Seasonal Environmental Educator

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s 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:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $18/hour 

Hours per week: 15 

Job Classification: Seasonal, non-exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: April-June, September-December 

Location: World’s End, Hingham, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dynamic individual who believes in our mission and wants to gain experience in environmental education. You should have a demonstrated passion for place-based education, local wildlife, and a sense of adventure with a willingness to try new things. Join our team!

The Role:

Do you have a passion for the outdoors and teaching children? This is an excellent opportunity to do both! The Trustees South Shore Portfolio is hiring a part-time Environmental Educator to support our suite of educational programs in Hingham, MA – both at World’s End, a coastal peninsula and Weir River Farm, the oldest working farm in the area. Focusing on the coastal shore, bird blind, wooded habitat, gardens, and barnyard this position offers a unique opportunity to lead school field trips in the fall and spring, with the option to support other public programs on weekends and through the winter, and the opportunity for camp involvement in the summer. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• Assist in planning and leading field trips and group visits to World’s End and Weir River Farm. 

• Independently teach groups of children during field trips. 

• Assist the Education Manager in planning activities, program components, and logistics to ensure a high level of program satisfaction.  

• Help supervise volunteers during field trips, programs, or events. 

• Assist with other operations on an as-needed basis, including set up and break down at events. 

• Opportunity to assist with occasional seasonal events, including evenings or weekends. 

• Welcome and orient visitors and work towards a positive experience for everyone visiting the South Shore properties.  

• Become familiar with and enforce property rules and regulations. 

• Communicate regularly with staff to report safety concerns, incidents, maintenance needs, and program assessment. 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position, 10-20 hours/week, reporting directly to the Education Manager. 

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Obtained or working towards Bachelor’s degree within a focus area of Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Education, or similar field, or equivalent experience. 

• Experience working with children in an educational or outdoor setting required. 

• Excellent organization and communication skills with the creativity and experience to execute programs.    

• Knowledge and comfort with livestock, local wildlife, marine biology, coastal or forest ecology, or related field a plus. 

• Ability to manage large groups in a positive and efficient manner.   

• Ability to work without direct supervision. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• CPR & First Aid certification desirable. 

• Able to work in variable outdoor weather conditions. 

• Ability to lift 40 pounds required. 

• 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. [if needed] 

• 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: Mass Sick Leave
• 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.