Seasonal Steward, Cape Ann

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: $18 - $20/hour

Hours per week: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, 40 hrs 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited Term 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: April - November

Location: Cape Ann, Beverly, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Our seasonal staff play an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. 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 work in concert with the Stewardship Manager and Steward to deliver excellent standards in maintenance of Long Hill, Coolidge Reservation, Misery Island, and other properties on the North Shore of Massachusetts. This position is full-time (40 hrs/wk) and seasonal, running from approximately May 1 to October 31. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• Work in concert with and under the direction of the Stewardship Manager and full time Steward to plan and perform the day-to-day maintenance, stewardship and conservation of properties  

• Implement seasonal maintenance programs for grounds keeping and landscaping or as directed.   

• Assist specialist teams (trails, buildings & structures, agroecology, horticulture, collections) as needed in stewardship conservation projects.  

• Support visitor experience, safety, and services through safety patrols, monitoring, and ensuring proper wayfinding, and clean and functioning facilities.      

• Participation in activities at other Trustees properties may occasionally be required.  

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 

This is a limited-term, nonexempt position (40 hours/week), reporting to the Stewardship Manager. 

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Previous landscape maintenance, horticulture, trails maintenance, and/or field maintenance experience.  

• Experience maintaining cultural/historic landscapes and/or maintaining structures and building systems a plus.  

• Experience with minor plumbing and irrigation repairs, painting, and carpentry  

• 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.  

• The ability to operate motor vehicles, tractor/loader, and turf maintenance equipment. 

• Variable outdoor weather conditions including exposure to sun, heat, and humidity   

• This position often requires working with and around noisy equipment and in physically demanding and dirty environments. 

• Experience with dealing with occasional exposure to biting insects and poison ivy. 

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of materials or gear  

• Routine driving (sitting), bending, reaching, lifting, and walking. 

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. 

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. [if needed] 

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.

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

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: 80 hours   

• Vacation time: 15 days per year (prorated) 

• Floating holidays/personal days: 15 Floating Holidays (13 observed holidays; 2 floating)  

• 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.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.