Seasonal Park and Conservation Steward

The Trustees of Reservations; Dover; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit conservation organization is seeking a Seasonal Park and Conservation Steward to maintain landscapes at Powisset Farm and other properties. Responsibilities include landscape maintenance, engaging with visitors, and supporting conservation efforts. Applicants should have a high school diploma and preferably some experience in maintenance roles. The position works 40 hours a week with an hourly rate of $18.00 - $20.00.

Benefits

40 hours of paid sick time

Free admission to nearby museums

Discounted event tickets

Qualifications

• 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.
• Capable of working independently and cooperatively.

Responsibilities

• Maintain landscapes at Powisset Farm.
• Perform routine maintenance on properties.
• Engage with visitors and represent The Trustees.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Structural maintenance

Use of hand tools

Leadership experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lawn mowers

Brush saws

Leaf blowers

Job description

Who We Are

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserve properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts for public use and enjoyment. Our properties are open to all, and we involve as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations open to the public. As a nonprofit conservation organization, we are funded and supported by visitors, supporters, volunteers, and 100,000 Member households. Learn more at the Trustees 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: September - December

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 Trustees’ mission to elevate stewardship of our special places.

The Role: 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. Day-to-day operations 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, 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, including 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 messages from the Education and Engagement department, behaving professionally with colleagues, visitors, and volunteers.
• Always wear a Trustees-provided uniform.
• Perform tasks safely in accordance with The Trustees safety manual.
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

This is a full-time/part-time, seasonal/limited term, nonexempt, position working 40 hours per week, reporting directly to Mike Francis, 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 using hand tools and operating landscaping equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, brush saws, 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 – must have authorization by first day of employment
• A valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record per The Trustees’ 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. 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 www.thetrustees.org

Your Benefits

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront
• Reciprocity: Access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions
• Discounts: Free entry to all Trustees properties, discounted event tickets, and discounted merchandise

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status. We encourage applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect the communities of Massachusetts in our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity can be found at www.thetrustees.org

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment. We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, contact [e-mail].