Property Steward
The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.
Our seasonal staff plays 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.
Position Summary:
The Bullitt Reservation Property Steward (Steward) is based out of the Bullitt Reservation. The Property Steward has assigned duties involving the management, preservation and protection of the Bullitt Reservation, Bear Swamp, Chesterfield Gorge, and Chapel Brook Reservations. The Property Steward reports to the West Management Unit Superintendent.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Ensure the rules and regulations of the property are observed and followed by visitors.
- Help WMU Superintendent recruit, supervise, and cultivate a small, core group of regular volunteers. Coordinate, assist with publicity for and lead volunteer events as needed.
- Represent and promote The Trustees in alignment with organizational messaging guidelines.
- Properly wear a Trustees’ provided uniform at all times.
- Conduct oneself safely at all times and in accordance with The Trustees safety manual.
- There will be other duties assigned by the Superintendent as needed, occasionally at other WMU and possibly Western Region Properties.
- The Steward is the first-tier emergency contact when onsite and is a contact when offsite.
Bullitt Reservation (~35%)
Maintain the Bullitt buildings and grounds at a baseline level of stewardship; duties include:
- Assist in the maintenance of gardens, trees and shrubs, grasslands and woodlands. This will include, but is not limited to: mowing, weeding, hedge trimming, pruning, brush and invasive plant cutting and removal, brush sawing, chipping, and trail clearing.
- Assist in the maintenance, improvement and construction of trails, parking areas, fences and other infrastructure.
- Welcome visitors, and recruit and manage stewardship volunteers.
- Assist with building maintenance projects that include interior and exterior painting, basic carpentry, electrical, masonry and plumbing.
- Perform routine maintenance on grounds equipment and maintain the on-site tool and equipment storage areas by keeping organized and clean.
- May be required to work on weekends and/or evenings to run volunteer workdays, to ensure the protection of the property and/or the safety of the visiting public.
- Clean up trash and litter.
Chapel Brook Reservation (~50%)
The Steward will be a frequent on-site presence at Chapel Brook. Duties will include:
- Actively communicating with all of the many different people and groups that use the property to avoid conflicts of use. This includes finalization and implementation of a Green Groups program, selling memberships, soliciting volunteers and general visitor services.
- Assist in the maintenance, improvement and construction of trails, parking areas, fences and other infrastructure. Specifically to include visitor circulation improvements, including rock stairs, blazing, gravel landing construction and other elements.
Chesterfield Gorge (10%)
Perform monthly routine maintenance:
- Update kiosk information and clean out.
- Clean litter, fix damage, vandalism and clean outhouse.
- Mow/string trim/prune along parking area, signs, posts, and fences and clear vegetation around building perimeter.
Bear Swap (5%)
- Assist with larger projects such as the clearing of views at the overlooks, removal of hazard trees and invasive control.
Either perform or manage a volunteer who performs:
- Approximately once per month, walk the entire trail system while taking detailed notes and photographs of issues that need to be addressed, and report them to the Superintendent.
- Remove any trash to offsite and sticks/branches that are on the trail to ~20’ off the trail.
- Restock the kiosk with current and clean literature and brochures.
- Minimum of a High School diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years experience in landscaping, natural resource, vegetation, and/or park maintenance, carpentry, and/or light construction.
- Able to handle the unexpected: to be flexible and able to think on your feet. Experience with and proficiency using landscaping tools and equipment (e.g., loppers, shovel, rake, brush saw, chain saw, etc.) and carpentry tools and equipment (e.g. hammer, drill, table saw, etc.).
- Must be able to handle the physical demands of the job, which includes a level of physical fitness adequate to enable you to safely lift 60 lbs. to waist height, work outdoors for up to 8 hours on your feet in a variety of weather conditions (e.g. hot and humid, cold and rainy), and perform all the job duties and use the types of equipment listed above.
- Posses, or be willing and able to acquire, basic first aid and CPR certification before start of work.
- Highly motivated, capable of working independently and cooperatively with other staff.
- Basic computer literacy including: Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ability to type at reasonable speed, and ability to easily navigate the Windows operating system.
- A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
- Ability to drive a large pick up truck (extended cab and bed); no special class driver’s license is required.
Desired Experience:
- Experience working with a diverse group of people, in an outdoor environment.
- Excellent “people skills” to lead, inspire, motivate, and work cooperatively and harmoniously with fellow employees, volunteers, committees, members, and the public.
- Proven ability to manage and complete multiple projects on-time, in the field and office.
- Advanced carpentry, construction, masonry, and/or landscape maintenance skills.
- A valid pesticide applicator license; Chainsaw training and/or certification; and hoisting license.
Other Requirements:
- An offer for employment for this position is contingent on a satisfactory CORI record check (criminal background check).
- Must have access to a personal vehicle to transport self, equipment and supplies between properties.
APPLY NOW – Property Steward
Click here to see all job opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations
Schedule and Compensation:
This is a part-time, seasonal position expected to work approximately 30 hours a week from April 4th – September 2nd. The rate of pay is approximately $14 per hour, depending on experience. The Trustees also offers the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.
May 11, 2016
