, maintaining walking trails, setting up for events, and engaging with visitors.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Perform routine and non-routine maintenance of landscapes, including mowing and trimming lawns, fields, and along stonewalls, tree and shrub care, caring for and weeding flower beds, and brush and invasive plant removal.

Construct, maintain, and inspect parking areas, trails, and other visitor services.

• Maintain and clean buildings, bathrooms, structures, and farm infrastructure, which will include basic carpentry and painting tasks.

Clean and perform routine maintenance and repairs to equipment and tools. Remove trash and litter from reservations.

• Work with and lead volunteers and other seasonal staff.

Represent the Trustees in accordance with the messages developed and provided by the organization’s Education and Engagement department, while behaving in a professional manner with colleagues, property visitors, and volunteers. Always wear a Trustees’ provided uniform.

• Perform tasks safely and in accordance with The Trustees safety manual.

Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. This is a full-time, seasonal, nonexempt position working 40 hours per week reporting directly to the Regional Stewardship Manager.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent One year of experience with landscape maintenance, structural maintenance, and/or park maintenance is preferred.

Experience working with, and leading volunteers or staff is preferred:

Comfortable and competent using hand tools and operating landscaping equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, brush saws, and leaf blowers). Capable of working independently and cooperatively with other staff and having a good eye for detail.

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, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. 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

Your Benefits:

Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront. Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions. 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.