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.

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16-$18/hour

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited Term

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: April-November

Location: Doyle Center, Leominster, 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 Seasonal Steward, you will perform routine maintenance on Trustees properties, caring for the fields, trails, gardens, structures, trailhead parking areas, and other natural and cultural features. Day-to-day operations include a variety of tasks including mowing lawn areas, trimming brush, trash cleaning, maintaining walking trails, and engaging visitors. You will provide a great experience in the logistics of park management, natural resources conservation, wildlife management, landscaping, and other related fields. This is a full-time limited term position from roughly April/June-October/November, working 40 hours per week based at Doyle Community Park in Leominster, MA, but will travel to other properties throughout central MA.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Complete routine maintenance of landscapes including mowing fields and lawns, tree and shrub care, and brush removal 
• Construct and maintain parking areas, fences, and trails 
• Maintain buildings and structures, utilizing carpentry tools, paint brushes, and other hand tools 
• Remove trash and litter 
• Work with volunteers on property needs 
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation 

This is a full-time, limited-term position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to Stewardship Manager.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Required:
• Strong interest in and some experience with landscape management, trail maintenance, and structural maintenance. 
• Excellent communication skills to interact with the public. 
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member. 
• Proven ability to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks. 
• Experience using commercial-grade landscape equipment (mowers/string trimming/etc.)
• Strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees of Reservations
• The ability to work in all weather conditions, lift up to 40 pounds, push and pull heavy objects and climb ladders is required. 
• Ability to obtain a DOT physical card within 30 days. 

• Preferred:
• Experience with safe use of chainsaws, tractors, and other heavy equipment is a plus.

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. [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.

Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing 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.