Seasonal Steward

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:  $16-$18/hour

Hours per week: 40 hours/week 

Job Classification: Seasonal, Nonexempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: TBD  

Location: South Shore, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

Are you interested in seasonal roles with high levels of organizational impact? Based at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, our team is engaged in all aspects of property care to support the mission of the Trustees and to ensure that these special places are protected, and preserved, in perpetuity for the public good. 

The Role: 

As a Seasonal Steward, you will be part of a team at our Southeast Gardens responsible for managing and maintaining a diverse portfolio of properties in the Greater Boston area, including historic homes, parks, and public gardens. You will be a seasonal position, responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the properties in the Greater Boston Area between the months of September and January. You will also support Engagement staff to prepare for seasonal events, specifically Winterlights, as needed. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Perform landscape maintenance including but not limited to mowing, string trimming, trash collection, pruning, mulching, leaf removal, and other gardening tasks  

• In cooperation with the Stewardship Manager, oversee routine maintenance of all structures, including janitorial duties, painting, light carpentry, and plumbing  

• Ensure that all equipment is in good working order through proper use and preventative maintenance  

• Maintain positive and productive relationships with our neighbors, visitors, town officials, businesses, and Trustees staff from other divisions  

• Assist with projects on other Trustees properties as required and perform additional duties as assigned by the Stewardship Manager  

• Meet visitors at properties with confidence, charm, and tact  

• Provide oversight and recognition of volunteer and intern efforts in the field 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position working 40 hours/week reporting directly to the Stewardship Manager.  

Requirements

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• 1-3 years of experience in property, landscape, or facilities management (or a related field)  

• Excellent leadership skills that contribute to the personal and professional development of staff members  

• An awareness and concern for aesthetic quality in all aspects of landscape management  

• The ability to work independently, or cooperatively, depending on operational needs  

• Demonstrated experience using hand and power tools  

• The ability to repair and maintain equipment  

• Attention to detail  

• A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving the goals of The Trustees 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Willingness to learn new skills to meet the broad range of tasks that will be assigned to the position  

• Committed to working safely and proactively participating in a culture of safety 

• 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. 

Work environment:  

• Works outdoors during the fall and winter seasons; exposed to direct sunlight, snow, wind, and occasional rain  

• Works in public spaces, with frequent interaction with visitors, volunteers, and staff members  

• Works in managed and natural landscapes, as well as historic structures  

Physical demands:  

• Must be able to handle the physical demands of the job, which will include routinely lifting 50 lbs and working in all weather conditions  

• Must be able to walk, sit, or stand for long periods of time  

• Must be able and willing to work from ladders 

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: 

• Mass Sick Time Accrual 

• 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.