Seasonal Ranger

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.

Salary/Hourly Rate: $17/hour

Hours per week: 20-40

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited Term

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: June 1–October 28 

Location: Lowell Holly Reservation, Mashpee and Sandwich, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Ready to play an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places? We experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties, including sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

The Role:

As a Ranger, you will support our visitors by providing guidance and access to parking, maintaining the cleanliness of the property, keeping the trail corridors open, and keeping signage up-to-date and accurate. Occasional work at our other properties on the Cape, including the Lyman Reserve, Mashpee River Reservation, or Armstrong Kelley Park may be required. 

Specifically, you'll:

• Provide clear guidance about parking availability and property access to visitors. Direct traffic and update signs accordingly.  

• Be a Trustees presence on the property and provide customer service by answering questions, problem-solving, and directing visitors as needed.  

• Provide basic interpretive information to visitors regarding the flora and fauna of the properties.  

• Educate visitors on property rules and regulations, occasionally patrolling trails on foot to increase Trustees presence, interact with the public, control user-related issues, and inspect trail conditions.  

• Inspect and maintain trails, parking lots, and beaches keeping them clean, orderly, and free of litter.    

• Perform opening and closing procedures during each shift.  

• Handle and respond to emergencies.  

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

This is a limited term, nonexempt position reporting to the Stewardship Manager.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Required:
• A love of working in the outdoor world and customer service skills are a must. 
• Capable of working independently and cooperatively with other staff and having a good eye for detail. 
• Weekends and some holiday work is required.  Occasional evening shifts for events may be available. 
• Able to work in all weather conditions including heat, rain, and snow. 

• Preferred:
• Education or experience in marketing or sales, nature-based education, or environmental studies, is preferred. 
• One year of sales experience is preferred as it relates to membership sales and program registrations.

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 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.

Have questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Benefits

Your Benefits: 

• Housing: May be available, not guaranteed
• Sick time: 80 hours (prorated)
• Vacation time: 15 days per year (prorated) 
• Floating holidays/personal days (prorated)
• 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.  
• 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: 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.