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: $18-$20 

Hours per week: 40 hours/week 

Job Classification: Limited, non-exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: May - November 

Location: Haskell Public Gardens, New Bedford, MA, Westport, MA 

What You’ll Do:  

Your Impact: 

Come work on the Trustees South Shore properties! Your hard work will be rewarded with views of Boston Harbor and knowing that you are helping make our properties accessible to thousands of people every year! 

The Role: 

The Trustees is seeking Stewards to assist with the care of its properties on the South Shore. As a Steward, you will perform routine maintenance on these properties, caring for the fields, trails, gardens, structures, and other natural and cultural features. Day to day operations include mowing reservation entrances, trimming brush, maintaining walking trails, mowing cultural landscapes, invasive species removal and more.   

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Maintaining parking areas, fences, and trails  

• Routine maintenance of landscapes including mowing fields and lawns, tree and shrub care, and brush removal  

• Maintaining buildings and structures using carpentry tools, paint brushes, and other hand tools  

• Removing trash and litter   

• Watering newly planted trees at World’s End  

• Helping with seasonal events   

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation 

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

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• Experience operating ride on mowing equipment preferred  

• Must be 18 or older 

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.   

• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.   

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. 

• Work environment—You will primarily be working outside with power equipment. This can be noisy, so we require hearing protection as well as other PPE to be worn while operating equipment. 

• Physical demands—This is a physically rigorous job which requires operating equipment and hand held power tools on uneven rough terrain. 

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! 

Your Benefits: 

• Sick Time: 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.

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.

Salary : $18 - $20