Seasonal Chief Ranger

The Trustees of Reservations; Edgartown (MA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance via Blue Cross Blue Shield

Paid sick and vacation time

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts at Trustees events and properties

Job summary

A conservation organization seeks a Seasonal Chief Ranger to be the backbone of visitor experience at multiple locations. This role includes enforcing park regulations, assisting with visitor inquiries, and ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. Ideal candidates will demonstrate excellent customer service skills, ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and a commitment to the organization's values. The position offers a competitive hourly rate and various benefits, with responsibilities spanning across their scenic properties.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the values and mission of The Trustees.
• Able to lift 40 pounds.
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Enforce rules and regulations providing a safe experience for visitors.
• Educate visitors about The Trustees mission and assist with inquiries.
• Maintain clean facilities and manage logistics.

Skills

Excellent visitor contact/customer service skills

Ability to work both independently and part of a team

Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)

Sound computer skills (MS Office)

Tools

4-WD vehicles

Power tools

Job description

Seasonal Chief Ranger

The Trustees of Reservations is a leading conservation organization founded in 1891. We preserve properties of scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Currently open to 50,000 acres across 120+ reservations. We invite visitors, supporters, volunteers, and 100,000 member households to help protect these places for future generations.

Posting Information

• Salary/Hourly Rate: $20-$22 per hour
• Hours per week: 40
• Job Classification: Limited-Term, Nonexempt
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration: May – October
• Location: Mytoi Garden, Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, and Wasque Reservation, Chappaquiddick, MA

What You'll Do

Your Impact: We seek friendly, patient rangers to enforce rules, assist with daily operations, help protect endangered shorebirds, and manage OSV openings. Strong interpersonal skills and customer service experience required.

The Role

As a Seasonal Chief Ranger, you’ll operate from Mytoi Garden, Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, and Wasque Reservation. Gatehouse rangers provide the backbone for visitor experience, including admissions and OSV permit distribution.

Responsibilities

• Enforce rules and regulations; exercise confidence and calm demeanor; be articulate when confronted by uncooperative visitors and during emergencies.
• Educate visitors about The Trustees mission; encourage membership; distribute brochures, flyers, and posters.
• Greet visitors in a welcoming manner, wearing a Trustees uniform at all times.
• Assist with property maintenance and endangered species/habitat conservation management.
• Answer questions about The Trustees and the history and ecology of the properties.
• Assist TTOR Gatehouse Rangers with phone inquiries to provide accurate information on directions, hours, fees, etc.
• Assist TTOR Education staff with youth and partner programs.
• Assist TTOR Gatehouse Rangers with collecting admission and/or program fees, selling memberships and OSV permits.
• Manage OSV and parking lot logistics and closures.
• Work both independently and in a team setting.
• Implement basic first aid and emergency response protocols (CPR certification may be provided).
• Maintain clean facilities, parking lot, and other areas as needed.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, and maintenance needs.
• Manage visitor complaints professionally and accurately report incidents per Trustees policy.
• Perform basic maintenance and safe operation of all vehicles, including ATVs, side‑by‑side, and 4‑wheel drives.
• Conduct all activities in compliance with safety guidelines.
• Keep an accurate count of vehicles visiting properties.
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

Requirements

Skills and Experience

• A genuine commitment to the values and mission represented by The Trustees.
• Excellent visitor contact/customer service skills.
• Ability to work with or without supervision, and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Sound computer skills (MS Office programs).
• Ability to work indoors or outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat and rain.
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
• Preferred:
  • Ability to drive 4‑WD vehicles; experience with power tools preferred.
  • CPR & First Aid certification (highly desirable).

Eligibility Criteria

• Current authorization to work in the United States; must have authorization by first day of employment.
• A valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees driving policy (if needed).
• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI).

We understand you may not meet every single requirement. Historically marginalized groups are encouraged to apply; we strive for a diverse team.

Questions? Contact our People team at [e-mail].

Benefits

• Sick time: prorated by length of service
• Vacation time: prorated by length of service
• 12 observed holidays, 3 floating
• Health insurance via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) with additional benefits, including fitness reimbursement.
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (free confidential service)
• Reciprocity: free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts: free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, discounted merchandise at stores, and discounted stays at our inns.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

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

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].