Description

Who We Are:  

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ 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,  

Posting Information: 

Salary/Hourly Rate: $21.66-$27.85/hour 

New hires are placed between Tier I and Tier III in the range, $21.66-$25.37/hour 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt 

Job Location Type: Onsite 

Location: Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, Canton, MA 

What You’ll Do:   

The Role:  

As a Steward at The Trustees, you’ll join the team responsible for the year-round upkeep and maintenance of properties in our Southeast Region, identifying and executing property-specific stewardship needs as directed by the Stewardship Manager. Working both independently and with other staff/volunteers, you’ll perform routine maintenance and project-based work to care for fields, trails, lawns, buildings, trees, equipment, and other natural and cultural features as needed. The position is based at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton and is primarily field based, with minimal administrative tasks. This role reports to the Stewardship Manager and works closely in support of other property staff/departments.  

Specifically, you’ll:  

• Perform landscape maintenance including but not limited to mowing, trimming, brush cutting, snow removal, irrigation, plant health care, tree work, trail maintenance, and invasive vegetation management.  

• Perform routine maintenance of structures including custodial, painting, light carpentry, and plumbing.  

• Safely and efficiently operate and maintain tractors, UTV’s, mowers, trucks as large as F350 dump trucks, and trailers as long as 22ft.  

• Operate and maintain vehicles, machinery, tools, and equipment to the highest standards.  

• Provide cheerful and positive oversight and recognition of volunteer efforts in the field.  

• Support the goals of the Annual Stewardship plan including routine property maintenance and targeted completion of deferred maintenance projects in pursuit of Key Performance Indicator goals  

• Professionally represent the organization as a public-facing presence at all properties.  

• Maintain positive and productive relationships with our members, neighbors, visitors, and other Trustees staff.  

• Work with the Stewardship Manager to identify meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities.  

• Assist with projects on other Trustees properties as required and perform additional duties as assigned by the Stewardship Manager  

• Assist the Stewardship Manager in leading seasonal staff 

• Strong attention to detail  

• Ability to assess property needs on a day-to-day basis and provide solutions 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Stewardship Manager.   

Requirements

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience:  

• 1-3 years of professional experience in property maintenance, landscaping, facilities management, a building trade, mechanics, or other experience related to the position. Or an associate degree in Park Management, Horticulture, Forestry, Ecology or another natural resource field.   

• The ability to safely operate, repair and maintain chainsaws, trimmers, brush cutters, mowers and associated landscaping equipment.   

• Mid-level carpentry and painting skills, and maintaining structures and buildings systems is a plus    

• Experience maintaining cultural/historic landscapes, and formal landscape maintenance and related experience preferred.    

• The ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as work cooperatively and demonstrate leadership in groups.   

• Ability to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.   

• Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.   

• A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving the goals of The Trustees. Strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees.   

• This position performs tasks across a broad range of disciplines, so a willingness to learn new skills and flexibility to meet the day-to-day demands of the job is a must.   

• A commitment to be safety aware, to work safely at all times, and create a culture of safety.   

• High regard for teamwork, collegiality, customer service and visitor experience.            

• Strong organizational skills and an ability to change plans depending on current needs for the day 

• An ability to collaborate with other Trustees Staff including Horticulture, Ecology, and Engagement  

 Required:  

• Work outdoors in all seasons, sometimes during inclement weather   

• Will require some nights and weekends in support of large events and programming   

• Will be required to be available during snowstorms for snow removal   

• Will be required to routinely work in areas associated with biting/stinging insects and poison ivy.    

•  Must be able to lift to 50 lbs., pull and push heavy items, hike and carry equipment and materials to work sites, and climb stairs and ladders.   

 Preferred:  

• Massachusetts Hoisting License Class 2A (preferred) or willingness to obtain   

• Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (preferred) or willingness to obtain   

• DOT Medical Card or willingness to obtain   

• OSHA 10 Hour General Industry (preferred) or willingness to obtain   

• Wilderness First Aid (preferred) or willingness to obtain.   

 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.  

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.